The birding party that covered a portion of the eastern half of Yosemite Valley during the recent Yosemite Christmas Bird Count watches some western bluebirds near the Yosemite Chapel. Enjoying glorious weather, the group observed 633 individual birds of 33 species during the annual one-day census. Birders pictured (left to right) Stan Petersen, Katie Ehler, Frank Yancey and Len McKenzie. Photo credit: Gary WuchnerDecember brings a flurry of birding opportunities to the Mariposa/Oakhurst area. The Yosemite Area Audubon Society will offer its monthly field trip Saturday, December 13, at the Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park. Participants should meet at the entrance to the park on Highway 49 north of Oakhurst at 7:45 a.m. Suitable for beginners, the trip is free and open to the public. Bring binoculars, field guides, snacks, lunch and beverages.
Yosemite Area Audubon is also encouraging residents to participate in any of several local and nearby Christmas bird counts scheduled between December 14 and January 5 as part of the National Audubon Society’s 115th annual count.
- The Yosemite Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 14, will kick off the CBC season locally.
Participants should email compiler Sarah Stock at: Sarah_Stock@nps.gov, before that date to arrange an area assignment. - The Oakhurst CBC is scheduled Friday, December 19, starting at the Oakhurst Burger King at 7:00 a.m.
- The Mariposa count will be held on Saturday, December 20, beginning with a pre-count meeting at 7:00 a.m. at the Happy Burger.
- Finally, the Merced CBC will occur Saturday, January 3, beginning at 7:00 a.m. at the Mariposa rest area just off Highway 140 for Mariposa/Oakhurst participants to carpool.
Participation in all counts is free, and all comers are welcome regardless of birding experience. Bring binoculars, field guides, lunch, snacks and beverages. Dress in layers, bring rain gear and wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes.
For more information about the Christmas bird counts call (209) 742-5579 or (209) 966-2547 or visit: www.yosemiteaudubon.org.
The mission of the National Audubon Society, the namesake of noted 19th-century naturalist and bird painter John James Audubon; its state affiliate, Audubon California; and local chapters such as the Yosemite Area Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
For more information about the Christmas bird counts call (209) 742-5579 or (209) 966-2547 or visit: www.yosemiteaudubon.org.
The mission of the National Audubon Society, the namesake of noted 19th-century naturalist and bird painter John James Audubon; its state affiliate, Audubon California; and local chapters such as the Yosemite Area Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
