Chippewa NF and Local Students Join in the Great Backyard Bird Count

Chippewa National Forest employees and North Elementary Students join in the Great Backyard Bird Count.

The third and fourth grade classes at North Elementary School in Deer River, Minnesota, joined in the Great Backyard Bird Count on February 13th. These young "citizen scientists" observed and recorded bird use at the school's bird feeder.

The North School students split into groups of 3 or 4 children per group, and were assisted in their efforts by Wildlife Biologist Kelly Barrett and Information Assistant Jean Ramstad of the Chippewa National Forest. Kelly and Jean helped the children to identify bird species and fill out data forms to submit to the Cornell Ornithology Lab in Ithaca, New York. The kids will also report their results to the KAXE radio phenology show.

Excitement was high as the kids watched flocks of common redpolls swirl around the school feeder. These tiny finches live far north in the boreal and taiga regions, and move south into North America every couple of years in search of food. Binoculars were a "must" to pick out the redpolls, with their red breast and forehead, from the pine siskins mixed in. As many as 37 birds were counted at any given moment, although it was a challenge to count them all as they flitted back and forth.

Incidental observations included figuring out who is using the tunnels in the snow (red squirrels), and how many sunflower seeds a blue jay can cart away at one time (22). The children learned that a flock of chickadees is called a "troop", and by watching closely, could see how a chickadee holds a sunflower seed in its feet while pounding on it with its beak to break it open.

The Great Backyard Bird Count benefits both birds and people. A nationwide effort, the data that is collected helps researchers understand bird population trends, information that is important for effective conservation. The data reveal important aspects like migration patterns, and trends that help show how birds are affected by urbanization, global climate change, and disease. This year's Backyard Bird Count is the 12th year of this annual effort. The project is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society.

As a part of the U.S. Forest Service, the Chippewa National Forest promotes the tradition of conservation education. One of the Forest Service's current focus areas involves connecting people, especially kids, with nature. This blends well with similar themes provided by the teaching staff at North Elementary school. Participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count also supports the Forest Service mission of "caring for the land and serving people".