The Thirteenth Annual Greene County Big May Day bird count will be on Saturday May 11 (always the second Saturday of May). Big May Day counts record the number of species and individuals of all birds identified within a county from midnight to midnight. 

Greene County has been near the top of the list in the state for number of species.  Pretty good for an inland location away from major water bodies.  With ~50 counties throughout the state participating, competition is stiff. All levels of birding experience are welcome.   With some fantastic habitat in the count, Greene County should be THE place to be on May 11!  The more participants, the better the habitat gets covered, and thus better results.  Participating in a count such as this is a great way to hone your skills.  Many of the species observed on this count are only in Indiana for a few weeks during spring migration so this is the time to enjoy them.

Public lands within the county include Goose Pond FWA, Beehunter Marsh, Hillenbrand FWA, Greene Sullivan State Forest, Combs Unit of Martin SF, Redbird State Riding area, Shakamak State Park, the Linton Conservation Club, and the West Fork of the White River.  The Sycamore Land Trust also has a few preserves in the eastern half of Greene County that could be walked in a few hours.  Hopefully this year the conditions will be cooperative and our efforts will be rewarded.

If you are interested in participating this year please reply to this email and let me know how much time you can spend on the count and we can discuss what team to put you on.  If you live within Greene County and can't commit to a full day or have acreage or good habitat or feeders, consider counting birds on your property or neighborhood sometime during the day.

Please respond to Jess Gwinn (jagmo at bluemarble.net) directly so that I can place you on a team.  Indicate whether you can do all day, owling, preferred territory, etc.