Time for a new poll!

As I write this during my lunch break, I'm hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. A high wind warning has been posted for many counties in southeast Ohio, northwest West Virginia and northeast Kentucky, and there's a very good chance we could lose power this evening (AGAIN, for the 2nd time this month). If it's not ice, it's wind! I'll keep my fingers crossed that the power stays on, but just in case, I'm putting this post "in the can" now and scheduling it to go live this evening.


Thanks to all of you who participated in my last poll "Why do you bird?" The poll is now closed, and the results are as follows:

• To be/feel closer to nature: 5 votes (55.56%)
• Because it's relaxing: 3 votes (33.33%)
• To spend time alone: 0 votes
• To spend time with family: 0 votes
• To hone my observational skills: 0 votes
• "Other": 1 vote (11.11%) (the explanation of this vote was "to honor them", which I thought was sweet)

I didn't participate in the poll myself, but I will tell you that my own response would have been "All of the above". I listed the answer options in the poll pretty much the way they rank in importance for me. My "Other" explanation would be "to contribute my data to science (i.e. Project Feederwatch)".


This week's poll is another bird-related query: "How many bird feeders do you maintain?" My answer falls in the 6-10 category, with 8 maintained year-round (2 cage suet feeders, 2 tube feeders, 1 hopper feeder, 1 platform feeder, 1 peanut feeder and 1 nyjer tube feeder), and a 9th feeder brought out in spring for the hummers. As always, the poll can be found over in the sidebar, just below the live feedercam. I hope you'll participate!

By the way, stay tuned for information about an interesting and unique birding-by-ear opportunity here in Ohio that will be coming up at the end of May. I'll post more details when I have them.

On polls, counts and competitions

Chickadee on ice-covered beech branch

First of all, I am pleased to announce that our power was restored this morning. Very happy about that. Today we had quite a thaw with daytime temps topping out at 49 degrees! But enough about the weather, let's talk numbers!

There's a new poll up over in the sidebar, and this one is birding-related. Check it out and provide your input!

The results of the last poll are as follows:

Poll Question: What element of HotH is your favorite (multiple responses were allowed):
the photos (6 - 75%)
quizzes (3 - 37%)
my nature experiences (2 - 25%)
live webcam (2 -25%)
birding info (1 - 12%)
Total participants: 8

I'm happy to see that "the photos" got the biggest response, since that is a very important part of this blog for me personally. I was surprised to see that the "live webcam" only got 2 votes, as I've heard positive comments about it from more than 2 people. Anyway, thanks to all of you who participated!

Speaking of numbers and participation, February is a big month for bird counts. Of course Project Feederwatch is still underway, and we've got the Great Backyard Bird Count coming up February 13-16. I also recently learned that the Northwest Nature Nut (in Portland, Oregon) is inviting folks to play along in a friendly game of bird count for the month of February with the Great Bird Count of February. The rules are simple:

1) You can count any species you can see from your yard. They can be flyovers or in your neighbor's yard, as long as you can see it from your yard.
2) You can count non-natives, introduced species.
3) They must be seen in the month of February.
4) You must see them, birding by ear doesn't count.
5) Each species is worth a point, but to keep it interesting, Owls will be worth 2 points.

I have posted my species list at the bottom of my sidebar, and I'll update it whenever a new species gets added. I especially like this type of count because I can count flyovers and birds that I can see off in the distance but who aren't really interested in my feeders.

I encourage all of my bird blog friends to participate in any and all of the counts I mentioned above, especially all of my fellow Ohio bird bloggers! If you would like to participate in the Northwest Nature Nuts February bird count, go over and give her a shout out so she knows your "playing." Mr. Titmouse here will keep an eye on you to make sure you're playing by the rules!

Talk to me!

Just a quick note: I've added a poll over in the sidebar, under then webcam. I've got tons of questions I'd like to ask you all, about all kinds of stuff, so keep your eyes peeled for a new poll each week. Each poll will be open for 1 week. I'll post the results at the conclusion of the week.

Thanks for your participation!

(P.S. Sorry for the wacky color of the text in the poll itself. It didn't look like that when I first put it up (of course!). I'll try working on a fix when I get a chance.)