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Kids have their bird count Sunday

With the Audubon Christmas Bird Count wrapped up for the year, it’s now time for Valley youth to take part in a national citizen science endeavor. The seventh annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids takes place Sunday, Jan. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Founded in Sonoma Valley by Tom Rusert and Daren Peterie of SonomaBirding.com, the Christmas Bird Count for Kids continues to grow across North America, with more than 30 counts slated for this year. Focused on youth aged 8 to 16, the day begins with a binocular boot camp at the Sonoma Community Center, which partners with Sonoma Birding on the event. From there, participants will break up into teams and head out for 90 minutes of birding with an experienced birder. In addition to developing an appreciation of nature, the count teaches students the science of identifying and tabulating what they see.

For the younger segment of 4- to 7-year-olds, the Budding Birder Club will again take place at Crescent Montessori School within the community center, where kids can learn more about birds and birding. The day concludes with a celebratory luncheon at which students will make presentations on what they saw during the count. Youth are asked to bring a bag lunch for the day, and a parent is required to attend with their child.

To sign up, visit SonomaBirding.com or call 939-8007.

The Sonoma Community Center is located at 276 E. Napa St.