Keeping it Real
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Last year we got over 80,000 bird checklists submitted to the GBBC. With that many bird sightings coming in, we know there are sometimes problems with the sightings. We are all prone to making errors--hitting the wrong key when submitting our sightings, or even making a mistake in identifying a bird we see.
To help us fix mistakes, we have a team of dedicated volunteers who review unusual bird sightings and potential errors in each U.S. State and Canadian Province and Territory (yes, even in frozen dark Nunavut!).
Each year, before the count I make sure our reviewers are all set, and find replacements for those who are too busy this year or otherwise can't help out. So far this year we're in pretty good shape. All of the Canadian Provinces and Territories are covered, and I'm down to finding replacement reviewers in just four US states.
So when you're out having fun on the GBBC, pause for a moment to consider the many men and women who are behind the scenes making sure that we have the most accurate bird count possible. While you enter your bird count and move on, these local experts are burning the midnight oil. We love these folks, and couldn't hold the count without them!
Counting errors
No, I didn't hit the wrong key when I said there were 50 turkeys - even though the very responsive data entry genie said that was unusual for this time of year. My subdivision, which borders Florissant Fossil Bends National Monument in Colorado, has several resident flocks. In addition to many native grass seeds, there is a plentiful supply of fallen seed under feeders.
The flock I know best numbers about 60, and typically is seen all together only now and then. But getting on toward spring, they seem to flock up more until - as I observed last year - there is a big parley and after an hour of posturing, they split up into smaller flocks of 6-12 or so with a large tom, several young toms and hens.
We don't see much of them in the summer and have only every observe about seven poults.
This flock roosts most of the time about 1/2 mile away in a sheleterd drainage with some large pine trees, but they have been known to roost in both aspen and pines in back of my home.