The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing an alligator in Columbia County, Ga. The alligator was found dead on private property behind Brown Feed and Seed on Washington Road in Evans, Ga. the morning of Monday, Aug. 24.
The Case:
According to the Department of Natural Resources, the animal was found with more than half of his body missing. His head was sawed off from his front legs forward, and his tail was severed from his body. The owner of Brown Feed and Seed explained to media sources that the alligator, called "Big Boy," was well-liked since he took up residence in the pond four years ago. The alligator reportedly weighed more than 200 pounds and was dragged out of the water before being killed.
"The callous poaching of this alligator is a serious crime and shows the disregard some individuals have of wildlife," said Cheryl McAuliffe, Georgia state director for The HSUS. "The HSUS applauds the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for thoroughly investigating this incident."
According to media reports, local CPA firm Hall, Hall & Associates is also offering a $500 reward for information and First Saturday Crew, a group that works on cleanup projects on the Augusta Canal, is offering $200 in restaurant gift certificates. With the $100 reward offered by Turn in Poachers for information on any wildlife taken out of season, this brings the total reward to $3,300.
If caught, the person or persons responsible could face a number of poaching charges, including trespassing, killing an animal out of season and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The person or persons could also face animal cruelty charges.
Poaching:
Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways.
The Investigators:
Anyone with information about the case should call the Turn In Poachers 24-hour hot line at (800) 241-4113. Tips may remain anonymous.
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Showing posts with label natural resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural resources. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
New Public Service Video Warns Against Illegal Feeding of Dolphins
An animated dolphin is the new face for a campaign to end the illegal feeding of wild dolphins. The video public service announcement, produced by a coalition of government agencies and private organizations, highlights the dangers of animals becoming hooked on human handouts.
The health and welfare of wild dolphins is severely compromised when humans feed them, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In some cases, people are buying previously frozen bait from bait stores along the coast. This bait is not intended for dolphins and can lead to diseases ranging from mild periodontal to possibly deadly gastrointestinal, or GI, tract infections.
Those who feed dolphins are also taking chances. According to NOAA’s Web site, cases of wild dolphins biting humans have been documented.
Clay George, a wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said dolphins have been seen approaching boats to beg for food off Tybee Island. “This lack of fear indicates an emerging trend – that they are being fed with some frequency,” George said.
In areas including the Gulf of Mexico, human-fed dolphins have caused problems for commercial fishermen when, after following the boats, the dolphins try to attack the fishermen’s catch.
Feeding wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Penalties can include fines up to $20,000 and one year in jail.
Feeding any wild animal can cause it to become dependent on human food, changing natural behaviors and possibly leading to starvation if the animal becomes unable to feed and hunt successfully. The Georgia DNR encourages people to consider the consequences before feeding any animal, be it a dolphin, manatee, raccoon or other wildlife.
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The health and welfare of wild dolphins is severely compromised when humans feed them, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In some cases, people are buying previously frozen bait from bait stores along the coast. This bait is not intended for dolphins and can lead to diseases ranging from mild periodontal to possibly deadly gastrointestinal, or GI, tract infections.
Those who feed dolphins are also taking chances. According to NOAA’s Web site, cases of wild dolphins biting humans have been documented.
Clay George, a wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said dolphins have been seen approaching boats to beg for food off Tybee Island. “This lack of fear indicates an emerging trend – that they are being fed with some frequency,” George said.
In areas including the Gulf of Mexico, human-fed dolphins have caused problems for commercial fishermen when, after following the boats, the dolphins try to attack the fishermen’s catch.
Feeding wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Penalties can include fines up to $20,000 and one year in jail.
Feeding any wild animal can cause it to become dependent on human food, changing natural behaviors and possibly leading to starvation if the animal becomes unable to feed and hunt successfully. The Georgia DNR encourages people to consider the consequences before feeding any animal, be it a dolphin, manatee, raccoon or other wildlife.
-----
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Flint EMC, DNR Put up Nest Boxes to Ease Kestrel Housing Crunch
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Flint Energies are helping ease a middle Georgia housing shortage for southeastern American kestrels, a small falcon listed as rare in the state.
Flint Energies, an electric cooperative serving 17 central Georgia counties, put up 10 power poles and wildlife biologists recently added kestrel nest boxes on each at Fall Line Sandhills Natural Area and a nearby state-owned tract, both in Taylor County. The lack of nest sites is a limiting factor for this species, said Nathan Klaus, a senior wildlife biologist with the DNR Wildlife Resources Division.
“I believe next week if you come out here there’ll be (a kestrel) sitting on top of each pole,” Klaus said with a grin after Flint Energies’ 1st class lineman Craig Montgomery and Chad Albritton attached the first box last week.
Klaus has good reason for the optimism. Nest boxes added earlier in the project started by Jonathan Stober, a wildlife biologist with Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway, have boosted kestrel numbers at Fall Line Sandhills from six nesting pairs a few years ago to more than 20. On a recent sunny day, a few of the colorful raptors perched alone on power lines high above the older boxes, apparently staking out claims.
Kelly Trapnell, a public relations specialist with Flint Energies, said the not-for-profit company is “proud to be a small part of this project to boost the kestrel population in our service area.”
“It will be exciting to watch with the rest of the community as the kestrel population grows along our rights of way and safely in nesting boxes on our poles in Taylor County," she said.
Assessing populations of southeastern American kestrels is one of the high priorities in the Georgia Wildlife Action Plan, the strategy that guides Wildlife Resources and DNR efforts to conserve biological diversity. The partnership with Flint Energies is aimed at restoring the Taylor County kestrels, one of three small populations in Georgia.
The southeastern American kestrel probably was once widely distributed throughout Georgia’s Coastal Plain, roosting and nesting in hollow trees and abandoned red-cockaded woodpecker cavities, and preying on lizards, mice, large insects and occasionally small birds. But as the state’s native open habitat types were lost to agriculture, intensive silviculture, development and a lack of fire, kestrels and other grassland birds disappeared from most of their former ranges.
Power-line rights of way provide suitable kestrel habitat, as does ongoing thinning and burning to restore the landscape at Fall Line Sandhills near Butler. Klaus and Stober attribute the missing ingredient – cavities for nesting – to fewer older snags and hollow trees, and the lack of cavities created by red-cockaded woodpeckers, a federally endangered species no longer found in the area.
In late spring, Klaus, Stober and volunteers will check the boxes and band chicks as part of monitoring local kestrel trends.
Partners in the project include Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center and The Environmental Resources Network, or TERN, which provided a grant to build the boxes.
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Flint Energies, an electric cooperative serving 17 central Georgia counties, put up 10 power poles and wildlife biologists recently added kestrel nest boxes on each at Fall Line Sandhills Natural Area and a nearby state-owned tract, both in Taylor County. The lack of nest sites is a limiting factor for this species, said Nathan Klaus, a senior wildlife biologist with the DNR Wildlife Resources Division.
“I believe next week if you come out here there’ll be (a kestrel) sitting on top of each pole,” Klaus said with a grin after Flint Energies’ 1st class lineman Craig Montgomery and Chad Albritton attached the first box last week.
Klaus has good reason for the optimism. Nest boxes added earlier in the project started by Jonathan Stober, a wildlife biologist with Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway, have boosted kestrel numbers at Fall Line Sandhills from six nesting pairs a few years ago to more than 20. On a recent sunny day, a few of the colorful raptors perched alone on power lines high above the older boxes, apparently staking out claims.
Kelly Trapnell, a public relations specialist with Flint Energies, said the not-for-profit company is “proud to be a small part of this project to boost the kestrel population in our service area.”
“It will be exciting to watch with the rest of the community as the kestrel population grows along our rights of way and safely in nesting boxes on our poles in Taylor County," she said.
Assessing populations of southeastern American kestrels is one of the high priorities in the Georgia Wildlife Action Plan, the strategy that guides Wildlife Resources and DNR efforts to conserve biological diversity. The partnership with Flint Energies is aimed at restoring the Taylor County kestrels, one of three small populations in Georgia.
The southeastern American kestrel probably was once widely distributed throughout Georgia’s Coastal Plain, roosting and nesting in hollow trees and abandoned red-cockaded woodpecker cavities, and preying on lizards, mice, large insects and occasionally small birds. But as the state’s native open habitat types were lost to agriculture, intensive silviculture, development and a lack of fire, kestrels and other grassland birds disappeared from most of their former ranges.
Power-line rights of way provide suitable kestrel habitat, as does ongoing thinning and burning to restore the landscape at Fall Line Sandhills near Butler. Klaus and Stober attribute the missing ingredient – cavities for nesting – to fewer older snags and hollow trees, and the lack of cavities created by red-cockaded woodpeckers, a federally endangered species no longer found in the area.
In late spring, Klaus, Stober and volunteers will check the boxes and band chicks as part of monitoring local kestrel trends.
Partners in the project include Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center and The Environmental Resources Network, or TERN, which provided a grant to build the boxes.
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Friday, January 9, 2009
Pet-Friendly Hotels Reach Niche Market During Tough Economic Times
/PRNewswire/ -- For the millions of pet owners, who prefer to travel with their pets, the hassle of finding places that will accept them is over. The staff at BringYourPet.com (www.bringyourpet.com) does all the scouting around necessary to find the best pet-friendly places in the USA and abroad, thus creating an excellent travel resource for pet owners. Pet-friendly hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, condos, cabins and resorts are able to better generate incremental revenues. BringYourPet.com has put into place a unique plan that takes all the work out of finding pet-friendly properties.
Although pet-friendly lodging has been an increasingly popular trend in the past decade, it still takes time and energy for pet owners to locate places available to them for travel. That time can be better used by visiting www.bringyourpet.com and having instantaneous solutions at the click of a mouse. No longer are travelers subject to second-rate accommodations. BringYourPet.com makes every effort to list upscale accommodations for both travelers and their beloved pets.
BringYourPet.com is a valuable tool in planning a successful pet-inclusive travel experience. The site lists high quality, pet-friendly lodging state by state. The staff at BringYourPet.com has combed the entire country to compile this comprehensive database of such pet-friendly properties as bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, condos and resorts.
Spokesman Brian Bailey said, "Our staff of pet lovers and pet owners has worked very hard to find caring, affordable and high quality places to accommodate pets. It's our mission to locate and evaluate safe, pleasant places for pets and their owners. We intend to continue working to add all kinds of helpful services to our Web site for both the pet owner and the pet as well as for our advertisers."
Featuring color photos, complete descriptions, amenities and rates, www.bringyourpet.com is an all-inclusive, up-to-date Web site containing detailed area information that maps out locations and announces promotional discounts and last minute specials. Users simply select the state or they are interested in and the information pops up. BringYourPet.com brings millions of pet lovers and pet servers together into one giant pet-friendly travel community.
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Although pet-friendly lodging has been an increasingly popular trend in the past decade, it still takes time and energy for pet owners to locate places available to them for travel. That time can be better used by visiting www.bringyourpet.com and having instantaneous solutions at the click of a mouse. No longer are travelers subject to second-rate accommodations. BringYourPet.com makes every effort to list upscale accommodations for both travelers and their beloved pets.
BringYourPet.com is a valuable tool in planning a successful pet-inclusive travel experience. The site lists high quality, pet-friendly lodging state by state. The staff at BringYourPet.com has combed the entire country to compile this comprehensive database of such pet-friendly properties as bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, condos and resorts.
Spokesman Brian Bailey said, "Our staff of pet lovers and pet owners has worked very hard to find caring, affordable and high quality places to accommodate pets. It's our mission to locate and evaluate safe, pleasant places for pets and their owners. We intend to continue working to add all kinds of helpful services to our Web site for both the pet owner and the pet as well as for our advertisers."
Featuring color photos, complete descriptions, amenities and rates, www.bringyourpet.com is an all-inclusive, up-to-date Web site containing detailed area information that maps out locations and announces promotional discounts and last minute specials. Users simply select the state or they are interested in and the information pops up. BringYourPet.com brings millions of pet lovers and pet servers together into one giant pet-friendly travel community.
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Friday, December 5, 2008
Georgia Welcomes Back State’s Marine Mammal: Right Whales
It is seen from a research vessel lookout – a solitary V-shaped “blow” and then something dark on the water’s surface. Often, the return of right whales to Georgia is as subtle as that. But this winter, thanks to a new ruling more of these imperiled whales will have a better chance at making the annual journey safely.
In October, the National Marine Fisheries Service established a rule that will implement speed restrictions for vessels 65 feet or longer. The restrictions call for a speed of no more than 10 knots during certain times of the year in areas designated as critical right whale habitat along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. The rule goes into effect Dec. 9, 2008. Shipping interests can find additional information at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/shipstrike/.
Biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are spreading the word about the rule while also gearing up for the first few sightings of these rare aquatic giants.
It is important to note that not only commercial ships can cause mortal injuries to right whales. Recreational fishing boats and other large personal recreational boats can also have a devastating impact on the whales, which are found as close as three miles offshore depending on water depth. Although larger recreational boats are not required to adhere to the commercial speed limit, NOAA recommends they heed the rule as well.
North Atlantic right whales spend the summer in the cooler waters off New England and Canada. Each fall, a portion of the population returns to Georgia and Florida for the winter. Annual research done by the DNR Wildlife Resources Division and NOAA from December through March is helping wildlife biologists determine the status of these endangered animals.
Approximately 150 right whales were seen off the Georgia coast during the 2008 season. The total included 19 sets of mother and calf pairs, as well as juveniles and single animals. Whales are counted using aerial surveys and on-the-water monitoring.
2008 marked the first year since 2005 that no adult mortalities were reported. There were two reported cases of calf mortalities last year, both from unknown causes.
Researchers identify right whales by the unique pattern of callosities, or rough patches of skin, found on the whales’ heads and around their mouths. These patches are usually covered with whale lice, crustaceans that make the patches appear white. Photographs are used to tell which whale is being observed.
Right whales are baleen whales with a bow-shaped lower jaw and a head that is up to one-quarter of the body length. Calves weigh approximately 1 ton at birth and adults can reach 60 tons and almost 50 feet in length. They have no dorsal fin and breathe through two blowholes on the top of their heads. These blowholes create a unique V-shaped blow, which also helps researchers identify the whales from a distance.
Right whales were nearly driven to extinction by commercial whaling in the late 19th century. Commercial harvest was banned in 1935. Today the North Atlantic right whale is classified as endangered under U.S. and Georgia law. Right whales are listed as a priority species in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, the blueprint for conservation in the state. Georgia adopted the right whale as its state mammal in 1985.
Although not hunted now, right whales face conservation problems including ship strikes, entanglement in commercial fishing gear and habitat destruction. Even after nearly 50 years of protected status, there are only an estimated 300 to 400 North Atlantic right whales left.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
** Be wise stewards of Georgia's natural environment and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. If boating off the Georgia coast from December to April, follow the Guidelines for Navigating in Right Whale Waters, available on the DNR Coastal Resources Division’s Web page, http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us . Report right whale sightings by calling (800) 272-8363. For more information, please visit http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us .
** Buy a nongame wildlife license plate. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section, which works to conserve nongame species such as right whales, receives no state appropriations. Instead, the section relies on federal grants, donations and fundraisers like license plate sales. Nongame plates featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird are available for $25 at all county tag offices, by checking the appropriate box on mail-in forms or through online renewal at http://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags.
** Donate to the Nongame Conservation Section’s work through the Give Wildlife a Chance State Income Tax Checkoff. Simply fill in a dollar amount on line 26 of the long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ).
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In October, the National Marine Fisheries Service established a rule that will implement speed restrictions for vessels 65 feet or longer. The restrictions call for a speed of no more than 10 knots during certain times of the year in areas designated as critical right whale habitat along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. The rule goes into effect Dec. 9, 2008. Shipping interests can find additional information at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/shipstrike/.
Biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are spreading the word about the rule while also gearing up for the first few sightings of these rare aquatic giants.
It is important to note that not only commercial ships can cause mortal injuries to right whales. Recreational fishing boats and other large personal recreational boats can also have a devastating impact on the whales, which are found as close as three miles offshore depending on water depth. Although larger recreational boats are not required to adhere to the commercial speed limit, NOAA recommends they heed the rule as well.
North Atlantic right whales spend the summer in the cooler waters off New England and Canada. Each fall, a portion of the population returns to Georgia and Florida for the winter. Annual research done by the DNR Wildlife Resources Division and NOAA from December through March is helping wildlife biologists determine the status of these endangered animals.
Approximately 150 right whales were seen off the Georgia coast during the 2008 season. The total included 19 sets of mother and calf pairs, as well as juveniles and single animals. Whales are counted using aerial surveys and on-the-water monitoring.
2008 marked the first year since 2005 that no adult mortalities were reported. There were two reported cases of calf mortalities last year, both from unknown causes.
Researchers identify right whales by the unique pattern of callosities, or rough patches of skin, found on the whales’ heads and around their mouths. These patches are usually covered with whale lice, crustaceans that make the patches appear white. Photographs are used to tell which whale is being observed.
Right whales are baleen whales with a bow-shaped lower jaw and a head that is up to one-quarter of the body length. Calves weigh approximately 1 ton at birth and adults can reach 60 tons and almost 50 feet in length. They have no dorsal fin and breathe through two blowholes on the top of their heads. These blowholes create a unique V-shaped blow, which also helps researchers identify the whales from a distance.
Right whales were nearly driven to extinction by commercial whaling in the late 19th century. Commercial harvest was banned in 1935. Today the North Atlantic right whale is classified as endangered under U.S. and Georgia law. Right whales are listed as a priority species in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, the blueprint for conservation in the state. Georgia adopted the right whale as its state mammal in 1985.
Although not hunted now, right whales face conservation problems including ship strikes, entanglement in commercial fishing gear and habitat destruction. Even after nearly 50 years of protected status, there are only an estimated 300 to 400 North Atlantic right whales left.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
** Be wise stewards of Georgia's natural environment and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. If boating off the Georgia coast from December to April, follow the Guidelines for Navigating in Right Whale Waters, available on the DNR Coastal Resources Division’s Web page, http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us . Report right whale sightings by calling (800) 272-8363. For more information, please visit http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us .
** Buy a nongame wildlife license plate. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section, which works to conserve nongame species such as right whales, receives no state appropriations. Instead, the section relies on federal grants, donations and fundraisers like license plate sales. Nongame plates featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird are available for $25 at all county tag offices, by checking the appropriate box on mail-in forms or through online renewal at http://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags.
** Donate to the Nongame Conservation Section’s work through the Give Wildlife a Chance State Income Tax Checkoff. Simply fill in a dollar amount on line 26 of the long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ).
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Eyes on Birds, Project FeederWatch Season is Now
Thousands of bird watchers in Georgia and across the nation will be keeping a close eye on their feeders this winter as part of Project FeederWatch. The 22nd season for this popular citizen-science project runs from Saturday, Nov. 8, through April 3.
FeederWatch participants help scientists monitor changes in bird populations by tracking birds at their feeders during the 21 weeks. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources encourages Georgians to join in, contributing to the science, conservation and enjoyment of North American feeder birds.
Todd Schneider, a wildlife biologist with the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, said a major benefit is that the effort spurs people’s interest in wildlife, in general. “It also tends to get them more interested in watching birds,” Schneider said.
Participants in the joint Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada project submitted more than 115,000 checklists during the 2007-2008 season, documenting unusual bird sightings, winter movements and shifting ranges, according to FeederWatch. Project leader David Bonter said in a statement that “being a FeederWatcher is easy and fun, and at the same time helps generate the world’s largest database on feeder-bird populations.”
Project FeederWatch surveys birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas and other sites. Participants periodically count the highest numbers of each species they see at their feeders for the period. The data help scientists track broad-scale movements of winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.
Watchers also benefit. More than 100 studies have shown that getting closer to nature reduces stress and promotes a feeling of well being, according to a Project FeederWatch news release.
Highlights from the most recent season include the largest southward movement of red-breasted nuthatches in the project’s history, part of an expected influx of northern birds flying farther south when their food supplies run short, according to FeederWatch. Among rare birds reported was a streak-backed oriole in Loveland, Col. – the state’s first report of this Mexico native – and a dovekie deposited by a December nor’easter in Newton, Mass., the first time this North Atlantic seabird has been recorded in Project FeederWatch.
Long-term data show some species increasing in number, such as the lesser goldfinch in the Southwest, and others declining, including the evening grosbeak throughout its range, an unexplained phenomenon, according to the organization.
The project is conducted by individuals and groups of all skill levels. While the season recently opened, participants are encouraged to join any time.
To learn more or sign up, visit www.feederwatch.org or call the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473. The fee is $15 ($12 for lab members). Participants receive the “FeederWatcher’s Handbook,” an identification poster of the most common feeder birds in their area, a calendar, instructions and the FeederWatch annual report, “Winter Bird Highlights.”
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FeederWatch participants help scientists monitor changes in bird populations by tracking birds at their feeders during the 21 weeks. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources encourages Georgians to join in, contributing to the science, conservation and enjoyment of North American feeder birds.
Todd Schneider, a wildlife biologist with the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, said a major benefit is that the effort spurs people’s interest in wildlife, in general. “It also tends to get them more interested in watching birds,” Schneider said.
Participants in the joint Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada project submitted more than 115,000 checklists during the 2007-2008 season, documenting unusual bird sightings, winter movements and shifting ranges, according to FeederWatch. Project leader David Bonter said in a statement that “being a FeederWatcher is easy and fun, and at the same time helps generate the world’s largest database on feeder-bird populations.”
Project FeederWatch surveys birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas and other sites. Participants periodically count the highest numbers of each species they see at their feeders for the period. The data help scientists track broad-scale movements of winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.
Watchers also benefit. More than 100 studies have shown that getting closer to nature reduces stress and promotes a feeling of well being, according to a Project FeederWatch news release.
Highlights from the most recent season include the largest southward movement of red-breasted nuthatches in the project’s history, part of an expected influx of northern birds flying farther south when their food supplies run short, according to FeederWatch. Among rare birds reported was a streak-backed oriole in Loveland, Col. – the state’s first report of this Mexico native – and a dovekie deposited by a December nor’easter in Newton, Mass., the first time this North Atlantic seabird has been recorded in Project FeederWatch.
Long-term data show some species increasing in number, such as the lesser goldfinch in the Southwest, and others declining, including the evening grosbeak throughout its range, an unexplained phenomenon, according to the organization.
The project is conducted by individuals and groups of all skill levels. While the season recently opened, participants are encouraged to join any time.
To learn more or sign up, visit www.feederwatch.org or call the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473. The fee is $15 ($12 for lab members). Participants receive the “FeederWatcher’s Handbook,” an identification poster of the most common feeder birds in their area, a calendar, instructions and the FeederWatch annual report, “Winter Bird Highlights.”
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