Calling all birders: Time for Christmas Bird Count

This Anna’s hummingbird was photographed around Clear Lake by Vicki Miller during the 117th Annual Christmas Bird Count. (Photo courtesy audubon.org)

Tally feathered friends during 120th annual winter census

Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge … where? In Sacramento, it’s more likely four mallard ducks, three Canadian geese, two American crows and a Steller’s jay in an oak tree.

Carolers aren’t the only ones who count birds on Christmas Day.

It’s time for the Christmas Bird Count, an annual census of our feathered friends.

This is the 120th annual Christmas Bird Count, hosted by the Audubon Society. Fudging around the holidays, the Christmas count actually can be completed any time between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, but each site is wrapped up in one day.

Counting is a group effort, with coordinators assigned to specific areas known to attract a lot of migrating birds. Each compiler is responsible for coordinating the count in a 15-mile circle, staffed by volunteers.

In an all-day effort, the volunteers count every bird they see along an established route in the designated circle.

California hosts 120 Christmas Bird Count locations. Anyone who would like to participate is asked to contact the coordinator directly via email. For a map with links, click here:

https://gis.audubon.org/CBCExplorer/

Beginning birdwatchers are welcome. First-timers will be paired with more experienced birders.

Details and more links:

https://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count#