I had the opportunity to participate in the Christmas Bird Count for Berkeley and Morgan Counties this past Saturday, January 3rd. What a great experience! First, let me say that I am NOT a birder. I can usually identify a cardinal, but when others are pointing out birds, I see the dust their wings have left! Nevertheless, I was teamed with a very patient and knowledgeable team. We saw 42 different species in just a few square miles including a Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, lots of Redtailed Hawks, and a Red Shouldered Hawk. Of course, there were more than hawks, but I am particularly fond of the larger birds. We also saw Horned Larks which are marvelous to watch fly–altogether, in a similar pattern, with their white bellies showing–but when they land, they are almost invisible. Their back color just blends into the dirt so the best you can do it look for something that looks like a clod of dirt that is moving.
After the day was over, I was left with questions. Although we saw a good number of species, most were only a bird or two, so I was left wondering where all the birds have gone. It is winter–it was the Winter Count–but the woods seemed quiet. There are too many places in the Eastern Panhandle where habitat has been destroyed and I know that is a big reason. Somehow, it just seemed sad.
We noticed so many birdfeeders at houses, but they were empty of seed. Had people gotten busy and forgotten to fill them or has the economy put a dent in buying birdseed? I hope it is only forgetfulness. I came home and immediately filled mine up. As a reward, I had a nice selection of juncoes and cardinals that have shown up at mealtime. I’m hoping for some goldfinches as they are a favorite of mine. I also came home determined to create more of a bird habitat in my yard this spring. Maybe you’ll do the same.
Ellen Murphy, Harpers Ferry WV