Help local naturalists track as many bird species as possible at a "Mini Sit", from 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 7.
Naturalists at the Cache River State Natural Area are looking for help from bird-watchers of all skill levels. Sit back, relax, and enjoy fall migration.
Teams are required to preregister by Oct. 3, so they can be assigned specific areas within the site. Call (618) 657-2064 to register or with questions.
Each team will sit in their 17 foot diameter circle for three hours, tallying all the birds they can identify by sight or sound. Data will be recorded on eBird hot spots. There is no limit as to how many people can sit within the circle.
"Mini Sit" participants may work in shifts, but one person must be in the circle throughout the sitting period.
If you can't get a team together, but want to contribute sightings, visit the Cache River Wetlands Center to learn which access points are open for counts.
Passers-bys are welcome! Bring a lawn chair, binoculars or a scope, and snacks to enjoy your morning. After the event, we will have a pot luck lunch at the Wetlands Center to learn what species were spotted. Feel free to bring a dish.
If groups want to scout their location, we encourage you to do so the Saturday before to participate in eBird's Global Big Day happening Oct. 6!
The "Mini sit" is a spinoff of the "Big Sit" that will occur internationally Oct. 13-14, 2018, when bird-watchers all over the world will sit for 24 hours to record every species that they see.
If you enjoy your day, consider registering for the international event in the future.
