By Steve Weston
Want to do some winter birding and be a citizen scientist?
New and experienced birders are encouraged to join us on the 126th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). It is a great way to make some local birding connections and find some birding hot spots. Rest assured that if you are new, you will be paired with an experienced birder. We need as many eyes and ears as possible, especially young ears. When I went on my first count, I said, “I am not very good at this.” My birding partner responded, “I can’t hear the birds as well as you can. You point, and I’ll identify.”
If you wish to participate, check out the MRVAC-sponsored CBCs below and contact the count organizers. Bloomington — Saturday, Dec. 20: Contact Liz Stanley at lizmstanley@gmail.com. Note: We will gather at the Minnesota River Valley Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington at 5 p.m. for soup and refreshments. Excelsior — Saturday, Dec. 20: Contact Laura Hanson at lhanson@isd108.org. Cedar Creek Bog — Sunday, Dec. 14: Contact Steve Weston sweston2g@gmail.com. Other CBC’s around the Metro Area that could use your help include Elk River, Clearwater, Northern Wright County, and Lakeville. Whether you sign up to explore new areas in the CBC circle or have a big sit from your feeder, we hope you can join us! If you are interested in participating in one of the 88 other CBCs around Minnesota, visit moumn.org/CBC for more information