CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT (CBC)

What is the CBC? An annual census of wintering bird populations that began in 1900. The results of the surveys are used to estimate the distribution and abundance of wintering birds in North America. Each count circle covers an area of 15 miles in diameter. Birders of all skill levels gather in teams, and identify and count all birds observed throughout the day. The results of the nation-wide census are compiled in the journal North American Birds.

When and where are the local Christmas Bird Counts? Five CBCs are conducted locally and include Carson City, Fallon, Pyramid Lake, South Lake Tahoe, and Truckee Meadows. Details on when and where these counts occur are provided below.

How do I participate? Contact the count leader, or show up the morning of the count at the appointed location as directed in the count descriptions. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring food and drink for the day. Of course, don't forget other such necessary items as binoculars, field guides and scopes. There is a $5.00 fee for each participant to cover compiling and publishing costs of the North American Birds journal that reports all count results. Ask your count leader for details on how to receive the journal.

Local CBCs:

Truckee Meadows
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Contact: Dave McNinch at 775-747-7545 Please do not call after 9:00 P.M. in the evening.
Meet at the McDonald's on the corner of Oddie and Silverada (2 blocks east of 395) in Sparks at 7:00 A.M. All count areas will be coordinated and teams dispersed from this location. A potluck is planned for the evening compiling session; time and place to be determined. Call Dave for all the exciting details.

Carson City
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Contact: Greg Scyphers at 775-745-3156, or scyph@sbcglobal.net
We are meeting at 7:00A.M. at the McDonald's located at 3344 N Carson Street at the North end of Carson. This is the one by the Bully's Sports Bar and the closed down (K-Mart?). The after count wrap-up spot is still to be determined. Changes and updates will be posted to the list serve. I hope everyone can join us and I look forward to setting new records this year.

Pyramid Lake
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Contact: Dennis or Becca Serdehely at 775-771-1575 or birders@clearwire.net. Please do not call after 10:00 P.M. Meet at 7:00 A.M. at Crosby's Lodge in Suttcliff. Bring warm clothes, water, and lunch.

Fallon
Friday, December 19
Contact: Amy Leist - 502-759-1132 or amyleist AT yahoo.com