Congrats to Dave Hallock and his birding volunteers for 30 years of census work in the Indian Peaks. They celebrated yesterday with a lunch at Nederland’s Kathmandu Restaurant. It all started in 1981 with a Christmas bird count. Not many birds, so Dave and his group decided to do the count four times per year, one for each season. They expanded the count areas to seven, currently led by • Bill Kaempfer—Ward North • Steve Jones—North Fork • Mike Figgs and Nan Lederer—Brainard Lake • Linda Andes-Georges—Niwot Ridge and South St. Vrain • Marty Dick—Sugarloaf • Jim and Carol Holitza—Rollinsville • Paula Hansley—Rainbow Lakes
So 30 years, four counts per year equals 120 counts. (Bill Kaempfer has been involved in 118 of those counts.) This sort of devoted, long- term field ornithology is extraordinary. From this mountain of data Dave is working on a summary report. In his remarks at the lunch Dave said that one sometimes hears that you should “get a life.” He said that his group has found it, doing something they enjoy that is worthwhile, despite the challenges of difficult terrain and weather. The discipline of counting what you see and comparing year to year has added an enjoyable dimension to their hobby, and has made a big contribution to field ornithology. Census work is not for everyone, and young people are needed to carry it on, but for Dave and his faithful band, it has been a remarkable record of field ornithology in the beautiful Indian Peaks. Dave always needs volunteers, so if you would like to get involved in the Indian Peaks bird count, please contact him at [email protected]. Here are a few photos of some bluebirds from yesterday’s count near Ward, and Dave with some of his volunteers at the K-K-K-K-K-Kathmandu in Nederland. (In the group photo Dave is at the lower left corner.) http://twilberding.zenfolio.com/p834118889/slideshow Thanks, Dave & crew, keep up the good work! Tom Wilberding (sometime volunteer) Boulder, County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
