Two bald eagles were spotted near Lake Catoma in 2016. / Photo by Don Berman, courtesy of www.audubon.org
CULLMAN COUNTY – If you’re looking for something different to do with a little of your Christmas season, consider an idea that is, literally, for the birds.
The National Audubon Society is calling for birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts to participate in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, the Cullman Christmas Bird Count will take place in a “count circle,” which will be centered on the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 278 and have a diameter of 15 miles. Groups of volunteers will be sent out to various locations to note information about birds they see or hear.
According to the Alabama Ornithological Society, “The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the oldest and largest citizen science event in the world. For over a hundred years, people have gathered during the winter holiday season to identify and count birds. In the process, they have created a vast pool of bird data that is a valuable source of information on the status and distribution of early winter bird populations.
“Parties of birders are assigned to different parts of a count circle 15 miles in diameter, often centered around an important natural area, such as a state park or wildlife refuge, to identify and count all birds seen or heard from dawn to dusk. Afterwards, birders convene at a central location for the compilation. There are currently 10 active count circles in Alabama and over 2,000 nationwide. Birders of all skill levels are welcome and needed.
“Typically, you’ll need binoculars (for sure), a spotting scope (if you have one) and lunch (depending on where you are). If you’d like to participate but can’t stay the whole day, it’s often possible to make arrangements to do that through the count leader.”
For the Cullman area bird count, volunteers are asked to meet at 6:30 a.m. at Culpepper Real Estate, located at 601 Seventh Ave. SW, near the post office. At noon, counters will meet back at Culpepper Real Estate to compare results. An afternoon search will focus on species not found in the morning count. The day-long event will conclude at 5 p.m. at Karma’s Coffee House 103 First Ave. NE.
From the Alabama Ornithological Society:
“We hope you’ll consider helping out with a count; they are lots of fun and a great way to further develop your birding skills and connect with our birding community. Additionally, if you’re into photography, your skills could really come in handy, as photos are often important for confirming identification of rare or unusual birds, not to mention documenting nature’s beauty and promoting CBCs, citizen science and birding/nature study in general.”
At a glance:
National Audubon Society annual Cullman Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, Dec. 17, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Meet at Culpepper Real Estate, 601 Seventh Ave. SW at 6:30 a.m. and noon
Finish at Karma’s Coffee House, 103 First Ave. NE at 5 p.m.
Bring binoculars, spotting scope and camera if available, lunch if desired
For more information or to sign up, contact event coordinator Vince Meleski at 256-739-4589, or email vmeleski@charter.net.
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