Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 21:36:09 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Kurt Gaskill Subject: Potomac Watershed Waterfowl Count MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit FAIRFAX AUDUBON SPONSORS 2nd ANNUAL WATERFOWL COUNT -- BIRDERS AND NATURE ENTHUSIASTS TO RALLY FOR A TALLY Dear DC Area Conservation Partners, The Fairfax Audubon Society encourages birders and nature enthusiasts in the Washington, DC area to join volunteer teams on Saturday, December 6th for a comprehensive Waterfowl Count. The Fairfax Audubon Society Waterfowl Count will pair novice and expert birdwatchers of all ages to tally birds within a designated count area. Morning and all-day teams are being formed to explore locations throughout Montgomery, Prince Georges, the District of Columbia, Fairfax and Prince William Counties, including the Potomac and Occoquan watersheds. This is an excellent opportunity for beginner birders, and for families to work as a team. Whether a beginner or seasoned bird watcher, volunteers can help make difference in bird and wildlife habitat conservation by simply doing something they love---bird watching. Bird watching is hitting an all-time high in popularity and is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in the U.S. This good news comes at a time when Audubon studies reveal some waterfowl species, such as the American Black Duck and Brant, are facing population declines and habitat loss. The presence and abundance of waterfowl can be an indicator of the overall health of watersheds. Local trends can indicate habitat fragmentation or signal an immediate environmental threat, such as contamination or poisoning from improper use of pesticides. The results of the Fairfax Audubon Society Waterfowl Count will be compiled to better inform studies on Northern Virginia’s waterfowl population and trends. To get involved, please contact the FAS office at (703) 256-6895 or fas AT fairfaxaudubon.org ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================