Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb 12-15
8 Feb 2010
The 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count starts Friday, February 12 and goes through Monday, February 15. This is an event that occurs coast to coast through the United States to learn more about how birds are faring through the winter. Any “citizen scientist” can take part, from novice bird watchers to experts. Participants count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the event. Bird populations are always changing, and since winter is such a vulnerable time for most birds, winter distributions are likely to be very sensitive to change. Citizen scientists help researchers by gathering data on private lands where people live.
For more information about the count, please go to: http://www.birdcount.org. This website also has helpful tips for identifying birds and will have a real-time map of what others report during the count.
Pick, Click, Give
8 Feb 2010
ABO is pleased to announce that we are part of the PFD Charitable Contributions Program for 2010. The Alaska Legislature passed a law in 2008 creating this new way for all Alaskans filing for their PFD to donate to Alaska non-profit organizations. You can join others in becoming an important force in bettering our communities and our state. We appreciate your gifts and hope you will use this option to make a donation to ABO in 2010. This link will show you how easy it is to contribute to ABO and other Alaska non-profit organizations. In 2009 more than 5,500 Alaskans contributed more than $545,000 to Alaska nonprofits including the Alaska Bird Observatory.
When you go on-line to sign up for your dividend, you will see the option called “The Gift of Giving.” Search for us by choosing Region 4 and our name (Alaska Bird Observatory). Click and follow the instructions to make a new donation, or an additional gift. At the same time, please take the extra step you will see after you make your donation to provide your contact information to us. We want to acknowledge and recognize your generous support, and this is the only way we will know it’s you making the gift. You can find more information about the program, including frequently asked questions at www.PickClickGive.org.
Rusty Blackbird Volunteer Opportunity
8 Feb 2010
Ever wonder what it is like to be a field biologist? Want to spend some time this summer learning about birds? ABO is offering the opportunity to spend 2 weeks with their Rusty Blackbird crew on the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge this summer (mid-May until Mid-July). We are looking for volunteers to assist the crew as they collect data on the breeding ecology of these boreal wetland birds. You must be able to rise early (field work starts at 4 am), walk across uneven and muddy terrain, and be tolerant of large numbers of mosquitoes and flies. Camping gear, food, training, and the flight out from Fairbanks (and back) are provided. You provide enthusiasm, curiosity, and a good sense of humor. For further information contact April Harding Scurr (april1birdATgmail.com) or Susan Sharbaugh (907-451-7159; ssharbaughATalaskabird.org).
