Christmas Bird Count 3

This time of year, birders get to see their hobby/sport/lifestyle in mainstream media, thanks to coverage of the Christmas Bird Count. The 109th count began Sunday, Dec. 14, and will continue to Monday, Jan. 5, 2009.

According to National Audubon Society's CBC FAQs page, thousands of volunteers in the Western Hemisphere dedicate 24 hours to identifying species and counting birds within a 15-mile count circle. The predetermined circles are covered by birders who report to a count compiler before the circle's count date and pay the $5 participation fee.

Recent media coverage of completed counts
Burlington Free Press, Burlingon, Vt.:

Two sleek ducks, streaks of black and white, flew in across the Winooski River from Burlington, riding the south wind and the smell of doughnuts frying at the Koffee Kup bakery.

Gloucester Daily Times, Gloucester, Mass.:

The 40 experienced bird watchers who spent Sunday recording virtually anything that flew as part of the 79th annual Cape Ann Christmas Bird Count, logged 47,000 birds in 123 species — including some interesting finds.

Bay City Tribune, Bay City, Texas:

Over 100 birders braved the cold, windy weather Monday to count 234 species of birds in the 16th Annual Matagorda County Mad Island Marsh Christmas Bird Count.

Pique Newsmagazine, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada:

Participants in the annual Whistler Christmas Bird Count have seen some tough conditions over the past 19 years, but this year’s Christmas count on Monday, Dec. 15 ranks as one of the toughest, with freezing temperatures and high winds sending birds into hiding.

Prince George Citizen, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada:

Cold weather was likely the factor that reduced the number of species naturalists observed during this week's 41st annual Prince George Christmas Bird Count.