Date: 12/03/09
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

WINTER BIRD COUNTS

As winter is upon us, some of us are counting down to Christmas, but wildlife enthusiasts will soon be counting something else. Bird watchers of all ages have a chance to count the birds during two events taking place through the winter season.

The Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society, is an annual event that starts Dec. 14 runs until Jan. 5, 2010. This is part of a “citizen science” program, where average citizens can contribute data to a scientific study on the populations of birds across the U. S. People will be going out to different sites in the area in which they live, and looking for birds. Then all of the birds that are viewed will be identified and their numbers counted. With the information collected, scientists can detect increases or decreases in the populations of various bird species. They can also tell if species are moving.

Margie Klein, wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said “Population trends and extensions or limits in range can be mapped from the Christmas Bird Count numbers. The difference in numbers from one year to the next can be due to a number of factors, such as the loss of habitat, or changes in environmental conditions."

The Christmas Bird Count, or CBC, started in 1900. Last year, citizens counted over 65 million birds in locations across the country. In Southern Nevada, the local chapter of Audubon, Red Rock Audubon Society, will be hosting several birding field trips:

• Dec 17th: Henderson, Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Leader: Je Anne Branca, 702-451-6843.
• Dec 18th: Ash Meadows, Friday 6:00a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Leader: Carl Lundblad, (775) 372-5435 or email carl_lundblad@fws.gov.
• Dec 19th: Corn Creek, Saturday 6:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Leader: John Hiatt, 702-361-1171.
• Dec 26th: Muddy River, Saturday 6:30a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Leader Bruce Lund, email blund@mvdsl.com.

There will be a $5 fee per person per bird count participated in, which will be used to cover the cost of compiling data and printing your name in the CBC report entitled American Birds. Be sure to make a reservation with the appropriate outing leader so that the group can plan accordingly.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.