Birds Returning to Long Point/Port Rowan

Yesterday we had 42 species of birds fly by our house in about an hour.

I know that because sons Ross and Graham, with good eyes and expensive binoculars, counted them just after we finished our family Easter dinner.

Ducks in flight over our house on March 30th

I've been convinced to report them in a relatively new sight called









e-birds http://www.youtube.com/watch?

This seems like a good way to pursue what is known as citizen science.  In fact E-Bird tells me that "every time that you see and identify a bird, you are holding a piece of a puzzle. Whether you are casually watching birds in your backyard, or chasing rare species across the country, you are helping to put this puzzle together."

So, this may be useful. 
  
But I've about keeping such a list before.  I wrote about it on a Blog I do on Forever Young Information Website.  http://foreveryoungnews-com.factorepreview.ca/posts/1869-bob-s-blog-birdwatching-in-the-backyard-count-me-in

I'm repeating myself here seven months later because, well,  I tend to dwell on things.
   
 We are going to be doing some B & B.  Since our B & B will cater to birders it has been suggested that we ought to keep a list of all birds seen in our backyard.   Now,  in the world of birding there is etiquette or rules or some sort of code that defines a backyard bird.  I don't think that takes into account, though, the potential demands such a list (or lists) could place on a neophyte B & B operator.

So, for me,  there remain, however, a number of vexing issues that developing a list presents.

For example, to be counted does a bird actually have to touch down in my yard?  That would be a fairly clear-cut definition to use. But what if, for example, one observes a “good” bird flying over one’s yard?  We had an immature bald eagle fly past just a few days after we moved to Port Rowan.

Now,  to be frank it is probably more accurate to say it was over the neighbour’s yard.  Let’s face it, my list would be a better one if I could add that bald eagle. So I’m leaning to the criterion being, “seen from my backyard.”  That’s should make for a better quality list.

But here’s another worry. From my front yard I have a distant view of Lake Erie and this will surely produce many shorebirds and an enhanced list. It will probably be more gratifying for my guests if that backyard list captures anything that can be seen from the front yard as well.

I’m certain the guests will be keen to contribute to the list. In fact, repeat visitors (should anyone actually return) could be encouraged to have their own personalized list. Perhaps this will be an incentive to return.

Do I anticipate problems?  Well, some birders can be competitive and argumentative even within a family.  Take mine for example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObbfMqN3kDo&feature=player_embedded#!

So if there are disputes on sightings will it fall to the reluctant but affable host to resolve?  And will guests be trampling all new lawn to maximize their viewing range?

Lots to think about....