Spring Migration Count is still on!  But is modified in keeping with pandemic restrictions in Iowa.  The count will NOT be done in teams this year.  ICBC encourages solo-birding, or in family groups.  Rain or shine, our goal is to count as many birds as possible in Johnson County.Both numbers of species and numbers of individual birds are recorded. Last year, 35 participants managed a species total of 158, which is about the count average. Despite our restrictions, we hope for highest number of birders ever!  

To participate, count birds on Saturday May 9.  There is no need to pre-register, just do it and report your findings. Time spent is up to you. Record both species and numbers seen or heard.  Make a final tally on the Official Checklist.  Also indicate where you found your more interesting birds.  Send completed form to Chris Caster—mailing address on the count form or scan & attach to email  cjcaster@q.com 

Where to bird?  Anywhere in Johnson County, your yard/neighborhood, park, wildlife area, countryside. The only restriction is within the Johnson County lines. Ideas can be found here:   https://iowacitybirdclub.org/miscellanious-maps/ If you’d like to cover locations from prior years, that’s fine. If desired, contact your previous team leader to make a game plan.

 No lunch-time gathering will be held this year.  Remember to share interesting sightings on the IOU Listserv.

Bonus!  ICBC count day is the same day as Cornell Lab’s Global Big Day.  Your records can be submitted here too, via ebird. Get the how-to on this page:   https://ebird.org/news/global-big-day-9-may-2020