#35 Field Tip: Rescuing an Injured Bird

If you find an injured bird contact your local or nearest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. They will be able to care for the bird and release it when it is healthy.

Sadly this Peregrine Falcon that was hit by a vehicle. In spite of surgery to his wing he was unable to make a full recovery, and he is now part of a WRC educational program.

Note, many baby birds are not in need of any help. See June 2010 Tip #1 on “Baby Birds Leave Them Be.”

photo © adrian binns

#34 Conservation Tip: Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) engages people of all ages to count birds in their local community. Birders of many skill levels, from beginning to advanced, are encouraged to join in this annual 4-day event, which provides important real-time data of bird populations and locations throughout North America.

Count your backyard feeder, or gather friends together to explore a favorite birding locale. The GBBC provides an opportunity for students and community groups to organize educational programs or fundraising around the event, while making an important contribution to scientific databases.

The 2011 GBBC takes place Friday February 18 through Monday, February 21 - you can count for as little as 15 minutes, or many hours for each of the 4 days. It’s free, fun and helps the birds! For more details, go to the GBBC website: www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

photo © adrian binns

#33 Backyard Tip: Create a Wildlife Habitat

Your backyard will become a haven for wildlife if it contains the 4 essentials that all animals need: water, food, cover, and nesting places.

Install a birdbath or small pond to provide water for drinking and bathing.

Plant as much native vegetation as possible, including trees, shrubs and perennials that produce berries, nuts and seeds. Bird feeders can supplement native plants. Native plants can also provide cover for protection against predators and the elements. Add brush piles and rocks for additional options. 

Birdhouses provide safe places for cavity nesting birds to raise their young.

Your local Audubon chapter or National Wildlife Federation  are among the many organizations that can provide additional details about creating wildlife habitats. Doing so will provide a lifetime of enjoyment for yourself, and a critical benefit for wildlife.

photo © adrian binns

#32 Optics Tip: Keep your Optics Clean

Always keep your optics clean and dry while out birding. Use a soft, oil-free brush - like the Nikon lens pen - to remove dust. Then wipe glass surface gently with a dry, lint-free, lens cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints. You may use a soft cloth to wipe the body of the binoculars, but do not wipe the glass surface afterwards, as it may scratch.

photo © adrian binns

#31 Field Tip: Take a New Birder Birding

Make a New Year's Resolution - Be a Mentor.

Take the opportunity to bring a new birder, young or old, with you the next time you go out birding in the field. You may spark a lifelong interest in wildlife, or at least enjoy a wonderful day together in the outdoors exploring nature.

photo © adrian binns

#30 Backyard Tip: Don't Let Your Birdbath Freeze

These Mourning Doves are waiting for their Christmas present!

During the cold winter months birdbaths can freeze up quickly. Don't forget to keep your birdbath filled daily with fresh water, or purchase a heated bird bath (or heater) to keep the water from freezing.

photo © adrian binns

#29 Conservation Tip: Christmas Bird Count (CBC's)

The long-running Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is one of the most important conservation activities ever, and the oldest wildlife census on the planet! Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, this 3-week long, international event brings together groups of birders to count individual numbers and species within designated count circles. Occurring annually from mid-Dec to early-Jan, the CBC offers a fun-filled holiday tradition to enjoy with friends and family. Over 100 years of data has been collected from CBC reports, reflecting important species trends, populations and distributions. CBC data has been used by scientists and law-makers to implement critical decisions about conservation policies; the ban on the toxic pesticide DDT was imposed in part because of CBC data.

The 111th Christmas Bird Count takes place on December 14, 2010 thru January 5, 2011. You can volunteer to participate by contacting your local bird club, or checking the website. You'll spend a day birding in the field with friends, while contributing incredibly important information for science and conservation. A winning combination!

photo © adrian binns