Martin Park invites nature enthusiasts to help count birds

From City of Oklahoma City News Release

While youngsters wait anxiously to count presents under the tree this Holiday Season, a count of a different feather will take place on Saturday, December 20 when the naturalists at Martin Park Nature Center host their annual winter songbird census.

 Bird and nature enthusiasts alike are invited to take part in the census, part of a nationwide study in collaboration with the Audubon Society’s “Christmas Bird Count.”   The census will begin at 9 a.m. when participants trek through the trails of Martin Park to count specific species of birds that overwinter in the park.

 The results of the count are submitted to the Audubon Society, which tracks the migratory patterns of early winter birds throughout North America.

 “We’re always excited to take part in this study,” said park naturalist Neil Garrison.  “The Christmas Bird Count provides naturalists and ornithologists with important data about bird populations, weather and climate change. The fact that it is an ongoing study means that we can track these changes annually, and see specifically how changes in climate affect the bird populations right here in central Oklahoma.”

 Participants in this year’s census may spy yellow-bellied sapsuckers, red-breasted nuthatches and brown creepers, in addition to some of the more common bird species that make Martin Park their winter home.

 “It wasn’t that long ago, maybe fifteen years, that house finches were a rare sighting in Oklahoma, even in winter,” said Garrison.  “Now we can see how migratory patterns have changed to such an extent that these birds now permanently roost in Oklahoma. This count helps us predict these kinds of patterns and see what changes the bird populations may make.”

 Participation in the songbird census is free, though registration is required.  For more information, call Martin Park Nature Center at 755-0676, or visit www.okc.gov/parks.  Martin Park Nature Center is located at 5000 West Memorial Road, ¼-mile east of MacArthur.  The park is operated by the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.