The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) sponsored by the Audubon Society and Cornell University is one of several bird reporting counts conducted each year. While the tradition began on Christmas Day, it is now occurs for several weeks.
The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running survey. It is an annual tradition that began on Christmas Day, 1900 to replace a hunting tradition on Christmas Day to see who could hunt, kill and bring in the largest pile of birds. Frank Chapman, an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History and early officer the new Audubon Society, proposed to count birds during the holidays rather than hunting them. From the original twenty seven birders in 1900, this year 70,000 volunteer counters at more than 2400 locations from above the Artic Circle to southern most tip of South America are expected to participate.
Good Water member, Pam Goolsby, has participated for several years in the Christmas Bird Counts. She enjoys it because “you can bird until you drop.” She loves to hear what birds are being seen and that she has access to areas that are normally closed to the public. She says the data is useful in getting more up to date territorial maps for the individual bird species. An added benefit is the joy spending time with the fun, interesting and knowledgeable people who are participating.
Here is a list of the local Christmas Bird Counts:
Austin (TXAU) December 19
If you would like to participate in the Austin CBC, email [email protected] or visit the Austin CBC website.
Balcones Canyonlands (TXBC) December 14
Send an email to John and Cathy Harrington at [email protected] with questions or to participate and keep an eye on www.balconescbc.org for details on the count day.
Bastrop-Buescher State Park (TXBB) January 1
Email Shelia Hargis at [email protected] with questions or to register.
Georgetown-Andice (TXGT) December 17
Anyone wishing to participate should contact Jeff McIntyre at [email protected], 512-252-7314.
Granger (TXGR)
If you are interested in participating this year, please contact compiler Byron Stone at [email protected].
Lost Pines (TXLP) December 19
Special events and workshops are planned around the count, and the Hyatt Lost Pines offers special discounted rates for the nights of Dec. 15-24. Learn more about the count, special events, and accommodations.
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