Events

Newsletter

Blog

Birding

Contact Us

Barn Beach Reserve

Home

Audubon's Annual Christmas Bird Count

Each year, from December 14 to January 5, the National Audubon Society’s longest-running wintertime tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC), takes place throughout the Americas. The data collected by observers over the past century are extremely valuable, allowing researchers, conservation biologists, and interested individuals to monitor the long-term status of North American birds. Count results from 1900 to the present are available through Audubon's website.

During the 112th CBC (2011-12), thousands of volunteers of all skill levels are expected to take part in this census of birds. As noted on the Audubon website, there is a specific methodology to the CBC, but everyone can participate. The count takes place within "Count Circles", which focus on specific 15 mile (24 km)- diameter geographic areas. Each circle is led by a Count Compiler, so if you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, then you can stay home and report birds that visit your feeder, once you have arranged to do so with the Count Compiler. There is a $5 fee for adults to participate in field counts; feeder watchers are free, as are children 18 and younger. Check out the Audubon CBC FAQs for more details.

Dates and contact info for the counts within our North Central Washington region are listed below (as well as in the December Wild Phlox and on our facebook page). To find other CBC count circles, in Washington state or elsewhere across the country, the National Audubon Society website should have those listed soon.

Join a Christmas Bird Count and become a Citizen Scientist in your area this year!

CHELAN
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Steve Easley
Meet @ 7 AM at the Apple Cup Cafe, 804 E. Woodin Ave., Chelan, for breakfast and to receive assignments.
Afterwards: meet @ 4:45 PM in the banquet room of the Apple Cup cafe for dinner and to compile results.

GRAND COULEE
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
David St. George
Meet at 7:00am at Flo’s Café, 316 Spokane Way, Grand Coulee
Afterwards: meet at 4:30 PM at Pepper Jack's Bar and Grill, 113 Midway Ave., Grand Coulee, to compile results.

LEAVENWORTH
Sunday, December 18, 2011 (PLEASE NOTE: this is the correct date: it was changed after the Phlox went to press.)
Karen Haire or Gretchen Rohde
Birding parties will be determined before the count day, so please contact Karen or Gretchen ahead of time.
Afterwards: potluck dinner at 4:30 PM, Barn Beach Reserve Sunroom, 347 Division St., Leavenworth, to tabulate the day's counts.

OKANOGAN/OMAK
Monday, January 2, 2012
Heather Findlay (509) 429-8167 or Gordon Kent (509) 422-6116
Meet @ 6:45 AM at Heather and Todd's house.
Afterwards: 4:30 PM at Heather and Todd's house for a chili feed and to tally results and tell stories.

TWISP
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Leahe Swayze (509) 997-2549
Meet @ 7 AM (6:30 AM if you want breakfast) at the Hoot Owl Cafe, 123 N. Glover St., Twisp.
Afterwards: Potluck dinner at 5:30 PM (Leahe will provide soup)to tally the counts.

WENATCHEE
Sunday, January 1, 2012 (the 50th Wenatchee CBC!!)
Dan Stephens (509) 679-4706 or (509) 782-4890
Birding parties will be determined before the count day, so please contact Dan as soon as possible.
Afterwards: chili feed at the Nature Conservancy office to compile results.