In The Event That...

The American Kestrel gets you hot and bothered

by Molly Eichel

Winter Bird Census Sat., Jan. 3, 7:30-11 a.m., free, Schuylkill Environmental Center, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, pre-register at 215-482-7300, ext. 110, schuylkillcenter.org

Listen up, ornithologists of all stripes: The Schuylkill Center is holding its annual census to document the birds that populate its 340 acres of undeveloped land. Splitting up the land into quadrants, amateur and pro birders will be teamed up to count the different species that call the center their home.

The census is more telling than simply a numbers game. With their fast metabolisms and short life expectancies, birds are sensitive to environmental impact; and their populations convey the health of the land they live on. "Birds are canaries in the world's coal mine," says census coordinator and self-described bird geek Leigh Ashbrook, referring to the practice of using canaries to indicate dangers underground.

Ashbrook notes the decline of several species, a national trend present in the centers' recent censuses. The Hermit Thrush used to be a regular tenant, but its numbers have dwindled. Loss of habitat contributes to the decline, but other factors are unknown, which is precisely why the census is important. The bird abatement doesn't mean there's nothing to see. Ashbrook gets excited about the seeing raptors (eek!) — birds of prey like the Red-tailed Hawk.

New birders are more than welcome. Each quadrant is assigned a person who knows what they are doing to guide the less experienced. After every bird is counted up, participants gather at the center to discuss their findings and nosh on leftover Christmas cookies, Ashbrook says. Censusing without socializing? It's for the birds.