What: The Christmas Bird Count is the oldest continuous wildlife census in existence. Started in 1900 (1906 for Minnesota) it has been performed without interruption for 107 seasons. Last year 57,851 people participated in 2052 different census circles in the hemisphere. Over 69 million birds of 1894 species were counted. Here in Minnesota, 73 count circles are currently active and over 1,000 people will participate. Last year, Minnesota tallied 361,466 birds of 139 species. Why: The data collected on the CBC is extremely useful due to the longevity of the count and the number of locations that participate. It provides researchers with a snapshot of bird population levels and distribution that can be used to trend changes to the population or changes to the range of the birds. This year, researchers at the National Audubon Society published a report documenting the drastic declines in populations of many common birds. This publication derived its data from the Christmas Bird Count and Breeding Bird Survey data. With the changes facing avian populations in the world today (climate change, habitat loss, urban sprawl, agricultural monoculture, reduced conservation funding, and pollution to name a few) accurate information on the population dynamics and levels is perhaps more important than at any previous time in history. Additionally, it is a great way to spend a day birding, learn about your area (or some other area in the state), make friends, and appreciate warm liquids. Finally, we can't let Montana beat us. In last years CBC the only Northern Hawk Owl found in the lower 48 was found in Glacier National Park in Northwest Montana (that was reported to Audubon). This is only the 3rd year in the last 10 that Minnesota has not reported a Northern Hawk Owl. One year we recorded 21 and in 2 other years we recorded 18 each year. Who: The CBC is conducted by volunteers. People like you. Expert birders and novice birders and everyone in-between. Where: Currently there are 73 count circles spread throughout the state. No matter where you live in the state a census is occurring relatively near to you. An interactive map showing the locations and much more information is available here: http://cgreiner.com/cbc/locations_map.php. If you care to watch birds and not computer screens contact me at the email/phone/address below and I will find you a count. When: The censuses are all conducted between December 14, 2007 and January 5, 2008. The a calendar of the counts is available here http://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php How: Each count is a census of all the birds found within a 15 mile diameter circle during a single day in the count period. The census compiler decides how the count is performed and tabulates the results at the end. The participants simply count the birds and document rarities. Participants are needed to canvas the area and count every bird they see. This can be performed on foot, in a car, in a boat, on a snowmobile, riding horseback, or skiing (or anything else, check with the local compiler first). Additional participants who can't or don't wish to canvas the area may stay nice and warm and watch feeders for the day. If you can't dedicate a whole day check with the compiler of the count perhaps you could help in other ways. To participate simply contact the census compiler available for each location here http://cgreiner.com/cbc/locations_map.php (just click on the circle and go to the location page) or in the calendar here http://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php (just click on the name of the count). Finally if you prefer, just contact me at any of the addresses below. Thank you, Carl Carl Greiner M.O.U CBC Coordinator 1616 Hill St. S.W. Chatfield, MN. 55923 507-271-8286 cgreiner at mchsi.com <blocked::mailto:cgreiner at mchsi.com> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20071203/cea7e381/attachment-0001.html
