In Tucson, AZ there is a haven for abandoned dogs and cats. It is a place full of hope and love and care. In fact, that is the name of this place - HOPE Animal Shelter.
HOPE Animal Shelter is Tucson's only no-kill, community based shelter. They are a non-profit, mostly all-volunteer, 501(c)(3). Mom and I like the fact that they absolutely DO NOT put any animal to sleep unless it is suffering. Being in a cage in a strange place is scary enough! But HOPE offers a clean, loving environment that allows socialization and a smoother transition into a forever home. HOPE ensures that the animals staying there are well cared for both emotionally and physically during this trying time in their lives.
HOPE Animal Shelter has several dogs and cats that are available for adoption right now. You can see pictures of them on their website. But you don't have to rely just on pictures. HOPE encourages you to visit and spend time with a dog or cat before you make a final decision. They want to make sure you get just the right friend for your home.
If you can't adopt, but want to help, HOPE always needs volunteers. It takes a lot of people to care for abandoned animals. And HOPE is mostly all-volunteer. Which means they need people. Lots and lots of people. There are many ways to volunteer depending on your schedule. I personally recommend being a foster. Mom and Dad foster here in Arkansas and I have made lots of new friends that way. And every once in a while Mom or Dad fall in love with their latest foster pet and it finds a forever home with us. That's how we got Bubba!
If you can't adopt, foster, or volunteer, then maybe you can help with supplies. HOPE can use pet food, litter, blankets, towels - all kinds of stuff! In fact, they have a wish list on their site. Drop off a bag of cat or dog food the next time your running errands. Wait - I have an idea! Maybe you could hold a Go Orange for Animals donation drive for HOPE!
We love HOPE Animal Shelter for all the love and care they give to the animals at their shelter. Please, if you live in the Tucson area, check them out. Mom and I have been together for 17 years! So see - you really can find a FOREVER friend at your local shelter!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Go Orange for Animals!
Have you noticed something different about my blog? It's ORANGE! That's because I'm Going Orange for Animals! Yes, it is once againg the time of year where Mom and I turn everything ORANGE.
Every April, the ASPCA celebrates Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. I know about animal cruelty. We live on a dirt road, all the way at the end. Lots of animals are dropped off out here by people who don't want them. Mom and Dad find a lot of them and try to help them. We have found kittens with their tails cut off, dogs with gunshot wounds, dogs and cats that were beaten, some that were starving or sick and just left to die. People can be very mean to little animals like me. So each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to “Go Orange for Animals” throughout the month of April—when the ASPCA’s charter was signed in 1866—to raise awareness for their cause.
It’s fun to go orange! Orange is a great color! Austin has an orange bandanna that Mom bought him. And the ASPCA has some great ideas and suggestions on how you can go orange too! What can you do?
Support Your Local Animal Shelter
Coordinate a ”Go Orange for Animals” event with a local animal welfare group or shelter of your choice and donate the proceeds and/or supplies that you collect. Be sure to alert local media about your event! Possibilities include decorating the building orange and holding an adoption event or donation drive. To find a shelter or rescue group near you, visit our shelter database.
Tie One (or Two!) On
Decorate with orange bows, ribbons and lights. They’ll look great wherever you put them—on trees, your house, over your office door, hanging from your dashboard, on your pooch, even in your hair!
Pimp Your Ride
Vroom-vroom for animals! Write some animal-friendly messages on your vehicle— “Go Orange for Animals!” or “Celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month!” Most auto parts stores sell specific window-marking chalk for writing on your windows. You’ll be surprised by how far a little creative writing can go to help animals!
Play Dress-up
Open your closet and get out those bright orange pants, shirts, ties, shoelaces and socks and don them every Friday—or any other day of the week—for the month of April.
Sweet Treats
Organize an orange-themed bake sale for animals at your local shelter or rescue group. Make orange cupcakes or cookies, or even cookies in the shape of cats and dogs wearing orange frosted collars! Set up a table at your school, church, local library, club or office and let people know their purchase of orange deliciousness will benefit animals for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month! You can also persuade your local bakery to create special orange baked goods and ask if it might donate some of the proceeds to animal welfare efforts.
Show Your Virtual Support
Dedicate your Facebook status, Twitter or blog to the ASPCA during the month of April and encourage your friends to spread the word about the month-long “Go Orange for Animals” campaign!
Grow Orange
Got a green thumb? Plant an orange garden for animals. Ask your local garden center what orange flowering plants work best in your area, and do some creative landscaping. Trim your shrubs into animal shapes, and decorate them in orange bows or lights. No garden? Try window boxes or flowerpots, but do let people (and the media) know that your orange garden is all for and all about animals. Mom went shopping today and found all sorts of orange plants for our garden. It's going to be great when she gets them all planted!
Become an Animal Activist
Visit the ASPCA's Advocacy Center to find out everything you can do to raise awareness for animal rights.
Call or write your local law enforcement officials. Let them know that animal cruelty is a crime and investigating these cases should be a priority.
Help fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels by joining the ASPCA's Advocacy Brigade.
Write a letter to the editor of your local or regional newspaper, reminding them that April is “Go Orange for Animals Month.” Be sure to include a heads-up about your “Go Orange” plans. You can also contact TV and radio stations, letting them know about your event and inviting them to add their unique efforts to the “Go Orange for Animals” campaign.
Last year, Mom bought orange collars so Austin, Oscar, and I can wear them. I am glad she is not going to make me wear a bandanna like Austin. But the orange collar looks cool with my black and white fur!
Blog, Post, Tweet, Pin!
If you have an online site, spread the word about Go Orange for Animals! Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn! Turn your website orange this month.
Mom and Dad have been able to save many of the animals they find. But many more have suffered and died just because someone was mean to them. Won't you help us fight animal cruelty? Go Orange for Animals!
Every April, the ASPCA celebrates Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. I know about animal cruelty. We live on a dirt road, all the way at the end. Lots of animals are dropped off out here by people who don't want them. Mom and Dad find a lot of them and try to help them. We have found kittens with their tails cut off, dogs with gunshot wounds, dogs and cats that were beaten, some that were starving or sick and just left to die. People can be very mean to little animals like me. So each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to “Go Orange for Animals” throughout the month of April—when the ASPCA’s charter was signed in 1866—to raise awareness for their cause.
It’s fun to go orange! Orange is a great color! Austin has an orange bandanna that Mom bought him. And the ASPCA has some great ideas and suggestions on how you can go orange too! What can you do?
Support Your Local Animal Shelter
Coordinate a ”Go Orange for Animals” event with a local animal welfare group or shelter of your choice and donate the proceeds and/or supplies that you collect. Be sure to alert local media about your event! Possibilities include decorating the building orange and holding an adoption event or donation drive. To find a shelter or rescue group near you, visit our shelter database.
Tie One (or Two!) On
Decorate with orange bows, ribbons and lights. They’ll look great wherever you put them—on trees, your house, over your office door, hanging from your dashboard, on your pooch, even in your hair!
Pimp Your Ride
Vroom-vroom for animals! Write some animal-friendly messages on your vehicle— “Go Orange for Animals!” or “Celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month!” Most auto parts stores sell specific window-marking chalk for writing on your windows. You’ll be surprised by how far a little creative writing can go to help animals!
Play Dress-up
Open your closet and get out those bright orange pants, shirts, ties, shoelaces and socks and don them every Friday—or any other day of the week—for the month of April.
Sweet Treats
Organize an orange-themed bake sale for animals at your local shelter or rescue group. Make orange cupcakes or cookies, or even cookies in the shape of cats and dogs wearing orange frosted collars! Set up a table at your school, church, local library, club or office and let people know their purchase of orange deliciousness will benefit animals for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month! You can also persuade your local bakery to create special orange baked goods and ask if it might donate some of the proceeds to animal welfare efforts.
Show Your Virtual Support
Dedicate your Facebook status, Twitter or blog to the ASPCA during the month of April and encourage your friends to spread the word about the month-long “Go Orange for Animals” campaign!
Grow Orange
Got a green thumb? Plant an orange garden for animals. Ask your local garden center what orange flowering plants work best in your area, and do some creative landscaping. Trim your shrubs into animal shapes, and decorate them in orange bows or lights. No garden? Try window boxes or flowerpots, but do let people (and the media) know that your orange garden is all for and all about animals. Mom went shopping today and found all sorts of orange plants for our garden. It's going to be great when she gets them all planted!
Become an Animal Activist
Visit the ASPCA's Advocacy Center to find out everything you can do to raise awareness for animal rights.
Call or write your local law enforcement officials. Let them know that animal cruelty is a crime and investigating these cases should be a priority.
Help fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels by joining the ASPCA's Advocacy Brigade.
Write a letter to the editor of your local or regional newspaper, reminding them that April is “Go Orange for Animals Month.” Be sure to include a heads-up about your “Go Orange” plans. You can also contact TV and radio stations, letting them know about your event and inviting them to add their unique efforts to the “Go Orange for Animals” campaign.
Last year, Mom bought orange collars so Austin, Oscar, and I can wear them. I am glad she is not going to make me wear a bandanna like Austin. But the orange collar looks cool with my black and white fur!
Blog, Post, Tweet, Pin!
If you have an online site, spread the word about Go Orange for Animals! Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn! Turn your website orange this month.
Mom and Dad have been able to save many of the animals they find. But many more have suffered and died just because someone was mean to them. Won't you help us fight animal cruelty? Go Orange for Animals!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Aspen the Yorkie
I am not the only dog with a blog. My friend Aspen also has one. It's called "Aspen the Yorkie."
Even though Aspen is one of those furry rats like Austin, she is still pretty cool! And her blog is full of great information, especially for small dogs like me. And she is an older dog too - almost as old as me. That means she has learned a lot so you need to listen to her. Mom says older people have wisdom so older dogs probably do too!
Aspen has taught me many things that make me feel better. From her I found a new shampoo to help with my dry skin. Both Austin and I get dry skin, especially in the winter, so this was wonderful information.
I also learned that there is a real dog called a Dorkie! I sometimes hear Dad call Austin Dorkie - and I think it's a good name for him. I didn't know there is a "designer" dog called a Dorkie. Don't tell Austin. He will think he is a designer dog too!
I have also learned about eye irritations, and having my teeth cleaned (which I hate!). Mom uses a spray and some special treats to help keep the plaque down but we still have to have them cleaned occasionally.
The best thing on her blog is the recipe she shared for Doggie Bagels. These are YUMMY! I love when Mom has time to make a batch for us. She does make me share with Austin and Oscar. But I make sure I get my fair share.
If you are a small dog, or an older dog, or a Yorkie dog, or a Dorkie dog, you can learn a lot from my friend Aspen. I know you will like her as much as I do.
Even though Aspen is one of those furry rats like Austin, she is still pretty cool! And her blog is full of great information, especially for small dogs like me. And she is an older dog too - almost as old as me. That means she has learned a lot so you need to listen to her. Mom says older people have wisdom so older dogs probably do too!
Aspen has taught me many things that make me feel better. From her I found a new shampoo to help with my dry skin. Both Austin and I get dry skin, especially in the winter, so this was wonderful information.
I also learned that there is a real dog called a Dorkie! I sometimes hear Dad call Austin Dorkie - and I think it's a good name for him. I didn't know there is a "designer" dog called a Dorkie. Don't tell Austin. He will think he is a designer dog too!
I have also learned about eye irritations, and having my teeth cleaned (which I hate!). Mom uses a spray and some special treats to help keep the plaque down but we still have to have them cleaned occasionally.
The best thing on her blog is the recipe she shared for Doggie Bagels. These are YUMMY! I love when Mom has time to make a batch for us. She does make me share with Austin and Oscar. But I make sure I get my fair share.
If you are a small dog, or an older dog, or a Yorkie dog, or a Dorkie dog, you can learn a lot from my friend Aspen. I know you will like her as much as I do.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
NWA is Singing for Spays!
PARTY TIME FOR YOU DOG LOVERS!
Announcing...THE SPAY/ARKANSAS 4TH ANNUAL SINGING FOR SPAYS PICNIC
WHERE: At Dog Party USA located at 912 S Maestri, Tonitown.
WHEN: Saturday, April 27 from 5:30 to 9 pm. Rain or shine.
WHY: Funds to support our goal of 5,000 surgeries in 2013
WHO CAN COME: All dog-friendly, vaccinated dogs are invited to bring their humans!
HOW MUCH: Admission - $25 cash or check
WHAT ELSE: FOOD: BBQ CHICKEN AND HOTDOGS WITH UNLIMITED SIDES, BEER & WINE.
MUSIC: LEATHER DUCHESS, and (members of) ULTRA SUEDE
Information: 479-756-1100
*****
You can help SpayArkansas by doing your online shopping with goodshop.com Participating stores, airlines, etc, contribute 1-5% to the charity of your choice. Go to goodshop.com to enroll.
Announcing...THE SPAY/ARKANSAS 4TH ANNUAL SINGING FOR SPAYS PICNIC
WHERE: At Dog Party USA located at 912 S Maestri, Tonitown.
WHEN: Saturday, April 27 from 5:30 to 9 pm. Rain or shine.
WHY: Funds to support our goal of 5,000 surgeries in 2013
WHO CAN COME: All dog-friendly, vaccinated dogs are invited to bring their humans!
HOW MUCH: Admission - $25 cash or check
WHAT ELSE: FOOD: BBQ CHICKEN AND HOTDOGS WITH UNLIMITED SIDES, BEER & WINE.
MUSIC: LEATHER DUCHESS, and (members of) ULTRA SUEDE
Information: 479-756-1100
*****
You can help SpayArkansas by doing your online shopping with goodshop.com Participating stores, airlines, etc, contribute 1-5% to the charity of your choice. Go to goodshop.com to enroll.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Let's Hit the Road
Spring is here! Time to pile the pets in the car and head down the highway! Follow these tips to make our trip as easy and enjoyable as possible.
1. Give your car a check-up. Check your tires, the oil, and the air filter. Breaking down on the side of the road with your pet in the car is not fun - for me or for you.
2. Get me a check-up. If it's been a while since my last trip to the vet, make sure I have a check-up before we leave. I don't want to spend my vacation in a strange vet's office. Neither do you.
3. Bring my shot record or health certificate - just in case I do get sick or hurt, this will help the vet give me the best care
3. Bypass the traffic jams. I like riding in the car with Mom but not forever. Google Maps offers real-time road conditions and traffic updates which allows you to avoid traffic jams that can make me nervous.
4. Be ready for messes. I will do my best, but accidents happen. Be ready for messes by bringing a pooper scooper, wipes, paper towels, carpet deodorizer and ziplock bags to dispose of my - ahem - mistakes.
5. Pack my food, water and snacks. New food can upset my tummy. Not to mention the inconvenience of having to shop for it. Bring a bag or a few cans of my favorite food from home to keep us both happy. It's also a good idea to bring some water in case I need a drink before we get to the next stop. Make sure you bring a dish for me to eat and drink out of too!
6. Plan where to sleep. Mom likes to just get in the car and go with no planned agenda. But this can make it hard when it's time to sleep. Not all hotels welcome little dogs. Make it easier on both of us by knowing which hotels are pet friendly. Better yet - reserve our room in advance so there is no question that we will both have a place to curl up at night.
1. Give your car a check-up. Check your tires, the oil, and the air filter. Breaking down on the side of the road with your pet in the car is not fun - for me or for you.
2. Get me a check-up. If it's been a while since my last trip to the vet, make sure I have a check-up before we leave. I don't want to spend my vacation in a strange vet's office. Neither do you.
3. Bring my shot record or health certificate - just in case I do get sick or hurt, this will help the vet give me the best care
3. Bypass the traffic jams. I like riding in the car with Mom but not forever. Google Maps offers real-time road conditions and traffic updates which allows you to avoid traffic jams that can make me nervous.
4. Be ready for messes. I will do my best, but accidents happen. Be ready for messes by bringing a pooper scooper, wipes, paper towels, carpet deodorizer and ziplock bags to dispose of my - ahem - mistakes.
5. Pack my food, water and snacks. New food can upset my tummy. Not to mention the inconvenience of having to shop for it. Bring a bag or a few cans of my favorite food from home to keep us both happy. It's also a good idea to bring some water in case I need a drink before we get to the next stop. Make sure you bring a dish for me to eat and drink out of too!
6. Plan where to sleep. Mom likes to just get in the car and go with no planned agenda. But this can make it hard when it's time to sleep. Not all hotels welcome little dogs. Make it easier on both of us by knowing which hotels are pet friendly. Better yet - reserve our room in advance so there is no question that we will both have a place to curl up at night.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Visit Tucson, AZ with PopArtDiva, Pixel, and Tink!
Tucson, AZ is home to Mom's good friend - and my favorite graphic designer - Terri aka PopArtDiva. She makes most of the designs for my store. Mom can't even draw stick people very well so when she has an idea for a new shirt, she calls Terri and Terri turns it into art.
When she isn't busy working on my designs she is a Mom too! She takes care of Pixel and Stinky Tinky Cat. Pixel is a Yorkshire terrier like Austin. But despite the resemblance to the Rat, Pixel is my friend. Stinky Tinky Cat adopted Terri and Pixel one day herself. She arrived on their doorstop, decided she liked having them as family, and never left. That's how cats work. We have been adopted ourselves like this a few times!
Mom and I have been to Tucson in the past and look forward to going again. Not just to see Terri, Pixel, and Tink, although that would be reason enough. But Tucson is a great place to visit, especially if you are bringing your family.
When visiting Tucson, Mom and I recommend that you stay at the Loews Ventana Canyon. Mom says the rooms are good and the beds are comfortable. Plus there is a coffee maker in the room. If you know my Mom and her coffee then you know this is important! I like it because they love me! They treat me like a king when I am there. I can have room service. They give me treats and bones. There are places where I can go for a walk. I even get a tag when I check in. It's the best service ever! Mom says they treat all pets the same way, but I think I get a little extra special attention. But if you tell them Bob sent you, I bet you will get the special treatment too. The hotel does charge an extra $25 if you travel with your Mom and Dad, but this is to cover the costs of the extra special cleaning each room gets before you check in. And they do limit the number of pets to 2 per room. But that is good. Who wants to sleep with a roomful of critters?
Once you get settled in your room, there are lots of things to do. One of my favorites is a trip to Sabino Canyon. Mom and I like to walk and there is plenty to see here. Mom says there are even bears here but I have never seen one. Just to be safe though, you need to wear your leash when you are out and about. You wouldn't want to lose your Mom or Dad if a bear came!
Another place we like to go is the Pima Air and Space Museum. Mom and Dad both love airplanes and rockets so this is the perfect place for all of us. Dogs are allowed at the outdoor exhibits. Since there are 80 acres of planes to visit, there is enough to keep us all happy. I get a good walk and Mom and Dad get to look at planes.
Sometimes, Mom and I just like to go for a ride. There is a great place to do that in Tucson too. The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. And there are lots of places where I can get out and take a short walk to stretch my legs. It's nice and relaxing with just me and Mom in the car looking out the windows and listening to the radio or just talking. Ok, she does the talking. I just listen.
There are also several dog parks in Tucson. I love having a park just for me. We like the Anamax Bark Park. This is a one acre park divided into two areas - one for large dogs and one for small dogs like me. There are shade ramadas in both sections with seating, water fountains for the owners and their four legged friends. Waste stations are provided so owners can pick up after their dogs.
Although I bring my own food with me and even though the hotel will bring me room service, I look forward to one tasty treat while we are in Tucson - a bite of Mom's sandwich from Baggin's Gourmet.
Mom is a big fan of the Almost Reuben or the Anasazi Chicken. Dad always gets the Baggin's Club. I don't care what they get as long as I get to share. I like them all!
I can taste the sandwich already. Terri, Pixel, Tink - are you ready for a visit?
When she isn't busy working on my designs she is a Mom too! She takes care of Pixel and Stinky Tinky Cat. Pixel is a Yorkshire terrier like Austin. But despite the resemblance to the Rat, Pixel is my friend. Stinky Tinky Cat adopted Terri and Pixel one day herself. She arrived on their doorstop, decided she liked having them as family, and never left. That's how cats work. We have been adopted ourselves like this a few times!
Mom and I have been to Tucson in the past and look forward to going again. Not just to see Terri, Pixel, and Tink, although that would be reason enough. But Tucson is a great place to visit, especially if you are bringing your family.
When visiting Tucson, Mom and I recommend that you stay at the Loews Ventana Canyon. Mom says the rooms are good and the beds are comfortable. Plus there is a coffee maker in the room. If you know my Mom and her coffee then you know this is important! I like it because they love me! They treat me like a king when I am there. I can have room service. They give me treats and bones. There are places where I can go for a walk. I even get a tag when I check in. It's the best service ever! Mom says they treat all pets the same way, but I think I get a little extra special attention. But if you tell them Bob sent you, I bet you will get the special treatment too. The hotel does charge an extra $25 if you travel with your Mom and Dad, but this is to cover the costs of the extra special cleaning each room gets before you check in. And they do limit the number of pets to 2 per room. But that is good. Who wants to sleep with a roomful of critters?
Once you get settled in your room, there are lots of things to do. One of my favorites is a trip to Sabino Canyon. Mom and I like to walk and there is plenty to see here. Mom says there are even bears here but I have never seen one. Just to be safe though, you need to wear your leash when you are out and about. You wouldn't want to lose your Mom or Dad if a bear came!
Another place we like to go is the Pima Air and Space Museum. Mom and Dad both love airplanes and rockets so this is the perfect place for all of us. Dogs are allowed at the outdoor exhibits. Since there are 80 acres of planes to visit, there is enough to keep us all happy. I get a good walk and Mom and Dad get to look at planes.
Sometimes, Mom and I just like to go for a ride. There is a great place to do that in Tucson too. The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. And there are lots of places where I can get out and take a short walk to stretch my legs. It's nice and relaxing with just me and Mom in the car looking out the windows and listening to the radio or just talking. Ok, she does the talking. I just listen.
There are also several dog parks in Tucson. I love having a park just for me. We like the Anamax Bark Park. This is a one acre park divided into two areas - one for large dogs and one for small dogs like me. There are shade ramadas in both sections with seating, water fountains for the owners and their four legged friends. Waste stations are provided so owners can pick up after their dogs.
Although I bring my own food with me and even though the hotel will bring me room service, I look forward to one tasty treat while we are in Tucson - a bite of Mom's sandwich from Baggin's Gourmet.
Mom is a big fan of the Almost Reuben or the Anasazi Chicken. Dad always gets the Baggin's Club. I don't care what they get as long as I get to share. I like them all!
I can taste the sandwich already. Terri, Pixel, Tink - are you ready for a visit?
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count!
I love birds! I like to chase them sometimes when I need exercise. Mostly I like to lay on the porch in the sunshine and listen to them sing. We have lots of birds at our house because Mom puts feeders out for them and keeps parts of the yard as habitat for them. And every year we participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count!
The 2013 GBBC will take place Friday, February 15, through Monday, February 18. It s an annual 4-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are. Mom started participating when she worked for the Girl Scouts. I was just a puppy then so I didn't help much. Now I do my best to rouse the birds in our yard so Mom can get a good look at them and count them all. She says I'm not helping much, but I do what I can!
Everyone is welcome--from beginning bird watchers to experts - even little dogs. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.
Participants tally the number of individual birds of each species they see during their count period. They enter these numbers on the GBBC website. You can also send in photographs of the birds you see for the GBBC photo contest.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is very important for helping birds. Scientists use the GBBC information, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and eBird, to get the “big picture” about what is happening to bird populations. The longer these data are collected, the more meaningful they become in helping scientists understand and help birds.
Participating is easy. To learn more about how to join the count, get bird ID tips, plus downloadable instructions, web buttons, and flyers, visit www.BirdCount.org. The count also includes a photo contest and a prize drawing for participants who enter at least one bird checklist online. Portions of the GBBC site are also now available in Spanish at www.ContandoAves.org.
The 2013 GBBC will take place Friday, February 15, through Monday, February 18. It s an annual 4-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are. Mom started participating when she worked for the Girl Scouts. I was just a puppy then so I didn't help much. Now I do my best to rouse the birds in our yard so Mom can get a good look at them and count them all. She says I'm not helping much, but I do what I can!
Everyone is welcome--from beginning bird watchers to experts - even little dogs. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.
Participants tally the number of individual birds of each species they see during their count period. They enter these numbers on the GBBC website. You can also send in photographs of the birds you see for the GBBC photo contest.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is very important for helping birds. Scientists use the GBBC information, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and eBird, to get the “big picture” about what is happening to bird populations. The longer these data are collected, the more meaningful they become in helping scientists understand and help birds.
Participating is easy. To learn more about how to join the count, get bird ID tips, plus downloadable instructions, web buttons, and flyers, visit www.BirdCount.org. The count also includes a photo contest and a prize drawing for participants who enter at least one bird checklist online. Portions of the GBBC site are also now available in Spanish at www.ContandoAves.org.
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