The Christmas snowfall added to the enjoyment of nature in the 2008 Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas snowfall added to the enjoyment of nature in the 2008 Christmas Bird Count

By Barbara Jensen

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place for the 110th consecutive year this Saturday, Dec. 19.

Participating in this great event is a wonderful way to kick off the Holidays. Besides walking around in the snow and climbing over downed trees after a big wind storm you may be the first one to record Western Bluebirds for the count!

You don’t necessarily have to go out with a group – you could count birds on your road with your neighbors or by yourself or with your family in you own yard or on your property. So spend part or all of the day with great people counting birds You don’t have to be an expert but you do have to have enthusiasm for nature.

Please let us know if you see any of these species the week of the count or let us know ahead of time so we can look for them: small hawks, mourning doves, owls, hummingbirds, sapsuckers, shrikes, jays, and western bluebirds. If you live on the shoreline, we need your help with shorebirds and marine birds

Many routes need better coverage so call to see what we have for you. For more information, call 378-3068. To join on Orcas, call Kim Middleton at 317-5605.