Serving Algoma, Casco, Kewaunee, Luxemburg and all of Kewaunee County
Thousands of Wisconsin nature nuts are expected to participate in the 28th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) next Thursday through Sunday.
More than 4,000 birding enthusiasts from our state recorded 130 species last year, part of the 682 species identified by participants in the United States.
Worldwide, more than a half-million birding enthusiasts from more than 200 countries or subregions found an incredible 7,920 species.
Anyone can join in and report results for free, helping produce data on wild bird populations.
Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the GBBC was the first online participatory-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real time.
Birds Canada joined the project in 2009 to provide an expanded capacity to support participation in Canada.
Four years later, the GBBC became a global project when it began entering data into eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project.
Whether you count one bird or hundreds, participating is easy and fun for all ages.
You can watch your feeders, or head outside to some of your favorite bird-watching spots.
If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions Feb. 14-17 will count toward the GBBC.
Read all about it at www.birdcount.org.
There will be a live, online event Feb. 12 to learn how to participate.
Reader Alan Johnson was wondering about what he called a white perch explosion in lower Green Bay, seen by both sport and commercial anglers in recent years.
Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Tammie Paoli said record 2020 and 2021 year classes of white perch seem to be driving the increase, along with another solid year class in 2022.
“White perch young of the year were the most abundant species captured in the 2024 Green Bay trawling survey,” Paoli said. “The record 2021 year class accounted for 32% of the adult catch with an average length of 8.3 inches. The largest white perch was 11.3 inches and was estimated at age eight.”
Some anglers thought white perch — first discovered in the late 1980s and very abundant in the 90s and early 00s — had disappeared. Paoli said their numbers have always fluctuated.
At times they were just in low enough numbers to be less of a nuisance, and mainly during spring spawning.
Considered an invasive species, white perch are edible, though definitely not as popular as yellow perch.
“I have talked to a few anglers who do keep and even target them at times, but that is the minority,” Paoli said. “They can be harvested commercially, but there is not enough of a market to make it worthwhile. Maybe someday that will change and there will be a processor in the area that wants them.”
February is National Bird-Feeding Month.
While many backyard birders simply put out a mix of seeds and suet, others add heated bird baths and shelter boxes.
Experts recommend keeping your feeders clean and full of sunflower seeds and other treats.
In addition, suet cakes — whether you buy or make your own — are excellent high-energy additions.
Need more tips?
Download a free guide to winter bird feeding from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at dl.allaboutbirds.org/birdcams-winter-bird-feeding.
Salt not only corrodes vehicles, it can also contaminate water and soil — harming plants, fish, insects and animals — and attract wildlife to roadsides, increasing the risk of accidents.
The Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium promotes practical strategies like proper snow removal, salt application and public education campaigns with a goal of reducing chloride pollution.
Shovel first and salt sparingly to reduce costs, protect infrastructure and safeguard plants, wildlife and freshwater systems.
Learn more at wintersaltweek.org.
An informational meeting on a pair of Peshtigo River and High Falls Flowage walleye movement projects is set for 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Peshtigo DNR Field Office.
There’s a virtual option via Microsoft Teams as well.
More information, including login info can be found at dnr.wisconsin.gov/calendar.
Lake Michigan water levels have dropped three inches in the past month, 11 in the past year and 44 inches since the record high in 2020.
Levels are about seven inches below the 100-year average, and 22 inches above the record monthly low, set in 2013.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here