A White Rosy-finch Spotted!
A white rosy-finch? This bird is leucistic, a condition that results in the partial loss of pigmentation. Volunteer Rob Tolley has been graced by this special rosy-finch—which we believe is a Black Rosy-finch—at his Wyoming home. Image ©Rob Tolley
Reminder: Second Survey Window Ends this Saturday
Thank you to our wonderful community scientists! Don’t forget to conduct your second round of Feeder Counts by this Saturday, January 9, 2021. Our third count window runs January 10 – 30.
“I missed a survey window or want to join late, can I still participate?”
Yes! We will still accept surveys and encourage you to join us. Visit the Rosy-finch Project website to Schedule Your Feeder Count days.
Rosy-finch Radio
Listen in to Utah Public Radio’s story about our project “Researchers Use Citizen Science To Study Elusive Birds.”
When community scientist Kathy Lichtendahl and her husband moved to a remote part of Wyoming in the early 1990's, the most common question from friends and family was "What do you DO all day?" Surrounded by the natural world, Kathy explores our human connection to the environment through her podcast. In December’s edition, she shares her experience seeing her first rosy-finch in the Tetons and her contributions on the project in her podcast, have a listen here!
Rosy-finch Rewards Winners
Laura Gee, Salt Lake City, Utah
“I’m a mother and writer living in Salt Lake City. During pre-pandemic times, I participated in many in-person volunteer activities, such as tutoring and making meals for the homeless. After the coronavirus arrived in Utah, I started looking for some way to volunteer safely. Volunteering with the Rosy-finch study is my first experience as a citizen scientist. I’m enjoying it, and I will likely volunteer for future research studies that depend on community members to collect data.”
Steven Heinrich, Castle Valley, Utah
“My first exposure to rosy-finches was about 30 years ago. I was wintering in Slickrock, Colorado and a small flock of brown-capped birds ate at my feeder. Fast forward 25 years, a friend mentioned seeing a flock of Black Rosy-finches in Castle Valley, Utah. I began looking for them in the winter on the LaSal Mountains and 3 years ago was surprised by a flock of about 150 birds in the desert below the Book Cliffs. I was hooked! Last winter I hit the jackpot a couple thousand feet above Castle Valley with observations of the full bouquet of all three rosy-finch species, including the Hepburn’s! It’s so exciting to be involved with such an amazing group of people, and to contribute to a greater understanding of the Rosy-Finches.”
Two Black Rosy-finches from Steve’s local flock in Grand County, Utah. © Steven Heinrich
Resources
Don’t forget, as soon as you finish your survey, please email a scan or photo of your datasheet to: rosyfinchstudy@gmail.com
Don’t forget the Count Guide is your resource for everything you need to know to be successful in your Feeder Counts. Digital copies of the Count Guide and data sheets are on the website under “Resources for Community Scientists.” The 2020-2021 Training is available to watch or reference on YouTube.
Join the Facebook Group to share stories, photos, and ask questions! We love what people are sharing!
It's Not Too Late to Get Involved: If you know others who may be interested, they can sign up here. You can also visit our website to learn more. Don’t forget you can also submit Opportunistic Counts at your favorite feeders!