Prior to the 20th century, hunters took part in a winter holiday contest to see which team could shoot and bring in the most feathered and furred wildlife, while even at that time, scientists and bird lovers were becoming concerned about declining numbers of birds.
In 1900, a replacement tradition was initiated when a small group of people proposed counting birds instead of killing them over the Christmas holidays. This was the start of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, now in its 126th year.
Observations recorded in these counts that take place between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 across the Western Hemisphere provide important data that is used by researchers and agencies to assess the health of bird populations and help guide conservation actions.
You can play a role in this important endeavor by joining Pagosa Springs’ Christmas Bird Count this year on Dec. 14.
You don’t need to be an expert birder to join in the fun. We go out in teams where often some are good at spotting birds, some can hear them, some are good with a camera and some with identification. All are valuable skill contributions.
If you live within the boundaries of our count circle, you can even contribute from the comfort of your living room by documenting birds in your yard and sending your count in to us.
After our count on Dec. 14, participants will get together on Dec. 17 for a potluck dinner where we compile team results to see what we found this year. Which birds will show up in the highest numbers? Will the swan still be around for the count or gone for the winter?
The Pagosa Springs count is conducted within a 15-mile diameter circle, divided into eight zones, and centered on Trujillo Road near downtown. Areas covered include town, about 6 miles east, most of Pagosa Lakes including the Meadows subdivisions, west to Elk Park, Alpha, Rockridge, Timber Ridge, Mill Creek and Holiday Acres areas, Snowball Road, Cemetery Road and the first part of Fourmile Road, Loma Linda, south to the Lower Blanco area, Trujillo Road to Burns Canyon and areas in between. It’s a lot of ground to cover in one day.
Join us at the Community United Methodist Church on Lewis Street for our last bird identification class prior to the count on Dec. 10.
Enter through the side door closest to the parking lot. The class will begin promptly at 6 p.m. to finish by 8 p.m. Come early to sign up for a team and enjoy a snack with us. If you can’t come in person, you may join with Zoom by using the link posted on our website prior to the class.
We are excited to welcome familiar faces and new friends for the count. Early sign-ups help our team leaders plan for the day.
For information or to sign up for a team, contact us at weminuche.audubon@gmail.com.
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