As it was last year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Counts will be run differently again. Due to the Covid virus you must contact the compiler to determine if you will be able to participate. Generally the team or group concept will not be allowed, other than something like family groups and those must have at least one experienced birder and have been on CBCs before. So, most areas will be covered by one person, or in some cases maybe 2 or 3 people in separate vehicles. This means that inexperienced participants or those with limited experience, most regrettably cannot be accommodated. All experienced CBC participants, however, are strongly encouraged to participate in as many counts as possible. Feeder watchers are most welcome. We certainly hope things will finally return to normal by the 2022/23 counts.
There will be no group gatherings before the counts or for lunch.
The Kalamazoo Count is on Sunday, December 26. Please contact Russ Schipper at least a few days before the count at 269-375-7210 or e-mail at schipper.russ@gmail.com.
To participate in the following counts contact John Brenneman at least a few days before the count at 269-381-1574 ext. 30 or jbrenneman@naturecenter.org. Dowagiac – Wednesday, December 15
Battle Creek – Saturday, December 18
Allegan – Monday, December 27
Gobles – Monday, January 3, 2022
For the South Kalamazoo County count on Saturday, January 1, please contact Brenda Keith at least a few days before the count, birdsongbk@gmail.com
FEEDER WATCHERS – The birds that come to feeders within a count area also can be counted. An hour or two over the course of the day is sufficient. Contact the compiler or Russ Schipper, 269-375-7210 or schipper.russ@gmail.com, to determine if you live within one of the CBC count areas, for instructions, and a CBC feeder count form.