Mountain Bluebird Photo by Cindy Fullwiler
by Dee Renee Ericks
Can you distinguish a Spotted Towhee from a Red-Breasted Nuthatch? See the color differences of a Western Bluebird vs. a Mountain Bluebird? Do you enjoy observing birds, and learning from what you see? Sounds perfect! Let us know!
Spotted Towhee Photo by Bob Boekelheide
Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS) is seeking Climate Watch Survey volunteers, who can observe May 15th through June 15th. If you like to walk along a trail, a country road, or even watch your back yard bird feeders, if you have a minimum of 5 minutes from your busy life to help, you are needed!
American Goldfinch Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
The manifestation of changing weather patterns is the real threat from climate change to include severe drought, flooding, wildfires and extremes in temperature and storms. According to Audubon’s 2019 climate change report, Survival by Degrees, up to two-thirds of North American birds are vulnerable to extinction because of these changes.
By participating in the Climate Watch Survey, volunteers collect data on a simple form which helps Audubon scientists document how birds are responding to climate change.
The climate change survey is different from other surveys. It’s based on a research model that requires certain variables. It must be stationary, which means that you stand in one spot and the count period is only 5 minutes at each point.
Western Bluebird Photo by Cindy Fullwiler
While you count all birds you see, OPAS needs more backyard volunteers to capture the goldfinch with its bright colors coming to your feeder, Spotted Towhee hopping and kicking up leaves under bushes, the Red- breasted Nuthatch calling and bringing its young to your backyard feeders and suet.
You don’t need to be a member of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society to participate. Climate Watch is open to the public. Ask your neighbors to join you. If you, or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, please contact Joyce at joyce.volmut@gmail.com.