|
Join the 117th annual Audubon Christmas Bird
Count |
|
December 7, 2016 |
 |
Boundary County is where we call home. It is
that time of year to count another group that
also calls it home. It is time to survey our
feathered friends. No matter the weather,
volunteers will start in the first light of the
day to begin counting.
From the Chickadee at the feeder, the Dipper in
the creek to the Red Tail Hawk soaring up above.
Our goal is to get a count of the birds that
winter in the greater Bonners Ferry area.
This is the 117th annual Christmas Bird Count
sponsored by the Audubon Society and gives the
chance for local birders (bird watchers) to be
part of a world-wide citizen science program.
Each year, birders track every bird they can see
or hear within a seven one-half mile radius of
downtown Bonners Ferry, to help provide an early
winter snapshot of bird populations.
With the efforts of the Boundary County group
new species have been added to the winter list,
along with a few that should have left but
didn’t. We always have hundreds of Crows, Ravens
and Canada Geese to count, along with the Wild
Turkeys that eluded the fall hunt.
Count day for Boundary County has been set for
Wednesday, December 28. Those interested will
meet at The Badger’s Den Restaurant for a
no-host breakfast at 6 a.m. Guidelines will be
discussed and those in attendance will break
into groups for the count.
Each group will be led by an experienced birder,
so new or amateur birders are welcome to join
the process. More eyes mean more birds can be
counted.
This year, we would like those with bird feeders
in their yards to take a larger part than in the
past. If you live within the count area and have
an active bird feeder in your yard, please
contact us! You can either tally the birds that
come to your feeder that day and provide us a
count, or we can come count for you. Let us
know.
Bird feeders are an important part of the count,
as a variety of species can feed in one place.
You can always help by just putting out feed a
few days beforehand and again that day. Fill
those feeders!
A gathering will take place at the end of the
day, at Chic ‘n Chop, to combine our counts and
find out what the other groups have spotted. Did
someone find a gull or maybe a Snow Goose? How
many turkeys did we find this year?
There is no cost to participate. We just ask
that you come prepared for the weather, dress
appropriately, bring snacks and drinks, and
bring binoculars and a bird identification book
if you have them.
Pre-registration is encouraged as this helps
coordinators determine the number of groups and
leaders needed. For more information or to
pre-register email
bfbirdcount@gmail.com or contact Kathy at
(208)267-8295.
Thank you! We hope to see you at the count. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
