Many of you have participated in this fun annual event in the past.
We hope, if you haven’t done so before, you’ll give it a try! The
Christmas Bird Count is a nationwide Audubon Society event that began
in 1900 as an alternative to shooting birds. Here is a link
https://www.audubon.org/conservation/history-christmas-bird-count that
gives lots of additional information about the history and importance
of the count.
You do NOT have to be an experienced birder to participate since we’ll
insure that team leaders do have the experience to make accurate
identifications. Nor do you have to be a member of the bird club; all
are welcome, so spread the word. Having an extra pair of eyes to spot
a bird is extremely helpful. Furthermore every team needs someone to
record and to count as that flock of Pinon Jays flies over!! These
are very important roles.
You need to be prepared for whatever the weather brings and to expect
a relatively fast pace as the goal is to count all the birds seen in
our count area during that day starting at dawn. If your bird
feeders are located within the count circle it is also possible for
you to be a feeder counter and sit in the coziness of your home!
If you plan to join or have any further questions please contact
Sally Waterhouse (email: smwaterh@owu.edu or phone/text 740-816-9556)
If you have participated in the count before and
know the specific team/area you prefer, please let her know.
Happy Birding!!
Many GARNA programs require a Liability Release Form be filled out each calendar year.
Your registration is secured upon receipt of payment, as long as there space is still available in a program. If you prefer not to register online (recommended), you may mail a check, made out to “GARNA” to the address below or stop by the office. Please include a note with the program you are registering for. Be aware, some programs sell out quickly, and we cannot confirm your spot with a mailed registration.
PO Box 1522
Salida CO 81201
Cancellation policy:
If we are notified of your need to cancel by 24 hours of program date, your program fee will be refunded except for a $3.00 administrative fee. No refunds within 24 hours or after the event (but most events are transferable). If minimum enrollment has not been met 2 days before program date, programs will be cancelled and we will refund the full amount.
