2015 Seward Christmas Bird Count January 2

The annual Seward Audubon Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday, January 2, 2016. On this day, dedicated volunteers will attempt to count and identify every bird in the Seward Count Circle. The center of the 15-mile diameter Circle is at the intersection of Nash Road and the Seward Highway. It extends north to Mile 12, south to the end of Tonsina Trail, west to the Exit Glacier outwash plain, and east to Godwin Glacier.

Much of this area contains inaccessible glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, and trackless wilderness. Fortunately, Captain Mike Brittain and his crew of birders will survey the included portion of Resurrection Bay on the Dora. Other Field Counters plan to snowshoe or hike the Tonsina Trail, ski or fat bike out towards Exit Glacier, walk the beaches, streets, and alleys, or drive their routes with the windows rolled down.

Feeder Watchers will count the birds and species from the comfort of their homes for at least one hour on Count Day.

Field Counters will meet at Rez Art at 320 Third Avenue at 9 am on Saturday, January 2, to verify their routes and teams. After birding all day, the group will again meet from 4 to 5 pm at Rez Art to submit the data sheets and swap “best bird” reports.

Count Week, the three days on either side of Count Day, provides an additional opportunity to add species, but not numbers.

In case of severe weather, the backup date is Sunday, January 3^rd.

If you would like to participate in this free and interesting North America Citizen Science Project, please register in advance by December 31 at c_grizATyahoo.com.

Whether or not you can participate, please keep your bird feeders full of black oil sunflower seeds and suet. These are the preferred foods of most of our wild birds. Thistle, Niger seeds, and peanut butter are a treat. Check the Seward feed store and grocery stores to stock up and support our local businesses.

Happy Birding!

Carol Griswold

Seward CBC Compiler