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MONTROSE, Colo. – Hawk-eyed volunteers across the country will brave the winter weather to count birds during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which takes place Dec. 14, 2015, through Jan. 5, 2016. Birders and nature enthusiasts take part in this tradition, because they enjoy participating in the longest running wildlife census on the planet.

Each year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count mobilizes more than 70,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere, harnessing the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that professional scientists could never accomplish alone. Data compiled by volunteers records every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, and contributes to a vast citizen science network that is part of a tradition stretching back more than 100 years. 

Each of the citizen scientists who annually brave snow, wind, or rain to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes a contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations like the BLM use data collected in this census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds, the excitement of friendly competition, and an understanding of the importance of science and conservation. 

The count takes place within Count Circles, which focus on specific geographical areas. Each circle is overseen by a Count Compiler. Count circles will be divided and areas assigned to participants at the meeting time and place below.  If you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. 

In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeder.

The counts will take place on:

Saturday, Dec. 19, in Delta
Please meet at 8 a.m. in the Delta City Market parking lot to receive maps, data sheets and directions for conducting surveys. Contact Amy Seglund at 970-252-6014 or amy.seglund@state.co.us if you are interested in participating or need additional information.

Sunday, Dec. 20, in Montrose
Please meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Montrose Public Lands Center parking lot, 2465 S. Townsend Ave. The bird count continues until the circle is done or until dusk.  All data needs to be returned to the leader by the end of the day.  Contact Missy Siders at 970-240-5332 or msiders@blm.gov.

Sunday, Dec. 20, in Gunnison
Please meet at 7:30 a.m. at Western State College Campus in Hurst Hall, Room 130 to get organized. A chili potluck is at 5:30 p.m. that evening to compile results. Be prepared for winter conditions. Contact Arden Anderson at 970-641-5322 the week before the count if there are any questions.  All data needs to be returned to the leader by the end of the day, or make other arrangements with the leader.

Saturday, Jan. 5, in Hotchkiss
Please meet at 8 a.m. in the Hotchkiss City Market parking lot to break into groups. For more information contact Jason Beason at 970-310-5117 orjason.beason@birdconservancy.org. Jason would like to hear from everyone that plans on helping with the count, but it isn’t necessary to participate.

All volunteers need to bring warm clothes (dress for weather), snack and/or lunch, drinks, binoculars, spotting scope (if you have one) and bird identification books. Volunteers are provided maps of birding areas, checklists of birds that might be seen and additional instructions.

For more information about CBC participation, visit Audubon's website at http://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count  and click on the "Join the Christmas Bird Count" link half way down the page.  For additional information on local efforts call the numbers listed above or Jon Horn of Black Canyon Audubon, 970-249-6761, extension 14.