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!!