The Great Pennsylvania Birdemic: Counting Our Feathered Friends (Without Getting Poop on Your Head)
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of liberty bells, cheesesteaks, and... apparently, a whole lotta birds! But just how many birds are we talking about here? More than you can shake a stick at (unless you're trying to whack a particularly grumpy blue jay, which we strongly advise against)?
The answer, my friend, is more nuanced than a flock of starlings performing a synchronized ballet.
How Many Birds Are In Pennsylvania |
The Official Tally: A Birder's Dozen, Plus Some Change
According to the fine folks at the Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee (fancy name for bird counters, basically), there are a whopping 439 species of birds gracing the skies of the Keystone State. That's almost half of all the bird buddies you'd find in all of North America!
Now, this number isn't set in stone. Some birds are just passing through, taking a quick beak-fast break on their way to Florida for the winter. Others are a bit more shy, preferring to stay hidden amongst the leaves (and pooping on unsuspecting park-goers). So, the actual number of birds in Pennsylvania at any given moment could be a bit higher... or it could involve a rogue emu that escaped from a petting zoo. You never know!
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
The Great Backyard Bird Count: You Too Can Be a Birdemic Hero!
But enough about fancy committees and elusive emus. What if YOU wanted to contribute to the grand knowledge of Pennsylvania's avian population? Well, my friend, grab your binoculars (or, failing that, a rusty colander) and prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure: The Great Backyard Bird Count!
This citizen science initiative, held every February, allows regular folks like you and me to become avian auditors. Simply spend a few hours counting the feathered fiends in your backyard, and report your findings. Who knows, you might discover a rare Sneeze Goose or a particularly grumpy Gary the Gull (not a real bird, but a fun name to yell out if you see a particularly grumpy gull).
FAQ: Become a Backyard Birding Boss!
How to identify birds?
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you identify the feathered friends in your backyard. Start with a simple bird identification guide and some handy dandy bird calls (most birds don't wear name tags, sadly).
How to attract birds to my yard?
Put out some birdseed (but not junk food like chips – birds have delicate constitutions!), plant some native flowers and shrubs, and keep a birdbath nice and clean. Basically, turn your yard into a five-star avian resort.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
How to count birds effectively?
Focus on counting birds within a specific timeframe, and only count each bird once (no double-dipping on robins!). There are even smartphone apps to help you out.
How to avoid bird poop?
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Let's be honest, complete avoidance is a fantasy. But wearing a hat and keeping your distance from feeders can help. Also, consider offering the birds a designated pooping area (like a nearby bush) – they might appreciate it!
How to have fun birdwatching?
Relax, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of nature. Birdwatching is supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful. And hey, if you get bored, you can always try to teach a squirrel to juggle – that's bound to be entertaining (and probably end in hilarious failure).