JAS More Birding Information

MORE Birding INFORMATION

Updated: January 31, 2012.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT for 2012 will be held on February 17-20, 2012. Click here for more information.

Beak Deformities in Alaska Birds

Scientists at the US Geological Survey Alaska Science Center are trying to track the geographic spread of an epizootic of beak deformities in wild birds that appears to have originated in Alaska.

In 1999 and 2000, the USGS conducted a Christmas Bird Count survey of feeder-watchers and found that the beak deformities were clustered primarily around Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, going as far north as Trapper Creek and Talkeetna. This epizootic appears to be spreading, since there are now regular reports of beak deformities from as far north as Fairbanks, throughout southeast Alaska, and as far south as the Puget Sound area in Washington state. The USGS has now documented 30 different species in Alaska with overgrown or crossed beaks.

To help with this effort, please do the following:

1) Look for birds with abnormal beaks. Note the species, where you see the bird, how it is behaving, and what the deformity looks like.

2) IMPORTANT! Please enter the details of your observations into our online reporting form (“Report a deformed or banded bird”): Click Here Or, If you are not able to submit this information online, please contact Colleen Handel directly

You may also see Northwestern Crows with bands on their legs. Please record what the bands look like (Are they colored? In what order?) and if the bird has an abnormal beak. This information should be reported online or directly to Colleen Handel.

US Geological Survey Beak Deformity web site: Click Here

Field Observation Report Form (web based): Click Here

Feeder-watch Report Form (web based): Click Here or Download Report Form

Contact Information:

Colleen M. Handel

USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508

(907) 786-7181 cmhandel@usgs.gov

Alaska Watchlist 2010: Alaska Birds in Trouble

Highlighting Declining and Vulnerable Bird Populations

The newest version of Audubon Alaska’s WatchList is now available! The WatchList, updated every three to five years, uses an objective assessment process to identify Alaska birds of greatest conservation concern.

The 2010 list is the first to recognize two levels of conservation concern in Alaska. The Red List—31 species—has the highest level of conservation concern: species are vulnerable and declining. The Yellow List—18 species—is of somewhat lesser concern: species are vulnerable, but not declining. Another change in 2010 is consideration of stewardship responsibility for each species, highlighting the birds most dependent on Alaska. View the Alaska WatchList page.

View the ALASKA WATCHLIST 2010

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Wings Over Alaska Program

Earn certificates for identifying 50, 125, 200, and 275 bird species in the state.

CHECK OUT e-BIRD 2.0.

KEEP YOUR BIRDING RECORDS ON LINE FOR FREE.

A SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE CORNELL LABORATORY OF ORNITHOLOGY AND THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY.

eBird 2.0, a project of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon, is an updated version of the powerful Internet-based program currently used by thousands of birders. eBird is a free, user-friendly way for birders across North America to record, archive, and share their observations at any hour of the day. It is also an important tool for conservation, providing researchers with a comprehensive picture of the abundance and distribution of birds.

Alaska eBird

Alaska eBird is a great way to record your observations, manage your life list, and help contribute to avian monitoring and conservation in Alaska. Visit the Alaska eBird website, which includes photos, interesting birding news and features, as well as observation records: http://ebird.org/content/ak/

Project FeederWatch

Time to focus on feeders!
The 24th season of Project FeederWatch started November, 2011 but you can sign up at any time. Your counts will help scientists monitor changes in feeder-bird populations over the winter from year to year. New participants receive a kit with a handbook, a bird-identification poster, a calendar, and an instruction booklet.

Join the flock! For more information about Project FeederWatch or to sign up in the U.S., please visit www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ or call (800) 843-2473. There is a $15 fee to defray the cost of the materials ($12 for Lab members). If you live in Canada, please visit our partner, Bird Studies Canada, at http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/pfw/index.jsp?lang=EN&targetpg=index or call (888) 448-2473.

You can learn more about the project and how to attract birds to your feeders by watching two segments devoted to these topics on the Martha Stewart Show. Follow the link on the All About Birds home page at www.allaboutbirds.org.

The mission of Juneau Audubon Society:

"To conserve the natural ecosystems of Southeast Alaska, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations"

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The mission of Juneau Audubon Society:

"To conserve the natural ecosystems of Southeast Alaska, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations"

The Raven

Send your comments or suggestions to: webmaster@juneau-audubon-society.org