Sault Naturalists relaunch birder hotline

After a brief time out of service, the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan have relaunched their Border Birder Hotline.

The number for phoning in significant bird observations is (705) 256-2790.

The following is the full text of the club's announcement:

******************************************************************** Sault Naturalists invite you to call the Border Birder Hotline

(705)-256-2790

The Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan have launched their Border Birder Hotline.

The hotline first began in 1994 as a method of recording signifcant bird observations in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario/Michigan and the surrounding area.

It soon gained popularity amongst novice, intermediate and long-time birders and has helped to define and promote the birding community.

After a brief lapse in its operation, the Hotline is now up and running with a new format that is slightly different than its previous version.

This new format is designed to save time and long-distance costs and yet still provides users with the ability to listen to recent observations, record their observations, and/or ask questions related to bird identification, bird habitats, bird feeding techniques and general bird facts.

The Sault Naturalists have published "A Birder's Guide to the Sault Ste. Marie Border Area" and a checklist of the birds for the "Sault Ste. Marie Area".

Copies of each can be obtained through the hotline.

Recent sightings of note in this area, for the beginning of December, include Gyrfalcon, Harlequin Duck, Bald Eagle and Northern Flicker.

According to Time Magazine, bird watching is one of the world's fastest-growing outdoor recreational pursuits, outpacing golf and rivaling gardening, and Northern Ontario has some of the best bird habitat and viewing locations in Canada to enjoy this pastime.

The Sault Naturalists is an international club with about 150 members.

Our objective is to provide members with a common meeting ground for exchange of ideas and for broadening their knowledge and understanding of natural science.

We seek to promote the appreciation, preservation, and conservation of our natural heritage and to support other organizations with similar goals.

The group holds outings and events throughout the year that the public is welcome to attend.

The Annual Christmas Bird Count will be happening this Saturday, December 14th.

Birders all over the Sault will be out counting every bird they find.

Those interested in participating can contact Don Wilshere at 946-3393 to arrange a bird count party.

For more information on becoming a member of the Sault Naturalists, contact Ron Prickett at (705)-254-1533.