The first-ever BirdSource Backyard Bird Count will take place all across the country Friday through Feb. 22. The count invites every family and individual to count birds they see at their bird feeders, backyards and local parks or other outdoor locations in an effort to aid scientists' understanding of the effects of weather phenomena on bird movements. Participants can contribute their sightings online through a World Wide Web site. The count is sponsored by Audubon and Cornell University. It will take place when birds are at the southern-most point in their migrations, just before they begin their spring return trips.
Participants can spend as much time as they want counting birds during the three day period.
Results will be instantly displayed. Larry Myhre is editor of The Journal.