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Audubon's Annual Christmas Bird Count

Each year, from December 14 to January 5, the National Audubon Society’s longest-running wintertime tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC), takes place throughout the Americas. The data collected by observers over the past century are extremely valuable, allowing researchers, conservation biologists, and interested individuals to monitor the long-term status of North American birds. Count results from 1900 to the present are available through Audubon's website.

During the 113th CBC (2012-13), thousands of volunteers of all skill levels are expected to take part in this census of birds. As noted on the Audubon website, there is a specific methodology to the CBC, but everyone can participate. The count takes place within "Count Circles", which focus on specific 15 mile (24 km)- diameter geographic areas. Each circle is led by a Count Compiler, so if you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, then you can stay home and report birds that visit your feeder, once you have arranged to do so with the Count Compiler.

New this year: It is now FREE to participate in Christmas Bird Counts!

Check out the Audubon CBC webpage for more details about this annual event.

Dates and contact info for the counts within our North Central Washington region are listed below (as well as in the December Wild Phlox and on our facebook page). To find other CBC count circles, in Washington state or elsewhere across the country, see the National Audubon Society website.

Join a Christmas Bird Count and become a Citizen Scientist in your area this year!

CHELAN
Friday, December 28, 2012
Dan Smith
Meet @ 7 AM at the Apple Cup Cafe, 804 E. Woodin Ave., Chelan.
Afterwards: enjoy a free hot meal at the United Methodist Church at 4:15 PM.

GRAND COULEE
Thursday, January 3, 2013
David St. George for more information.

LEAVENWORTH
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Contact Gretchen Rohde (509) 393-0088 ahead of time for routes.
Afterwards: Meet at the Lorene Young Audubon House (Barn Beach Reserve, 347 Division St., Leavenworth) at 4:30 PM to tabulate the day's counts.

MOSES LAKE
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Doug Schonewald (509) 766-0056
This is the last year Doug will be compiling the Moses Lake count. Come one and all for a soup feed following the count.

OKANOGAN/OMAK
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Heather Findlay (509) 429-8167
Meet before and after at Heather and Todd's house in Okanogan.

TWISP
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Leahe Swayze (509) 997-2549 or Kent Woodruff.
Meet @ 6:30 AM for breakfast and assignments at the Hoot Owl Cafe, 123 N. Glover St., Twisp.
Special note: This is the 25th anniversary of the Twisp CBC! In honor of this milestone, all past compilers and participants are encouraged to join new folks in this year's CBC.
Afterwards: Potluck dinner, count tally, and storytelling at 5:30 PM at Therese and Pete Ohlson's house.

WENATCHEE
Monday, December 31, 2012
Dan Stephens (509) 782-4890 for more information.