DUBOIS- The Audubon DuBois Christmas Bird Count will be on Saturday, Dec. 20.
New counters are welcome, whether at a bird feeder or driving or walking around in different areas.
Owls are needed too!
Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action.
There is a specific methodology to the CBC, but everyone can participate. The count takes place within “Count Circles,” which focus on specific geographical areas. Each circle is led by a Count Compiler. The DuBois Count Circle is divided into assigned sections so that when birders go out and about into the “field” to locate birds, as much of the circle is covered without duplication of areas.
The DuBois CBC 15-mile diameter circle has its center near DuBois. It includes Treasure Lake. The circle goes northwest to Beechwoods, north almost to Brockway, east to the DuBois Reservoir, southeast to Luthersburg, southwest to Troutville and west almost to Reynoldsville.
If your home is within the boundaries of the Count Circle, you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeder for 24 hours on December 20 once you have arranged to do so with the Count Compiler.
Anyone wishing to sign up for the DuBois count or wanting more information can call Marianne Atkinson ASAP at (814) 583-7926. Maps and recording forms are available.
