NYSOA (the NY State Ornithological Association) carries out an annual New York State Waterfowl Count each year in mid January. Teams of volunteers recruited and organized by leaders in each Kingbird bird-reporting Region attempt to census waterfowl in as many areas as possibly where they are wintering.  The aim is for all to count on the same day, however, there is freedom to shift a group’s count from the Saturday before to as late as a week later if weather or personal schedules require.

Locally we are in Region 2 – Genesee, and we cover Lake Ontario from Pt. Breeze to the west side of Fairhaven and inland over all of Livingston, Monroe, and Wayne counties and the east halves of Orleans and Genesee, plus Wyoming east of Rt. 19 and Ontario west of Rts. 64 and 21 to Naples. Historically this has been split into 11+ (now 16) sectors with observers or groups covering each, some having done this for a long time.

We are looking for a new volunteer to coordinate Region 2, as well as volunteers for sector leaders and birders to help in the various sectors.  New observers are always welcome, and can be paired with more experienced volunteers.

Bob Spahn, Region 2 Coordinator – phone: 585-671-5690; email: rspahn@prodigy.net