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 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 sunrise to sunset count usually starts around 10:00 AM and ends around 3:30 PM or whenever the first team member has to be taken to the ER for treatment of hypothermia. There is also a possibility of joining a nighttime owling party. If interested ask your leader.
In non-Covid years, a fabulous Chili Feed accompanies the Tally Party, brought to you by the Anchorage Audubon Board that provides the chili and cornbread. Participants are invited to bring salads, side dishes, or desserts. Results from the day are tallied and displayed on the Jumbotron for all to see. In the past, this event has been held at the First Congregational Christian Church, and updates will be posted as the season approaches. We are fortunate to enjoy the generosity of this community in letting us rent their facility at a minimal cost.
If you wish to know more about the history and purpose of the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count check their website. If you have problems or questions about participating in the count, contact Louann Feldmann, Compiler and Coordinator for the Anchorage CBC, at info@anchorageaudubon.org.
COUNT CIRCLE MAP GOES HERE https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oXP5rxUH1i47C5jvApCrXqT5EV0&ll=61.162466912082465%2C-149.88040591953126&z=11
Area Leaders:
Area 1 Thede Tobish tgtljo@gmail.com
Area 2 Andrew Fisher mzeesamaki@gmail.com
Area 3 Tom Evans avocet@gci.net
Area 4 Dick Prentki dick.prentki@gmail.com
Area 5 Pat Pourchot ppourchot@gmail.com