2018 PBC Minigrant Program
PBC is now accepting applications for the 2018 Minigrant Program. The PBC Minigrant program supports small projects that promote the study and protection of birds in the Piedmont (NC) area. Applications are due December 1, 2017 for projects to be completed by August 1, 2018. View the Information for Applicants and download the Application.
Good Resource: BirdCast Migration ForecastsWant to know what spring migrants are on your doorstep? What the next species of warbler in your backyard should be? The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's BirdCast site provides a regional analysis of migration patterns and a forecast for arriving and departing species in the week ahead. Check out BirdCast to see what you can find this week and for the rest of the spring.
Newly-Added Resource on the Website
A link has been added to the PBC website’s Species Lists page to an online species list at eBird, showing weekly frequencies of 273 species throughout the year for Guilford County, based on observations reported to the eBird system. The list is dynamic, updating as fresh observations are entered over time. Click here to go to the Species List page to learn more.
With the spring migration season under way, Guilford County birders can use this list as another resource to learn the species to expect each month. FYI, the Species List page also has a button to download a “spring arrivals” list for the Piedmont Triad region compiled by PBC member Dr. Lynn Moseley. Welcome to our New Members
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Fall 2017 - The Veep's Peep Sooty Tern
With hurricane season upon us until – officially - November 1, and with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma having already earned their places in the meteorological history books, curious minds may be wondering how birds fare in natural events such as these, and whether any change in their behavior has been noted.
Hurricanes can bring birds that normally spend their time far offshore, such as the Sooty Tern, to inland waters. At the time of this writing, the north Greensboro lakes are hosting two storm-blown Sabine’s Gulls – a first record for Guilford County. Read about seabird species that are often displaced: http://birdcast.info/forecast/hurricane-irmas-impact-on-birds/.
Another – albeit rarer – natural event occurred recently: the total solar eclipse on August 21 that crossed the entire continental US. Thanks to citizen science tools such as eBird, thousands of observations can provide clues to bird behavior and movement during such natural phenomena. You can read a fascinating summary by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Birdcast project here: http://birdcast.info/forecast/eclipse/
In 2014, a group of scientists studying the Golden-winged Warbler made an eye-opening discovery. The birds they banded in 2013 and tracked to Tennessee during the following year’s breeding season suddenly “evacuated” to Florida before devastating tornadoes hit the area, and returned a few days later after the storms had passed. Coincidence? Read about it here: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30531060
What we know for sure is that weather has an impact on all living creatures. Providing food, water and shelter can lessen the adverse impacts on birds. Let’s do it! The Piedmont Bird Club is always happy to hear from non-members, and we extend a warm and cordial welcome to anyone who would like to experience one of our outside or inside activities. Check our calendar for details. I look forward to seeing you very soon! Jane Lawrence PBC Vice-President |
“North Carolina is a great place for birding. And the Piedmont Bird Club is a wonderful group of folks to bird with!”
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Last updated June 8, 2017
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