CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 2024
For the 125th consecutive year, on this fast-approaching Saturday, December 21 st , we will once again spend the day finding and tallying all the birds we can possibly find within our designated 15-mile count circle. The count circle centers on the Water Works filter plant on US 280 and extends 7.5 miles in all directions. We have divided that circle into eight sections (and one sort of “bonus” area – Red Mountain Park), each of which is assigned to a party leader whose job it is to coordinate and/or conduct the count in their area.
This is a big job, and thus, we need all the help we can get from volunteer birders to spend some portion of that day in one or another of those sections, in pursuit of birds.
Note the eight numbered sections of the map below. Pick the numbered area of your preference and contact the party leader to volunteer, and make arrangements regarding meet-up time and place. If their party is full and they can’t accommodate you, please try another section of the count circle! Note that although the CBC is conducted all day, you may certainly spend only the time you are able to a lot that day.
You don’t need to be a world-class birder to participate in the CBC. This is supposed to be fun. We love new faces. All are welcome, regardless of skill level. It’s YOUR Audubon Society, and it’s your CBC, so come on out. We’d love to have you.
Even if you don’t join a party on 12/21, you can still participate as a feeder-watcher. If you’re interested, contact me (below) and I’ll send you a checklist and instructions on completing and returning the list.
To recap: Christmas Bird Count, Saturday 12/21. You are invited to participate, either in the field or by counting birds at your feeders. Check the map and figure out your territory. Call, email or text a party leader or me, and we’ll get you set up. Many thanks.
--- Paul H. Franklin, CBC Compiler
NORTHERN CARDINAL
Michael Wilson / Audubon Photography Awards
Any questions or problems? Contact Paul Franklin and he will help place you in an appropriate birding party for that day: phfranklin36@gmail.com / (205) 542-7647
Other areas in the state we need your help in!
Date is based on the CBC compiler.
Please get in touch with the compiler listed in the area you wish to participate in for more details.
12/21- Waterloo, Damien Simbeck // djsimbeck@tva.gov
12/14- Wheeler NWR, Dwight Cooley // sabrewing@earthlink.net
12/21- Birmingham, Paul Franklin // phfranklin36@gmail.com
12/22- Cullman, Vince Meleski // vmeleski@gmail.com
12/26- Guntersville, Linda Reynolds // rreynolds2970@charter.net
1/2- Wheeler Dam, Damien Simbeck // djsimbeck@tva.gov
12/17- Tuscaloosa, Steve Ritchie // sritchie@eng.ua.edu
(contact Carrie for date)- Montgomery, Carrie Threadgill // carrie.threadgill@dcnr.alabama.gov
12/16- Auburn, Geoff Hill // hillgee@auburn.edu
12/16- Eufaula (AL/GA), Mason Jarrett // beltedkingfisher2000@yahoo.com
1/4-Gulf Shores, Howard Horne // hhorne@thompsonengineering.com
12/28- Fort Morgan, Larry Gardella // lfgardella@gmail.com
12/14- Dauphin Island, Howard Horne // hhorne@thompsonengineering.com
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Through more than seventy-five years of conservation work in one of our nation’s most ecologically rich states, Alabama Audubon has seen firsthand how diversity strengthens natural communities. This same principle applies to human communities, which is why our organization is committed to providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Alabamians to learn about and enjoy wild birds, their habitats, and the natural world. One of the best ways to support that belief is by valuing and actively seeking to strengthen diversity among our staff, our board, and our membership. To that end, Alabama Audubon welcomes everyone to participate in our work, and strives to make our programs, classes, and events welcome, inclusive, and accessible to all.