The 106th CBC is here

Dudes and Dudettes. The Christmas Bird Count is upon us. This event is the oldest and most prominent of winter bird projects. The CBC began as a non-lethal alternative to the competitive hunting that was common on Christmas. Frank M. Chapman, a curator at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and one of the founders of the National Audubon Society, encouraged bird lovers to go out and count as many birds as they could find, instead of shooting them (genius!). Over time, these counts became more organized so that the Christmas bird counts developed into a nationwide bird census.

This will be my second year participating in the count. Last year, (during breaks between Finals) I was among the farmlands of Adams County, Pa with JW. Yes, we saw lots of moo cows, goats, cats, chickens and rows of deer skulls. All Pennsylvania farmers pride themselves on how many deer they’ve hunted that season. We had a great time invading Rusty’s farm sanctuary and helping ourselves with some hor'dourves at the Strawberry Hill Farm, all in the name of birds. This year, I will be among the DC birder folks. Anyone interested? I know that during the winter months, birding is slowed down in this area. However, if you are in the coastal areas, you’re in for some viewing pleasures if you care to fight the wind. Although the bird count probably skews towards more experienced and active birders, people of all age and skill levels are welcome to contribute. I know very little about birds. (JW can attest to that!) If I had patience with fishing, I figured birding can’t be that much harder. The event was quite enjoyable, nonetheless. I had on one hand a borrowed bird handbook with some data sheets and on the other hand my Nikon binoculars. As I recalled (or I still have the list, dork!), we saw and recorded Canada geese, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawk, mourning dove, woodpeckers (I forget which kinds), mockingbirds (thanx for pointing that out Rusty), chickadees, blue jays, crows, starlings (ugh!), sparrows (I forget which kind), lots of juncos, red-winged blackbird, many cow birds and a tufted titmouse. Yes, we saw a tit-mouse, a tufted one. Photo at right.

This winter, the Christmas Bird Count period runs from December 14th to January 5th.
In the Washington, DC area, there are multiple bird counts. Here is a list of counts in Maryland. The DC count is this Saturday December 17th. Virginia is here . (Kudos to the DC Audubon)

The CBC is an attempt to measure the wintering population of each species across North America and in specific regions. While not a perfect census, the data gathered can be useful for establishing broad historical trends. We can see which species are declining, which are increasing, and how wintering ranges shift. We can’t make any legislative changes/protections until we count the beaks of these egg-laying vertebrates. So put down that beer. Get off the couch and look at your backyard, and if you’re adventurous, step outside. Good. Now walk a few steps. Good. Look around, tally, and bring a friend. Then come Sunday, crack a new can of Bud Lite and treat yourself to a Redskins game on TiVo. Those who are going to the game at FedEx Fields, enjoy. Don't forget the CBC!