Audubon’s Christmas bird count scheduled for Friday

This Friday, Dec. 26, from dawn to dusk the Sonoma Valley birding community will celebrate the 115th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This is the 10th anniversary of the Sonoma Valley Christmas Bird Count.

Every year, thousands of birders across North America celebrate the citizen-science ritual of counting bird species and the total number of each of the species that becomes part of a national data base. This is Sonoma’s longest-running citizen census involving hundreds of participants throughout the Valley.

The Sonoma Valley CBC for the past 10 years has ranked among the top tier CBC events in America. Last year 155 species were recorded in 24 hours. The weather conditions on count day often dictate the number of bird species recorded by the teams.

Fog, wind, excessive rain, temperature and high tides are some of the important factors that will determine what birds are discovered. Talented birders lead each of the approximately 30 teams of three-to-eight participants on specific routes in a 15-mile diameter circle.

The center point of the circle is near Arnold Drive and Orange Street and fans out seven-and-a-half miles in every direction. The wide range of habitats includes two mountain ranges, vast wetlands, ponds, streams and open meadows. Many important species are also seen in the more urban parts of the valley towns and area parks.

“This mix offers birders some of the best habitats that we can hope for,” said Tom Rusert, co-founder of the SV-CBC along with Darren Peterie. Much of the land is private and the residents of the Valley have been helpful in offering access to their property during count week which begins three days prior to the event and three days after Dec. 26.

“A successful count includes spotters, drivers, recorders and birders that help with the identification of the uncommon birds that require a higher level of expertise” said Peterie. “All levels of birders from beginners to advanced are most welcome.”

Rusert and Peterie, this years recipients of the John Muir Award – Conservationists of the Year, will be honored at the dinner celebration.

Following the count, there will be a tabulation celebration and dinner at the Sonoma Women’s Club, 574 First St. E. The cost is $12 at the door. RSVP to Rona Weintraub at roweintraub@earthlink.net. Participants are asked to bring a potluck dessert. Coffee and tea will be served. Bring your own wine, beer or soda. To sign up, contact Gene and Nancy Hunn at enhunn323@comcast.net.