There are several ways one can help monitor bird populations in the Mountain State.

 

·         Backyard Winter Bird Count

Each year the WVDNR collects information in its Winter Bird Count  which lasts 12 weeks beginning in November. Observations take place at one’s backyard bird feeder on the weekends and there is a simple tally sheet to fill out. This can be a fun family activity!

For more information, click here.

 

·         Christmas Bird Count

The National Audubon Society sponsors an annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) which usually takes place on one day anytime from mid-December to early January. Currently there are 17 CBCs done across West Virginia each year. Locations include Canaan Valley, Charles Town, Charleston, Hampshire County, Huntington, Inwood (Berkeley County), Lewisburg, McDowell County, Morgantown, Oak Hill, Ona (Cabell County), Parkersburg, Pendleton County, Pipestem State Park area, Raleigh County, Wheeling and Elkins.  For more information contact your local bird club or  robtallman@wvdnr.gov.  For general information on the CBC, go to http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/index.html

 

·         West Virginia Point Count Surveys

This year, 124 point count survey routes (PCS) were run in WV.  This includes 1,312 points in 50 of the state’s 55 counties.  The majority of these points are in mixed mesophytic forests.This habitat is not adequately covered by the Breeding Bird Surveys  so we are adding a great deal of data on the birds in this habitat. The PCSs  have been expanded to include other habitats such as wetlands, grasslands and reclaimed strip mines. Also, areas of the state where little bird work had been done (Braxton, Grant, Lincoln, Mineral, Mingo and Wood counties) are now being covered. It is hoped that coverage will continue to expand in WV in 2004.

 

All of the survey routes are permanent and it is expected, with time, to be able to estimate species trends and evaluate bird/habitat associations.  The DNR has received requests for information on cerulean, golden-winged, and magnolia warblers and yellow–bellied sapsuckers.  Without the dedicated and talented birders in the state, none of this would be possible. For more information, contact robtallman@wvdnr.gov.