The head’s-up for this year’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) may seem a little early but the actual date will be here before you know it. I received a recent email from Chris Krintzline, local birding expert and our “Circle’s” official Compiler (more on that later) announcing that this year’s CBC will occur on December 16, 2023.
As you may (or may not) know, the National Audubon Society sponsors the annual CBC to allow local amateur and seasoned birders to go afield within their “Circle” on a specific day to identify how many and what kind of bird species they can identify. This information is used by the Audubon Society to determine long-term trends in bird populations.
A Circle is a 15-mile geographical area that is assigned by the Audubon Society, based on the location of a Compiler. The Compiler of a Circle is responsible for assigning participants and also to compile and report data turned in by each participant in the CBC for their Circle.
Depending on your abilities as a birder, Krintzline may pair a less experienced participant up with a seasoned birder for the CBC. Additionally, you may simply watch your own bird feeder at your home and take part in the CBC. If you wish to participate, you will need to contact Krintzline at [email protected], prior to December 16th, in order for your observations to be officially logged. If you wish to read further into this subject, check out the following link: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
This webpage will speak to the history of the CBC and everything else you would need to know to decide whether and how to become involved in this year’s CBC.
~ Rick Hassinger, Wildlife Specialist
If you have further questions, feel free to contact Rick at (419) 447-7073.
