Great Backyard Bird Count 2013 Feb 15 - 18

It's that time of the year to get outdoors and count the birds as the Great Backyard Bird Count takes place this weekend for 4 days starting Friday Feb 15th and ending on Monday Feb. 18th.

What is the GBBC?

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual 4-day event that engages bird watchers from all over the world and of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are.

Everyone is welcome--from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.
Participants tally the number of individual birds of each species they see during their count period. They enter these numbers on the GBBC website.

Why count birds?

Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to document and understand the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time.

Scientists use the GBBC information, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and eBird, to get the “big picture” about what is happening to bird populations. The longer these data are collected, the more meaningful they become in helping scientists investigate far-reaching questions

How to Participate?

Visit the GBBC website to learn more about the GBBC and how you can participate in this years Backyard Bird Count.

The GBBC offers up an opportunity to get the family together enjoy mother nature, even if you still ahve 2 feet of snow like we do in Connecticut. Count birds while sitting by your window watching the feeders or get outside and explore your local forest and parks. There are also photo contests, local events and plenty to learn by particpating.

You can read about our results from the 2012 count here: http://passinthruoutdoors.blogspot.com/2012/02/backyard-bird-count-results.html

 

Upcoming Local Events

With winter setting in and most hunting seasons closed and fishing slowing down, everyone is looking for something outdoor related to do so here are a couple of outdoor related things for anyone in the Connecticut area.

Northeast Fishing & hunting Show Feb 15 -17, Hartford, CT

 From the Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show website.

There will be hundreds of booths lining the aisles containing the latest products for both fishing and hunting enthusiasts.  Learn about the newest equipment from some of the top manufacturers and reps, retail vendors, public service exhibits, charter boat captains, plus fishing boats and more!

Attend over 50 hours of seminars from nationally known fishermen and hunting experts.  Seminars will be conducted in three seminar rooms, demonstrations at the fly tying center and the casting pond.
Greg Myerson, sponsored by Eastern Boats, Lane Benoit, Tony Stetzko, Al Gag plus many more.
CHARLIE MOORE THE "MAD FISHERMAN" Saturday, February 16th, 12 noon - 3 PM.  Sponsored by Lunker City

Located at the Big E sight in West Springfield, MA

From the Springfield Sportsmen's Show Website.

The Springfield Sportsmen's Show is undisputedly the largest “pure” sportsmen’s show in the Northeast! This mega sporting event takes place at the Eastern States Exposition, home of the “BIG E,” West Springfield, Massachusetts. The show includes the best of hunting, fishing, boating and adventure recreation that the outdoor world has to offer all bundled together in one great event.

The Springfield Sportsmen’s Show is the place to get the best in hunting and fishing gear!  You’ll find everything you need for your next trip.  We’ve gathered the top vendors of hunting and fishing equipment along with guides, outfitters, and charter captains.  You get the best selection and the best deals of the year all in one shopping location.  That’s why the Springfield Sportsmen’s Show is the Northeast’s strongest fishing, hunting, and outdoor show.

Can't forget about the Upcoming Ducks Unlimited events like the CT State Convention, Putnam Chapter Dinner and the Danbury - Housatonic Game dinner cooking class.  You can check out all the upcoming Connecticut Events at the CT Event Website or check for events in your area.

Introducing Jackson

Sorry for the lack of blog posts, but I've been a little tied up with work, holidays, trying to get a little hunting in and dealing with our new family member Jackson.

Spellcast Jackson Steal a Peek (Venetian's Copy That x Spellcast Peek a Boo)

Jackson is our new Chocolate lab that joined our family on December 23rd and he has added a new level of energy across the family.  Most of us are a little extra tired and could use some additional sleep, but other then that plenty of laughs and lots of smiles going around.

The day Jackson picked our family!

Jackson with my son & daughter

Jackson turned 13 weeks old last week and weighed in at a whopping 29.2lbs and is one healthy and happy puppy.  We have been working on socialization and some basic obedience as well as creating a drive to retrieve because after all he will be spending plenty of time in the duck and goose blinds this coming fall.

Jackson meets Hannah for the first time.

This week, Jackson and I will start working with a local trainer as part of our goals to have a wonderful hunting companion. Look forward to plenty of Jackson updates as he grows and we progress with our training.

 Little Video clip of Jackson being Jackson

Recent clip showing how big Jackson has gotten.

Hannah wanted me to tell everyone not to forget about her and that she is doing well and has learned to love the youngster, and yes she is a little tired herself.

Hannah taking advantage of the quiet time.