The Christmas Bird Count

If you like birds then you may be interested in helping out with an annual event. NPR's Science Friday ran a great story on the Audubon's Christmas Bird Count. Every year, for over one hundred years, the National Audubon Society has been conducting a Christmas Bird Count. The idea is simple: count as many different species of birds in one 24 hour period and report your find to the Audubon. To join the bird count click this link, 'Christmas Bird Count' and then click the 'get involved' link. This information is important in analyzing the migration and population trends of birds. Changes in bird migration routes can be an indicator of climate change.

If you're looking for an inexpensive and easy way to attract birds to your backyard check out the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's PDF on making your own feeder. It's a great reuse of a common item that is usually just recycled.

Kansas Prairie Dogs: Can They Dig Out From Under Old County Laws?

I've been on the Wildlife Society's email list for a little while now and recently received some interesting news. The last digest I received had a posting about how Logan County, Kansas is attempting to force landowners there to eradicate prairie dogs on their land and pay for the costs of the 'service' as well. This is all based on statutes written in 1909! The prairie dog is natural prey for a variety of animals some of which are endangered species. The Black-footed Ferret, which is considered extinct in the wild, is particularly suited for reintroduction in places where there are many prairie dogs. The county is forcing the issue on "several families who own ranches in Logan County and who want to retain prairie dog colonies on their land for ecological, aesthetic, recreational, and other purposes.' (Kansas Audubon)
The author of the info from the email list, Dr. Jerry Choate, had this to say about the county's effort: "Logan County officials are paranoid that, if ferrets are released in the area, landowners' property rights will be taken from them under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Therefore, they are taking property rights away from landowners who are sympathetic with efforts to preserve this endangered species and who promote good wildlife practices on their ranches. Unless a court injunction prevents the poisoning from taking place, it may happen within two weeks."
If you'd like to help out please visit the Kansas Audubon Society about the controversy. Or call the Kansas Legislative toll free number (1-800-432-3924) and ask about the status of new legislative bills being sponsored to repeal or change these laws.

-Benjamin