Hi All,

 

Today marked the opening day of the deer gun-hunting season in Ohio.  As
many of you know the deer gun-hunting season has had an additional
weekend in December tacked on this year which coincides with the first
weekend of the annual Christmas Bird Count; December 16-17th.

 

While I'm not going to address the merits of hunting or not hunting,
since it's against list rules, I will say that Ohio's deer herd is
estimated to be around 600,000 animals.  Deer browsing can severely
impact a forest understory which can have deleterious impacts on nesting
birds.  Deer also can impact birds and butterflies by eating eggs,
nests, and even nestlings.  It has been stated that the extra weekend
may help increase the number of deer harvested.  If this is the case
then it may reduce deer impact on birds, other wildlife, and plant
communities in the state.

 

30 out of 62 Christmas Bird count circles in the state will be holding
their counts during the weekend of December 16th & 17th.  While hunting
and birding are not mutually exclusive activities it is important to
remember to use a little caution and vigilance if you'll be out counting
birds that weekend.

 

One of the easiest things you can do is make yourself more noticeable to
hunters.  This can be accomplished by wearing bright clothing.  If you
don't have something bright to wear, Audubon Ohio is offering special
orange ballcaps at $5.00 per hat, to cover the cost of shipping.  We
only have about 50 of these hats so they're available on a first come
first serve basis.  Please contact me off-list if you're interested in
obtaining a hat.

 

You can see what the hats look like (on Pete Dunne) here:
http://www.audubonohio.org/images/427x640_PeteDunne.jpg

 

To find a count near you please visit the Audubon Ohio web-site to
download a copy of the CBC directory for Ohio:
http://www.audubonohio.org/bsc/cbc.html

 

You can also find count information at:
http://www.ohiobirds.org/calendar/winter_counts/winter.php 

 

A little vigilance and common sense can go a long way in keeping
everyone safe while enjoying Ohio's natural wonders this winter.

 

Thanks,

 

Casey

 

 

Casey Tucker

Education Specialist

Audubon At Home

Audubon Ohio

692 N. High St., Suite 303

Columbus, OH 43215

614-224-3303 (phone)

614-224-3305 (fax)

[log in to unmask]

www.audubonohio.org

 

Audubon At Home

Bringing Conservation Home

 


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