Published: December 16, 2008 09:42 am      

Christmas bird count is Thursday

CLINTON — The Bickelhaupt Arboretum will assist in gathering and compiling data for the annual Clinton Christmas Bird Count scheduled for Thursday. City of Clinton residents can participate by counting birds in their backyard bird feeders and then reporting their results by calling the arboretum at 242-4771 on Friday.

Residents simply record the maximum number of birds of each species seen at any one time on Thursday. Feeders may be monitored several times during the day, but report only one maximum number. For example, individuals may see one cardinal at 10 a.m. two cardinals at noon and four at 3 p.m. — the count for the cardinals should be four.

Reporting specific species is also important. Finches need to be reported as “house,” “purple,” or “gold.” Hawks commonly seen are red tailed, Coopers or Sharp shinned. Individuals also should report any species in the yard that may not be feasting at a feeder.

Including this year, the Christmas Bird Count has been conducted nationally by the National Audubon Society for 109 years. It is the longest-standing barometer of overall bird population trends in the world. Clinton’s participation began in the 1950s by former resident Fred Lesher and Quad-City ornithologist Pete Petersen. Lesher returns to Clinton every year and assists with counting birds at Eagle Point Park. Last year was the first time ever that Clinton residents participated by counting birds at their backyard feeders.

Kelly McKay, a wildlife biologist from Hampton, Ill., compiles data for the Quad-City region’s seven different counting areas. The Christmas Bird Count for Camanche residents is Dec. 22.

Camanche residents may report their results by calling the Bickelhaupt Arboretum at 242-4771 on Dec. 23. Clinton and Camanche results also can also be e-mailed to McKay at kellyjmckay@aol.com.

For more information on the Clinton Christmas Bird Count, call Linda Boardsen at 242-9297 or the arboretum at 242-4771.