Date: 11/7/24 6:25 pm From: Ann Hepenstal via groups.io <annhep...> Subject: [pen-bird] Christmas Bird Counts in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties: Dec 15, 16, 28 and Jan 4!
It's the 125th year of the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count, a nationwide community science program, and you're invited to join in. The Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance will sponsor 4 "Count Circles" as part of the count, and we’re welcoming birders of all experience levels to join this year’s effort.
During the Christmas Bird Count (which does not occur on Christmas Day!), teams of people cover the 15-mile diameter "Count Circle" and count the number of individuals of each species of bird seen within that team's assigned territory. Most teams use eBird to track their sightings, so you're likely already familiar with most of the protocols!(Hint: this is a great excuse to go out birding, because it's for science!)
If you've helped with one of the CBC Count Circles in prior years, reach out to your team leader or to the count circle organizer if you've not been contacted yet. If you're new, contact the organizer for the count you wish to join (see below), and they'll help to find an assignment for you.
We need volunteers for tasks including: organize people into teams, lead a birding group in the field, run the eBird tracker, identify birds, document special sightings with photos, or simply to spot and point out birds!
December 15 (Sunday) - San Jose Count Circle, Mike Azevedo <geochelone...>
December 16 (Monday) - Palo Alto Count Circle, Ann Hepenstal organizer; Al Eisner, compiler <paloaltocbc...> range from part of San Mateo County into Santa Clara County
December 28 (Saturday) - Morgan Hill/Calero Count Circle, Rick Herder <rick.herder...>
January 4 (Saturday) - Mt. Hamilton Count Circle, Bob Hirt <bobhirt...>
And--you can learn more about the CBC and participating at a free, in-person workshop on Saturday, December 7, 10-11:30am at McClellan Ranch in Cupertino with Mike Azevedo from the San Jose Count Circle. This workshop is perfect for birders new to the CBC, as well as experienced CBC participants who want to learn more or get more comfortable with the process. We’ll learn about the data we collect on the CBC, the planning that goes into organizing an event that involves more than 200 birders across our county, and doing some practice counting in the ranch’s restored meadow habitat. Register here: https://scvbirdalliance.org/event-calendar/special-event-intro-to-the-cbc
thanks!Annemail <paloaltocbc...> to get connected to a CBC team
