Audubon Christmas Bird Count returns to Sonoma Valley

Final sign-up is underway for Sonoma Valley’s fourth Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count slated for Friday, Jan. 2, from dawn to dusk, rain or shine. An orientation meeting for adults interested in participating will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center in room 109. Participants must sign up by Wednesday, Dec. 24. Over 30 organized birding teams will cover the 15-mile-diameter circle for this annual “citizen science” event.
Small working teams of four to seven observers typically include advanced, intermediate and beginning birders along with a recorder and spotter. The teams work off a common bird list of anticipated species that are influenced by the habitat, water, elevation and the food source. The teams scout established routes in search of local, migrating and wintering bird species. Sonoma Birding now has three years of data that help guide the 30-plus birding teams. The ground rules for all CBCs in the United States are the same. The event is monitored by National Audubon and vetted by California Audubon. Darren Peterie and Tom Rusert of sonomabirding.org are the official compilers for this event.
At the end of the day, a potluck tabulation dinner will be celebrated at the Sonoma Community Center from 5 to 8 p.m. This year, chef Gary Edwards and Slow Foods members will assist with the dinner. Talented nonbirding foodies are invited to help with the potluck event.
Separately, on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  Sonoma Birding will sponsor the second annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids, which includes a potluck luncheon and a special presentation by Sonoma County Bird Rescue with live birds present. This educational birding event is geared for families with children ages 7-14.
A $5 CBC enrollment fee is required by Audubon for all participants on Jan. 2. Interested birders must sign up no later than Wednesday, Dec. 24.  Visit sonomabirding.org or phone 707.939.8007 to volunteer to assist with the event or select a birding area for team placement.