Community Bird Census | Nature Block Island

20th Annual Community Bird Census

December 26, 2020

Community Bird Census is an annual event held on December 26 (traditionally the day that Elizabeth Dickens led the Christmas Bird Counts). This event encourages all who are interested in birds and enjoying the beauty of the Island to spend part of the day keeping track of the birds they see. The short-term result of the day’s observations is the compilation of an island-wide bird list comprised of the sightings of many citizen scientists. In the long term, these annual bird counts continue the work of Elizabeth Dickens and contribute to a much larger body of information.

You don't need to be on-island to participate. Bird observations from afar are welcome and encouraged! Call-in, email or text your observations, or join the afternoon Zoom from anywhere in the world.

All levels of participation are encouraged, from watching your bird feeder to traipsing the Island and beyond.

Feel free to participate as much or as little as you would like.

1. Kim Gaffett will have a spotting scope set up at Sachem Pond to look at, and count, winter ducks between 9 and 10 a.m. If you would like to take a look at what’s on the pond with Kim email her at k im.gaffett@tnc.org to reserve a 10-15 minute time slot. Masks will be required.

2. During the middle of the day, participants will employ whatever means desirable to make a list of birds seen that day. The options for making these observations range from taking one or more walks, to watching your bird feeder from the warmth of your house. Contact Kim to let her know what area of the island you will be birding, or if you would like to have an area of the island assigned to you.

3. At 4:30 P.M., join Kim via Zoom to chat about the day’s discoveries and adventures, and to help start the process of building the community bird list. The Zoom link is:

Join Zoom Meeting

Saturday Dec 26 at 4:30 PM, EST
https://tnc.zoom.us/j/92854847311

Contact Kim Gaffett to share your observations from anywhere in the world:

Call or Text: 401-595-7055

Email: Kim.Gaffett@TNC.org

And, new this year, please submit any and all photos or drawings of birds that you are inspired to take or make. Kim would like to use these to illustrate a future, public Zoom presentation of the 2020 Community Bird Census findings.

Link to Kim's Community Bird Census article published in the Block Island Times:

https://www.blockislandtimes.com/article/community-bird-census-one-birder-time/58460