Audubon Christmas Bird Count Scheduled for Mariposa
November 18, 2022 - Contributed by Cheryl D Johnson for Yosemite Audubon Society - The arrival of December heralds a number of holiday traditions and festive celebrations. Among the traditions for birding enthusiasts is the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), when thousands of intrepid citizen scientists throughout the western hemisphere take to the field for one day to make a record of all the birds they see and hear.
This year will mark the 123rd CBC, the longest-running citizen-science project in the world.
The CBC protocols are rigorous and precise. Each count must be held during a one-day 24-hour period between December 14 and January 5 within a prescribed 15-mile diameter circle. A compiler organizes and coordinates each count, tallies the number of birds, provides guidance as needed, and assures all protocols are met to protect the integrity of the long-term database.
Count coordinators emphasize that birding experience is not required to participate in a Christmas Bird Count. All levels of experience are encouraged to join.
Several Christmas Bird Counts are again scheduled in the central Sierra foothill area this year. The Mariposa CBC will occur Saturday, December 17th. Participants will meet in the parking lot at the Mariposa County Library in Mariposa at 6:30 A.M. to receive instructions and assignments to specific zones within the count circle. Call (209) 372-3003 if you’d like to participate or for more information about this count.
Visit the Yosemite Area Audubon Society website and Facebook page.
Spotted Towhee, photo by Cheryl D. Johnson
Related: Audubon Invites Volunteers to Join the 123rd Christmas Bird Count
