This hobby is for the birds

28 people gather to record area winter bird species

NINEPIPE — Binoculars went up as excited bird watchers took a moment to spot a robin perched on a tree at the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge during the 107th Annual Christmas Bird Count on Sunday.

"Ordinary birds become a visual treat," said Jim Rodgers, count compiler.

On a clear December day, the sun was bright enough to add just a slight amount of warmth to the chilly morning. Despite the cold, 28 people gathered to record the winter bird species in the area for this season.

"We divide people into nine teams to cover as much of the refuge as possible," Rodgers said. "The whole goal is to count every bird we see and identify it by species. We've seen 60 to 70 different species and around 10,000 individual birds in the past."

Once a bird is located, it is identified and logged onto a chart that each group takes along during the count.

"At the end of the day we tally up the results. We check to see that everyone didn't count the same great horned owl, for example, twice," he said. "The data is later reported to the National Audubon Society."

The count is used as a scientific tool to determine the migration patterns of different species.

"This is the only method of counting winter birds in this area. This count shows us population trends," he said.

The information is compiled into a national data base that scientists use to study and validate or refute different theories they form during various research projects.

"This is also another thing that shows the global warming phenomenon. We have noticed more Southern species migrating farther North, and often times our birds that migrate South are staying longer or not leaving at all. Those are some things that have been showing up with the bird count," Rogers said.

This particular count started in 1974 and it's a part of the national count that began 107 years ago. The count has helped preserve many species.

"The data is also a tool wildlife managers use to asses population trends. They use this data to help protect and set aside areas that are critical. The count is primarily a tool for management," he said.

Eagles, hawks and falcons are some of the most prevalent birds in this area. Agricultural creates a prime hunting grounds for the birds, and rodents are at the top of the predatory birds' choice of prey, Rogers explained.

"We've counted the largest winter roost of rough-legged hawks. We've counted over 100 roosting. That is the largest count in this valley. That is an indication of the amount of feed in the area," he said.

The counting project is open to people of all ages and skill levels.

"Anyone can participate in this project. All you have to do is have an interest in birds. We team people up with experts who can identify the different species. This is a good way to learn," he noted. "We do a combination of walking and driving. I once floated the Flathead River in a canoe during the count. Every bird-watching trip there is always something new to learn and always some great surprises."

Participant Susan Moon kept her eye on the horizon for some common birds that she says she never gets tired of seeing.

"It's always good to get a different view of a bird and to see them in their glory," Moon said.

The Caseys were another pair that have been coming out to the count for several years. Dan Casey is an expert on rare birds and his wife, Susannah Casey, shares his enthusiasm.

"He has a masters degree in biology," she noted. "When he was a kid he got into bird watching after the television broke. He started going on hikes and watching birds instead and it became a lifelong interest."

After many years of watching birds, Dan Casey still enjoys getting out in the field and discovering the different species that an area has to offer.

"I like seeing the variety of plumage and adaptations. Watching birds, you get to see 30 to 40 different species and that is something that you can't do with many things. And it's fun to get out and get some fresh air," he said.