2020 LWAS Audubon Christmas Bird Count Dates MORE ABOUT THE CBC
(Ann Joyal)
Christmas Bird Counts this year will take on a different format to account for restrictions caused by the COVID-19 virus.
A few differences to help with COVID-19 safety for this year:
1) There will be no in-person gatherings before, during, or after the count.
2) Individuals in the same car should only be from the same household or social “pod”
3) All state and federal COVID guidelines should be followed (Masks if indoors or less than 6ft from other people, etc).
The following dates are tentative and please contact your compiler closer to the date, to make sure there are no further restrictions.
- December 19, 2020 (Saturday) – Marquette The compiler is Melinda Stamp at mstamp@mstamp.net or 906-869-2489
Contact Melinda if you would like to participate.
- December 20, 2020 (Sunday) – AuTrain
The compiler is Scott Hickman at suboscine@gmail.com or 906-892-8603. Please use the email address for communication since count information is distributed by email. Please let Scott know at least 5 days in advance if you want to participate so that count circle coverage can be properly coordinated and communicated to all participants.
There will be a third bird count for the area of Michigamme and the Peshekee Grade.
If you are interested, please contact Gary Palmer at palmerjg@gmail.com if you are interested.
MORE UP CBC OPPORTUNITIES BELOW
It’s a great year to get out and bird the EUP! Here are some of the counts below. To join a count contact the coordinator or sign up using the registration form:
Mackinac Straits: December 16th
The pin for this count is right in the middle of the bridge! Lot’s of open water birding, plenty of feeders in towns and some nice wooded habitat.
Contact Steve Baker at: steveandsuebaker@gmail.com
Les Cheneaux: December 18th
This volunteer led effort takes place in the beautiful Les Cheneaux Islands area of Cedarville, Hessel, Pickford and Stalwart. Lots of water viewing and cedar forests to explore, but also this count touches on the hay fields and grasslands of Pickford and affording opportunities to see open field species. We will end the day with a virtual tally rally over zoom.
Contact Elliot Nelson at: elliotkarlnelson@gmail.com
More info at: https://fb.me/e/gvYjKsZXD
Sault Ste Marie International: December 19th
This is one of the handful of international counts that takes place across Michigan between Michigan and Ontario. This count covers the always interesting St Mary’s River as well as a plethora of bird feeder areas and fruit trees along with a handful of wooded and open field areas.
Contact Carter Dorscht: carterdorscht@hotmail.com
More info at: https://fb.me/e/23buXbSC0
Rudyard: December 29th
A truly unique count with some of the highest Snowy Owl and Sharp-tailed Grouse numbers in the whole nation! This count covers lots of open field areas but also includes wooded areas, towns with feeders and fruit trees and a landfill with huge gull and Bald Eagle numbers.
Contact Steve Baker at: steveandsuebaker@gmail.com
Other counts without defined dates yet, but who may still be looking for volunteers include:
Neebish Island and Dunbar: This count covers remote Neebish Island and the famous Dunbar park, owl loops around Lower Hay Lake Rd and Riverside Drive and the Munuscong WIldlife Management Area. A prime EUP winter birding area for sure!
Contact Greg Links at harpy1@gmail.com
Whitefish Point: Quite possibly the most well known birding hotspot in Michigan doesn’t disappoint in the winter. Although there are not a lot of roads to drive, the habitat is wonderful and winter finches abound. Spruce Grouse are also a unique feature of this count regularly encountered in most years.
Contact Charlie Weaver at ctejedor@copper.net