Wild River Christmas Bird Count Coming Up
December 16, 2006

<the following is from last year.>

The National Audubon Society calls upon volunteers everywhere to join with birders across the western hemisphere and participate in Audubon's longest-running winter-time tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This year, over 2,000 individual counts are scheduled to take place throughout the Americas from December 14, 2003 to January 5, 2004.

The Wild River Christmas Bird Count, held for over 25 years, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17th. We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church to get assigned to count areas. As with other years we have 24 hours to identify bird species and count the number of each species. As with other years, we encourage beginner birders to join the count. If you are a beginner, we will assign you with a veteran. It is a great opportunity to learn identification skills from a seasoned birder. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get out and do some hiking.

We will gather at the same church for the evening potluck and species tally at 5:00PM. If you can't make the count, bring a potluck item and join the fun. If you have questions or tips, call Tom Anderson at (651) 433-2427 (day) or (651) 462-7353 (night) or email .

Last year over 56,000 counters participated in Christmas bird counts. The Wild River Count generates nearly two dozen counters. The data, 100% volunteer generated, have become a crucial part of the U.S. Government's natural history monitoring database. Articles published in the 105th CBC issue of American Birds helped ornithologists better understand the effects of West Nile virus on regional bird populations. For the full story, visit www.audubon.org

Let's see if we can reach 45 species. . .a record for our local count! ! By the way the top count in the U.S. last year was a count in Matagorda County in Texas. They recorded 246 species! Come on let's give them a run!!

Tom