In the wee hours of the morning began the Birdfreak’s 72-hour Birding Weekend. We are entering Winnebago County, Illinois in America’s Birdiest City/County contest. As far as we know, this is the first time our county has been entered.
One of our highlights was a Cerulean Warbler.
Why are we doing this? Our main reason is to promote the “birdiness” of Winnebago County. Our other main reason is to find habitat types that are missing within the county, and then do something about it. We have noticed that shorebird habitat is one of these areas that we don’t have much of.
Olive-sided Flycatcher was another highlight.
So far we are up to 84 species with a lot of area left to cover. Some of our favorites of the day were Yellow-breasted Chats, Yellow-throated Warblers, a Chestnut-sided Warbler and a Canada Warbler. Two more days to go and plenty more to find….we are still a ways from our goal of 150 species.
We were lucky to find plenty of Baltimore Orioles!
Our total list is growing!
First time caller…I like the site. And I agree with you that birders can make a difference in conserving both habitat and birds! Had never heard of the City/County thing. Good luck with that. Sounds like something I might have to give a try.
Vern
-You guys really are birdfreaks-as I said to Vern, I’d have to be on a lenghty vacation to try that.-Very nice photos as well!
Glad you like the site. We are having a blast, though it is a bit tiring.
#Larry – (sorry for the delay, the comments have been messed up a bit) – I wish I could always be on vacation to go birding… but I guess at age 25, retirement is a ways off 🙂