Event Calendar

TO PARTICIPATE

The Kalamazoo Count is on Saturday, December 27.

NOTE: To participate please contact Russ Schipper at least a few days before the count if you are planning to participate, (269) 375-7210 or e-mail schipper.russ@gmail.com.

We will meet at the People's Church at 1758 North 10th Street at noon for a potluck lunch, to go over what has been found in the morning, and see what species may have eluded us, which will be sought in the afternoon. The potluck will be held in room 8 at the back of the church. If you can, bring a dish to pass and table service. Hot tea and coffee will be provided. Those interested but not participating are also most welcome to join us and bring a table service and dish to pass.

Read more about this event below!

THE 2025/2026 KALAMAZOO AREA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS

By Russ Schipper

The Audubon Society of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Nature Center sponsor six Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) in the area each season. You do not need to be an expert to participate. On the contrary, these counts are an opportunity for beginning birders to see and learn about the area’s avian winter visitors. If you are a novice, you will be placed with an experienced observer, so you can spend your time watching, finding, and enjoying while others do most of the counting. Having fun is an important aspect of the counts. The counts themselves are an all-day affair; however, it is possible to arrange to come for a half day too. Much of the birding is done by car from roadsides, so if you get chilled you have a place to warm up, at least a little. Though there are some areas that require some walking. Each team searches the assigned area for its birds, stopping at various appropriate habitats to look for specific species. From the Winter Finch Forecast, it appears as if it will be a good year for at least some of the winter finches. Events like this make the counts even more fun.

FEEDER WATCHERS: With some winter finches predicted to move in, this puts the feeder watchers on the front line for recording these exciting waifs from the north. So, if you think you might live in one of the count areas, check with the compiler or myself if you are not sure. Then if you're in an area, please consider watching your feeders. Just an hour or two over the course of the day is sufficient. Please contact the compiler for instructions and a CBC feeder count form.