Fall 2016 – Week 7 Update

 October 18 – 24 2016

This week we only found 7 birds total!  As was predicted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Birdcast This week was a slow one.  We only had 7 birds total from 7 species (table 1).  Also as predicted the work week was very slow with Wednesday the 19th being the only day during the workweek that a bird was found (table 2).  The other 6 birds were found on Saturday and Sunday the 23rd-24th.  All seven birds were found in relatively close proximity within 3 routes and by the same volunteer (table 3)!  We continue our large ratio of dead vs live birds from last week to this week with only 1 live bird and 6 dead (table 4).

Cornell Lab of Ornithology BirdCast has forecast a decrease in migration next week.  after a large cold system comes through over the weekend bringing precipitation and more autumn-like weather we will have a few days of favorable conditions for bird movement.  That will come to a halt around the middle of the work week when another disturbance comes through the area.  By the end of the week favorable conditions should come back to our area increasing bird movement and potential bird strikes.

Table 1.) Total number of birds found between 10/18/2016-10/24/2016

Species	Number of Birds Found
Cedar waxwing	1
Common yellowthroat	1
Unknown species	1
White-throated sparrow	2
Wood thrush	1
Yellow-bellied sapsucker	1
Grand total	7

Table 2.) Bird strikes found between 10/18/2016-10/24/2016

Date	Number of Birds Found
10/19/2016	1
10/23/2016	4
10/24/2016	2
Grand total	7

Table 3.) Bird strikes found in each route between 10/18/2016-10/24/2016

Route	Number of Birds Found
5	1
6	2
7	4
Grand total	7

Table 4.) Number of dead vs live birds found between 10/18/2016-10/24/2016

Status	Number of Birds
Dead	6
Stunned	1
Grand total	7

Keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page for continued updates throughout the fall season.  For information on how to get involved or volunteer, email birdsafepgh@gmail.com for more info.  Make sure to follow us on Instagram (@birdsafepgh) and Twitter (@birdsafePGH) as well!

Dead birds are taken to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and become specimens in the Section of Birds.

Live birds are transported to the Animal Rescue League’s Wildlife Center for rehabilitation and release.