The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a census of birds in the Western Hemisphere, performed annually in the early Northern-hemisphere winter by volunteer birdwatchers and administered by the National Audubon Society. The purpose is to provide population data for use in science, especially conservation biology, though many people participate for recreation.
The annual Christmas Bird Count is a fun way to get out and enjoy a little of what nature has to offer, while shaking off those mid winter “blahs” we from Anchorage face during the shortest days of the year. The Anchorage Audubon Society sponsors the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count each year on the first Saturday on or after the 14th of December. Anchorage traditionally has ranked near the top of all national counts for total number of counters in the field.
How to Participate in the Christmas Bird Count
If you are interested in joining the count this year, and have not participated in the past or want to change your area, please look at the below map to determine the area of your choice. Then email that area leader (see below) to sign up with your contact information, so s/he can get the necessary count day meeting information to you and help you choose a team. You no longer need to contact National Audubon ahead of time. We will be adding you as a participant on their site after the count. Please give your area leader as much contact information as possible in case we need to contact you for details on a bird sighting.
If you have participated in the past and want to remain in the same area, let your leader know. Unless otherwise notified, you can follow the same meeting procedure, etc. from past years.
The 2024 Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday, December 14th. The hours of the count are 10AM to 4PM plus any nighttime hours for owling. Remember that any unusual birds seen from December 11th through December 17th , count week, should be reported to your Area Leader immediately for confirmation.
To sign up, contact your Area Leader before December 7th for further instructions. If you have not participated in the past in your preferred area, you must contact your Area Leader at least one week before the count day to participate in that area. For information on which Area Leader is in charge of your preferred area, contact Louann Feldmann.
Our Tally Party Potluck/Chili Feed will be held as usual at First Congregational Church Anchorage, 2610 E. Northern Lights Blvd., from 5:45 to 8:30PM. AAS Board provides the chili and cornbread. Members are welcome to bring sides, e.g. salads and desserts. Remember to park in back and enter in back door.
AREA LEADERS:
Area 1: Thede Tobish
Area 2: Andrew Fisher
Area 3: Louann Feldmann
Area 4: Dick Prentki
Area 5: Pat Pourchot