As the heart of spring quickly approaches we longingly look forward to the return of the neotropical migrants. Many of us have been doing so for years -- trying to free up time in mid-May to get out and experience the color and variety of the wonderful birds that have been wisely down in the tropics since last fall. Absence does make the heart grow fonder, and it reminds me how important it is to foster an appreciation for this remarkable wildlife in future generations of people, so that they will continue to be protected.
It should be easy. A lot of these birds are colorful, and often have wonderful songs. Many of them nest in and around our backyards. They should "sell" themselves, but perhaps like so many of our natural resources, people take for granted that they will always be here.
But will they?
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology thinks that it's important to keep their visibility high, and introduce these birds to young people. For that reason, WSO is hosting the third annual Wisconsin Oriole Count. Its goal is to provide schools and other organizations with information and tools to attract migrating orioles and a framework for documenting their observations with incentives to participate.
The first 20 schools or groups to register will receive a free (and quite attractive) oriole feeder designed to offer both oranges and jelly. Participants will count orioles visiting their yards according to protocols we establish, and report their results to us.
Information about the oriole count can be found on the count page at our web site at www.wsobirds.org.
All participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes, which are being generously donated by our friends at Eagle Optics in Middleton, Wis. There are two first-prize packages of five pairs of binoculars, second prize is three pairs and third is two pairs.
WSO aims both to foster a greater awareness of these precious birds that summer here and to give students a chance to participate in a simple but meaningful citizen-science activity that they can be proud of and learn from.
If you know of any schools/classes/youth groups that would like to participate, please have them contact me at OrioleCount@wsobirds.org
Jim Knickelbine
Executive Director
Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve
