I was lucky enough to be in Zion National Park this weekend with my family. The weather was gorgeous and we had a great time. I was able to get a little time to get my count in for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Since my kids weren’t into sitting an watching I got my time in on the trail to Weeping Rock.y list wasn’t too extenive but I got to see some birds I don’t normally see at home. The two best for me were the spotted towhees and the gray headed junkos. I also saw some ravens, chickadees, and house sparrows. In all a great day. Just a reminder that Monday is the last day to count so get out and relax for a few minutes counting some birds.

Suet log bird feeder

Last weekend I decided to undertake what turned out to be a fun and simple project. I made my own suet log feeder. Here is what I used for my feeder:

• One log about 18″-24″ long
• One 1/4″ screw eye
• One carabiner
• Rope or chain to hang from tree or other suitable location
• One suet cake
• A drill with a 1″ spade bit

So the process is pretty easy, take your drill with a spade bit and start drilling holes randomly around the log. I also drilled some smaller holes with my largest auger bit. Take the screw eye and twist it into the top of the log. Clip the carabiner into the screw eye. Then get your suet cake and with a putty knife, scoop out suet and mash it into the holes you just drilled. Once you have them all filled, you just hang the log and hope that some birds find it. This is intended to draw in birds like chickadees, woodpeckers, flickers, and other birds that cling to tree trunks to feed. Hopefully I can draw some birds in soon. For some reason my yard has been pretty empty lately, just in time for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Last weekend there was a Cooper’s Hawk in my neighbor’s tree, so he may be the cause. Anyway, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before the birds find it. Hopefully it is before the raccoons do.

Make plans to spend a little time next weekend watching birds from your home.  The 13th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count is happening during February 12-15.  The GBBC is a joint project from the Cornell Ornithology Labs, The Audubon Society, and Bird Studies Canada.  Your participation is really easy and can be fun for you and your kids.  Here are the steps from the GBBC official website:

1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count.
2. Count the greatest number of individuals of each species that you see together at any one time.
3. When you’re finished, enter your results through their web page.

You can print and download reference posters and regional checklists to help you in your identification efforts and if you submit photos to the website you can be entered to win some really cool prizes.  Spend sometime watching those birds!To get more information about the the bird count, including how you can participate please visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/.Here is a good article from the Idaho Statesman: Natalie Bartley: Grab a pen and start counting birds