Chickadee science

Chickadees, redpolls and red-breasted nuthatches are beginning to make their annual appearance at Valley bird feeders, and Cornell University wants to know who is showing up.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is once again conducting its Project FeederWatch, a nationwide project in which "citizen scientists" observe the birds at their feeders and report information to the lab.

Valley birder Bob Winckler, a volunteer ambassador for the program, is trying to drum up more participation in the Mat-Su Valley.

"Although Southcentral Alaska has hundreds of people who feed birds, only 30 to 45 people currently take part in this project," Winckler said. "We would like to see more participation from this area, both to increase the data that is currently provided about winter bird populations here, and it improves Alaska's representation in the project."

Becoming an amateur ornithologist in the project is relatively easy, according to Winckler. Participants sign up and pay a $15 material fee; in return they receive a research kit with instructions, a bird identification poster, a wall calendar, a resource guide to bird feeding, data forms and everything else they need, except the feeder, seed and birds.

Beginning Nov. 10, participants count the number and types of birds at their feeder two days out of every two weeks until April.

"The project is very simple to participate in, with most people able to count birds just by looking out their windows," Winckler said.

Data can either be mailed in or sent via computer to Cornell. The information is then compiled and used by researchers to look at bird distribution and abundance, the kinds of foods and environmental factors that attract birds, and diseases among birds that visit feeders. The information gained through the project often appears in scientific journals and national magazines, such as Audubon.

Those who simply enjoy feeding birds shouldn't be intimidated by the science of it all, however. Cornell researchers encourage people of all ages and experience to get involved.

"FeederWatch is a wonderful family activity and is a great way for parents to demonstrate to their kids that their observations matter," Laura Kammermeier, project leader for the program, said in a press release.

Researchers also encourage school classes, youth groups, nature centers and bird clubs to participate.

Even those who have never paid much attention to the Valley's feathered residents won't have much difficulty participating.

"Most of the birds, once you get used to seeing them, are fairly easy to identify," Winckler said.

In addition to the materials provided by Cornell, Winckler said participants might find it helpful to have a bird identification book on hand. He recommends "A New Focus on the Field - Birds of North America" by Kenn Kaufman. Winckler describes it as a guide aimed at beginning birders. The retail price is $20, and it is available in most bookstores and online.

Winckler said beginners may sometimes want to contact a more experienced birder when trying to identify a visitor to the feeder.

"One person called me one time saying 'I've got this bird that is like a big white chicken,'" Winckler recalled with a chuckle.

Talking the birder through the identification process, Winckler discovered that it was a ptarmigan in its winter coloring.

In addition to identifying and counting the birds at their feeders, Project FeederWatch participants also are asked to watch for deformities and abnormalities, such as the recent sightings of chickadees with malformed beaks. Winckler said he observed his first deformed chickadee in 1997. In recent years, a total of around 600 sightings have occurred throughout Alaska.

Winckler said research is continuing into the problem, with some people suspecting a vitamin deficiency is to blame.

Information gathered through Project FeederWatch could contribute to an understanding of these and other problems.

"As a FeederWatcher, you will learn more about winter birds and how their populations are faring," project researchers say in their press releases. "You'll also be happy to contribute to the science and conservation of North America feeder birds."

More information and registration is available by calling the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-8473 or by visiting the Web site at birds.cornell.edu/pfw>. Winckler said he can also answer questions about the project and bird watching in general. His number is 376-8594.