By Jean Zirnhelt
The second of three bird identification classes in preparation for Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count will be held this Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30pm via Zoom. This class, presented by Keith Bruno, Audubon Rockies community naturalist, will focus on perching songbirds. House finch or Cassin’s finch, song sparrow or house sparrow, downy or hairy woodpecker… learn how to tell the difference.
Everyone is welcome to join us in these fun classes. Look for the Zoom link on the events tab of our website, weminucheaudubon.org.
The third class, on raptors and protocols for the Christmas Bird Count, will take place on Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30pm, also via Zoom. Plan to join us on Saturday, December 19 as we count all the birds that we identify in our 15 mile diameter count circle.
This is the 121st year of the Christmas Bird Count, an annual census of birds done by people just like you. Data generated from the count is an important scientific tool used in understanding and predicting how birds respond to changes in our environment. Following protocols of the National Audubon Society and the State of Colorado, all in-person gatherings will be done outside with masks and social distancing. If you live within one of the count zones, you can participate by counting birds at your home feeders. We welcome participation from all community members.
For further information and to sign up as a volunteer, email us at weminuche.audubon@gmail.com. This local count is organized by the Weminuche Audubon Society with the support of Audubon Rockies.
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