The Christmas Bird Count for Kids (CBC4Kids) on January 18 is a fun, family-friendly winter bird count event to celebrate our feathered friends while engaging youth and their families in the popular sport of birding.
This is the eight year that Sonoma Birding has offered this half day holiday event that has now spread across North America in over 100 locations.
On Sunday, January 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., experienced birders will lead small teams of 4-6 kids (ages 8-16), along with one parent per youngster, on a assigned route. The predetermined routes and habitats are located throughout the town of Sonoma. Each team, following registration, team assignment and binocular boot camp, will set out on a ninety minute observation hike, recording all the bird species observed and the total number counted by the team, on a checklist provided.
Teams will return to the Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa Street, for a festive tabulation celebration where kids representing each birding team will present their tally results to the assembled audience. There will also be a “Budding Birders Camp” (ages 4-7) with a range of birding activities including a short discovery bird walk provided by the Crescent Montessori School based at the Sonoma Community Center.
Participants should be dressed for the weather. Comfortable shoes, dress in layers, bring a bird book, binoculars if you have them and a snack and water. There will be some loaner binoculars provided. Sign up is required by Friday, January 10 by emailing sonomanature@gmail.com or phone participant information to 707-939-8007.
Bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks will be provided. The event cost $5.00 per child and will be collected at sign in. Volunteers are welcomed.
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