Bird’s-Eye View: Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count (December 19)

Posted by Sherezada on Nov 25, 2009

If you don’t think you can face another holiday weekend in a crowded shopping mall… then don’t. Treat yourself to a more meaningful gift than a new toy: a day of wildlife watching in the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore.

The annual Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count is held this year on December 19, and is one of the largest counts in North America. It’s part of the Audubon Society’s yearly bird count, when volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and 19 other countries in the Western Hemisphere conduct a census on local bird populations.

History of the Count

The Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 when a famed ornithologist, Frank Chapman, suggested an alternative to the seasonal "side" hunt, in which teams of hunters competed to see who could bring home the most game. Chapman proposed that rather than shooting the birds, they "hunt" them only with their eyes to identify, count, and record them.

More than 100 years later, tens of thousands of volunteers — from serious birders to curious children — brave the winter elements over the course of three weeks to record changes in resident populations and ranges. Scientists rely on this remarkable trend data to better understand how birds and the environment are faring throughout North America — and what needs to be done to protect them.

Count Yourself In

You can take part in this year’s count in Point Reyes (home of the Point Reyes Hostel), even if you’ve never gone bird watching before. New watchers join established groups — or field parties — that include at least one experienced birdwatcher, so new participants have a seasoned guide. Before you head out, you can also brush up on some birding basics on the Audubon Society’s website.

On the day of the count, each field party covers one specific area of a 15-mile diameter circle that defines the study area, counting every bird they see or hear. It’s not just a species tally — all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day.

Afterwards, watchers head to Point Reyes Station for a celebratory dinner at the Dance Palace, starting at 5:15 p.m. Compare notes with bird watchers from other teams while enjoying an organic meal by Pam Ferrari Catering, including pasta, seasonal salad, bread from local bakery Brick Maiden, other fresh-baked goods, and tea or coffee. Dinner is $12 in advance (before December 1), or $20 at the door.

The deadline to register for a preferred area in Point Reyes is December 1. Participants can still enroll after the deadline, but may not get their first choice of location.

Birds of a Feather

If you can’t make it to Point Reyes, you may be able to take part in one of the other bird counts happening between December 14, 2009 and January 5, 2009. Check the Audubon Society’s online directory to find a count happening near you.