Bird Count Coming Up Dec 16th

Photo courtesy Gordon Warrick

The Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association invites birders to participate in the longest-running community science survey, the annual National Audubon Society-sponsored Christmas Bird Count, on Tuesday December 16. This marks the 126th year that this annual event has been held, although the Valentine component is only several decades old.  

  Birders and nature enthusiasts interested in participating must arrange with the count compiler in advance and then meet at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge visitor center at 9:00 am on the 16th.  Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes (walking and/or driving), identifying and counting every bird they see.  All ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this nationwide community science project.  If not an experienced birder you can still participate by being a recorder, and gain some birding skills along the way.   To sign up for the Valentine count, please contact Katie Schober at (402) 376-3789 or email Katie_Schober@fws.gov.