150 species identified
The Birding Marathon is one of the NLT’s annual fundraisers
Northumberland Land Trust Fundraiser helps protect habitat
The winner of the 15th Birding Marathon contest is Richard Girardin of Cobourg
Northumberland – June 21, 2023 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) 15th Annual Birding Marathon’s participants identified 150 species this year, a 12% increase over last year’s Marathon. Experienced bird watchers for each of NLT’s 13 Nature Reserves, which cover 1,267 acres of habitat in Northumberland County, and had a single, 24-hour period of their choice to identify the birds.
In early June, the total number of species across all reserves was tallied. Last year, 132 species were identified. In 2016 there were 106 (but NLT only had 6 properties at that time). Every year there are surprise sightings as well as birds returning to the same nesting area. The rarest bird this year was the identification of the Nelson’s Sparrow in the Lone Pine Marsh Nature Reserve. Nelson’s Sparrows are rarely seen in this area. Among the other species that have appeared are: Hooded Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Red-throated Loon, and a Great Horned Owl.
The Birding Marathon is one of the NLT’s annual fundraisers. Donors guess how many species of birds will be found. Whoever is closest wins a litre of maple syrup from the NLT’s Wilkinson Nature Reserve. The winner of the 15th Birding Marathon contest is Richard Girardin of Cobourg. He guessed 140 species of birds on NLT’s reserves, which was the closest guess to the record-breaking total of 150 bird species.
“I’m discouraged by all the wildlife habitat that is being destroyed,” said Mr. Girardin. “I’m glad that Northumberland Land Trust protects natural areas and I wish there were more.”
All donations go towards stewardship. This includes building and installing bird houses, invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, signage, wildflower planting or one of many other restoration projects.
About Northumberland Land Trust
The Northumberland Land Trust is committed to preserving the natural heritage of Northumberland County. Its mandate is to establish, maintain and manage protected areas. The Northumberland Land Trust is a not for profit, charitable organization, which accepts donations of land, enters into conservation agreements for the permanent protection of natural landscapes, forests, farms and waterways and provides public education and information on land conservation tools. The Trust also raises funds to purchase land in Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada for the purposes of conservation. The Trust is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a cross section of the community including landowners, farmers, business people and professionals.
For more information go to: https://nltrust.ca/index.php/
