During the upcoming bird count on Dec. 16, community members can acquaint themselves with Wrangell’s fine feathered friends and make meaningful contributions to a nationwide citizen science project.
The island’s birding community participates in Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count, which takes place from mid-December to early January. During the window of the project, people identify, count and report the birds they see. “These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations,” according to Audubon’s website.
Birding enthusiast Bonnie Demerjian and Joe Delabrue of the U.S. Forest Service organize the effort in Wrangell. The birders split up into groups of two or more and walk along designated routes within a seven-mile radius from Shoemaker Bay Harbor, tallying up the birds they find.
“We have a checklist of common birds that we’re likely to see,” said Demerjian, “so we just mark down all the ones we see and the numbers that we see. If we see rarities, you have to document it, hopefully by a photograph.”
On land, participants will probably spot song sparrows, Steller’s Jays and crows. Though these birds are common around Wrangell, each one has unique skills and behaviors. Song sparrows have a continuous range from Alaska’s Aleutian Chain to the U.S. East Coast and Steller’s Jays are accomplished mimics, with the ability to imitate the sounds of squirrels, cats, dogs, chickens and other birds. Crows can even make and use tools.
There is also a water route, weather permitting, which allows the birders to keep tabs on Wrangell’s loon, grebe and Harlequin Duck populations.
Unlike most birds, loons have solid bones, decreasing their buoyancy and making them better divers, according to The Cornell Lab. Grebes sometimes swallow their feathers when they preen, creating a feather lining in their stomachs that can prevent against puncture wounds from fish bones. Harlequin Ducks make a unique squeaking sound that has earned them the colloquial name “sea mouse.”
Demerjian participates in the bird walk each year to help with conservation efforts and because she loves the “intellectual challenge.”
“A lot of it has to do with participating in citizen science,” she said. “Many eyes collect more data than just an experienced ornithologist. We feel like we’re doing something to help keep track of (bird populations) and find out if their numbers are declining or increasing, which is all important information to know for conservation.”
Also, “a lot of us just love birds,” she said of the birding community. “There’s something about birds that is intriguing.”
Trying to identify them, she added, is like “a puzzle.”
About 12 to 15 people participate each year. Inexperienced birders who would like to assist with the project are welcome to join, and should contact Demerjian at 907-796-9632.
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