[Mnbird] Christmas Bird Counts

Steve Weston sweston2 at comcast.net
Thu Dec 10 01:56:43 CST 2015


Join us for the 116th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.  We will have 76
CBC's in Minnesota from December 14th through January 4th.  For a map and
calendar of Minnesota's counts visit the MOU website:
http://moumn.org/CBC/index.php .  You can find out the when and where of
the counts.

If you have participated, you know how rewarding it can be.  Some of the
birds that I have personally found include:  Harlequin Duck, Snowy Owl,
Long-tailed Duck, Varied Thrush, Townsend's Solitaire, Tufted Titmouse (in
Anoka Co.), Long-eared Owl, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Towhee, Iceland Gull.
There are many other good birds that I have seen, but these are all birds
that I found that were unexpected and had not been reported earlier.

If you are an experienced birder, we want you!  If you don't know your
birds, but like birding, we want you!  On my first count I turned to my
experienced companion and said, "I really don't know my birds well."  He
responded, "You find them, I'll ID them!  I can't hear most of them, but
with your ears, we'll find a lot more."  I remember one morning that I had
two high school students who were with me because their science teacher
offered them extra credit to participate.  In the first half hour we had a
Gyrfalcon and an Iceland Gull.  I turned to them and explained, "You
probably don't realize how good those birds are, but 90% of the serious
birders in the country, who keep track of every bird they see, have never
seen both of these!"  They were excited.

So many counts, which should you choose?  Some counts are essentially
filled and turn away people (Cedar Creek Bog and Pine Co. come to mind),
although counts that are filled don't usually tell me.  Some counts
(Sax/Zim & Isabella) only have room for people who are interested in going
into the back country on skis or snowshoes.  But, most counts, if you get
to them early enough will find room for locals.  Some of the outstate
counts are done by just a few people and have areas that are just not done.

Here are some counts that are looking for more people:
Rice Lake NWWR  on Thursday 12/17. Participants will meet at the
Schoolhouse Cafe in McGregor between 7:30  and 8:00 a.m. to coordinate.
Grand Rapids on Sunday 12/20 can use 3-5 more participants
Bluestem Prairie/Buffalo River (Saturday 1/2) has just 6 participants and
would welcome anyone.
Bloomington (Saturday 12/19) had some openings last I heard.  I have one
seat in my car available, but you have to be willing to hike some trails.
Hastings (Saturday 12/26) has some room at least in my car.
Wabasha (Saturday 1/2).  I have room in my car for one and there are
other opportunities.
Albert Lea (date not set).  After 43 years, this count is not happening
unless someone goes.
If I hear of others, I will get back to you all.

Steve Weston
On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN
sweston2 at comcast.net
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