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01/02/2009: "Christmas Bird Count - 109 Years of Audubon Counts"

"Set this date aside - Saturday, December 20th" said the press release, and indeed it was, for the first heavy snow and ice on the roads called for a later date of Saturday, Jan 3, 2009 to be set for the 2008 "Christmas Bird Count."

Every year’s count brings something different from climbing over downed trees after a big wind storm, watching a magnificent flight of Pacific Loons or maybe finding a flock of Western Bluebirds! There are many ways to participate like counting in your down your road or backyard where we really need your help or going out with a group for a good part of the day. You don’t have to be an expert but you do have to have enthusiasm for nature.

Even if you don’t count please let us know if you see any of these species the week of the count or let us know ahead of time so we can look for them: small hawks, mourning doves, owls, hummingbirds, sapsuckers, shrikes, jays, and western bluebirds. If you live on the shoreline we need your help with shorebirds and marine birds.

Many routes need better coverage so call today to see what we have for you. For more information and to join call: Barbara Jensen, 378-3068.





hundreds of people will choose a 24-hour time period during the holiday season to record every bird seen or heard in their designated 15-mile diameter circle - about 177 square miles. So why is this data important? Bird populations are indicators of the overall health of our environment.

As the database continues to grow and becomes long-term, it is possible to monitor the abundance and distribution patterns of wintering bird populations. If you go to Audubon’s website at: www.audubon.org/bird/cbc you can look at the results from our area, make charts, and look at trends for specific species.

Help us this year by giving Barb a call.