In an effort to learn more about our populations of winter waterfowl through citizen science, the Northern Neck Chapter of the Audubon Society (NNAS) is seeking people to assist in a census count of these fascinating birds on the weekend of February 5th and 6th. This Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Winter Waterfowl Count focuses on the Lower Rappahannock-Potomac Rivers, tributaries, and adjacent lands is sponsored in 2022 by NNAS and the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Chapters of Virginia Master Naturalists.
This count was started in 2019 and covers the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck including both the lower Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers in Middlesex, Essex, King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, Lancaster, and Northumberland counties.
Our winter waterfowl count concentrates on about sixty species that we would expect to see on or along the water from eagles to ducks to scaups to herons, etc. Over half of these birds are winter inhabitants leaving in spring to breed and spend summers in more northern regions. The count has the region divided into sectors with an experienced leader for each section who can suggest areas to cover and will coordinate the count and team of two to eight people in the sector, so duplications are minimized. We ask that at least 2-3 hours be spent identifying and counting the waterfowl around rivers, the bays, and wetland-marsh areas.
So, we are seeking folks who wish to be a citizen scientist for a day (or two) on Saturday and/or Sunday, February 5-6. You can participate on either day or both. Birders of any and all skill levels are invited to participate. Following last year, we will be under COVID-19 Protocols. This means small teams of family or friends, perhaps in separate cars as well as counting from your home and/or neighborhood for those that are within the Potomac and Rappahannock watersheds and have access to waters, wetlands, and lands associated with waterfowl habitats.
As a preview and learning venture, an Zoom Program entitled “Introduction to Waterfowl Identification” will be held via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 31 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm and is open to all whether or not they participate in the Count.
For more information about either or both to register, please email Jeff Wright at pec11908@me.com
Future generations will be appreciative of your efforts.
Kevin Howe
President Northern Neck of Virginia, National Audubon Society