Sunday, February 8, 2026

February 8, 2026: NH Audubon Bird Count

There's an opportunity for everyone to join the ranks of citizen scientists, and increase our understanding about birds and their behavior by participating in the NH Audubon Backyard Winter Bird Survey which takes place next weekend, February 14 and 15.

Tufted Titmice are typically one of the most numerous birds in the Backyard Bird Count

Participation is as easy as looking out your window and noting which birds you see, and how many. You can count for as little as five minutes or for several hours, at any time over the two days, and whatever you report is valuable information for those studying our birds and their populations. Birds on feeders, on the ground, in trees, or flying overhead all count.

Dark-eyed Juncos are a common ground feeder.

They also want counts of chipmunks and red and gray squirrels in the census.

Each year there are new surprises that come out of the survey data. For example, last year there was a record number of 1,389 Carolina Wrens observed. These wrens have been increasing in numbers since 2007. Maybe you'll see one, though it's been much colder this winter than last year which might have an affect on these traditionally southern birds.

If you have suet in your yard you might see a woodpecker, such as this Downy Woodpecker that visited us yesterday.

One of five woodpecker species you might see this weekend.

Long-term trends identified by this survey are also valuable. For example, the population of black-capped chickadees has dropped by half over the past 40 years, something scientists are studying.

A Black-capped Chickadee takes a drink.

It's been so cold this winter that bits of liquid water are few and far between.

You can read the results of the 2025 survey here. It's interesting how the numbers of different species varies each year, and if you participate, your contributions will be included in the 2026 report! There's a simple form to fill out and mail in, or you can submit your sightings electronically online. Here's a link for more information, and you can request or download forms here:

https://nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/backyard-winter-bird-survey/

OK, that's the bird survey. What about the fish in winter? The Great Meredith Fishing Derby provides its own set of data based on how many fish are caught and what size they are. I haven't found any scientific studies based on the Meredith derby, but biologists in the NH Fish and Game Department use derby results to collect data on the health, size, and age of fish populations across New Hampshire's lakes. I'll update this entry after getting down to derby headquarters on Meredith Bay this afternoon to see what's on the leaderboard. But on my way to the Hamlin Trailhead yesterday, there were a lot of fishermen parked at the Wicwas boat ramp.