Get ready, the C. B. C. is coming our way
by Herb Wisner

What is the CBC? I'm glad you asked. It's the annual Christmas Bird Count, held here in Eugene (usually) on the Sunday nearest to New Year's Day. That's January 4 this year. The objective is to get an idea of how many birds of each species are found inside our 15 mile diameter circle centered on the Danebo Schoo. Last year 87 people participated and came up with 131 species and 116,910 individuals.

Is that an exact number? Probably not; many get missed. Some may even be counted twice. Since the count is conducted in essentially the same way from year to year comparisons over a period of time give us an idea of the trends in populations of winter birds in our area. Similar counts are conducted between about Dec. 15 and Jan. 1 all over the country, providing a broad picture of the avian presence at a time when most birds have reached their winter destinations. The Eugene Count is sponsored by the Lane County Audbon Society and the National Audubon Society, to whom the summary report is sent for publication in a special edition of their journal Field Notes.

The circle is divided into 22 areas. Each area has a team led by an experienced birder. Perhaps some of you readers would like to come along and help out. No need to be skilled at identification, just be interested and willing to help spot and/or record the findings. The searches start at various times in the morning and finish from 4 to 5 p.m. Following this is a chili feed at the Eugene Garden Club, 1645 High St., where we enjoy some socializing and find out the approximate number of species seen by all teams. It is possible to spend only part of the day in the field if that is your preference. We also welcome counts of birds that visit your backyard (or side yard or whatever) feeders. Species spotted at feeders are often significant additions to our results. To volunteer for any of this activity please call Herb Wisner at 344-3634 for assignment to a team.

P.S. A message especially directed to the Eugene Natural History Society (a once-upon-a-time sponsor of the count) and Audubon members: We need 2 or 3 people to prepare the chili feed. Very little cooking experience required (you don't have to produce the chili from scratch).


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