[mou] The 5 Ws and an H of Christmas

[Carl Greiner]

What:
The Christmas Bird Count is the oldest continuous wildlife census in
existence. Started in 1900 (1906 for Minnesota) it has been performed
without interruption for 107 seasons. Last year 57,851 people participated
in 2052 different census circles in the hemisphere. Over 69 million birds of
1894 species were counted. Here in Minnesota, 73 count circles are currently
active and over 1,000 people will participate. Last year, Minnesota tallied
361,466 birds of 139 species.
 
Why:
The data collected on the CBC is extremely useful due to the longevity of
the count and the number of locations that participate. It provides
researchers with a snapshot of bird population levels and distribution that
can be used to trend changes to the population or changes to the range of
the birds. This year, researchers at the National Audubon Society published
a report documenting the drastic declines in populations of many common
birds. This publication derived its data from the Christmas Bird Count and
Breeding Bird Survey data. With the changes facing avian populations in the
world today (climate change, habitat loss, urban sprawl, agricultural
monoculture, reduced conservation funding, and pollution to name a few)
accurate information on the population dynamics and levels is perhaps more
important than at any previous time in history. Additionally, it is a great
way to spend a day birding, learn about your area (or some other area in the
state), make friends, and appreciate warm liquids. Finally, we can't let
Montana beat us. In last years CBC the only Northern Hawk Owl found in the
lower 48 was found in Glacier National Park in Northwest Montana (that was
reported to Audubon). This is only the 3rd year in the last 10 that
Minnesota has not reported a Northern Hawk Owl. One year we recorded 21 and
in 2 other years we recorded 18 each year. 
 
Who:
The CBC is conducted by volunteers. People like you. Expert birders and
novice birders and everyone in-between. 
 
Where:
Currently there are 73 count circles spread throughout the state. No matter
where you live in the state a census is occurring relatively near to you. An
interactive map showing the locations and much more information is available
here:  http://cgreiner.com/cbc/locations_map.php. If you care to watch birds
and not computer screens contact me at the email/phone/address below and I
will find you a count.
 
When:
The censuses are all conducted between December 14, 2007 and January 5,
2008. The a calendar of the counts is available here
http://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php
 
How:
Each count is a census of all the birds found within a 15 mile diameter
circle during a single day in the count period. The census compiler decides
how the count is performed and tabulates the results at the end. The
participants simply count the birds and document rarities. Participants are
needed to canvas the area and count every bird they see. This can be
performed on foot, in a car, in a boat, on a snowmobile, riding horseback,
or skiing (or anything else, check with the local compiler first).
Additional participants who can't or don't wish to canvas the area may stay
nice and warm and watch feeders for the day. If you can't dedicate a whole
day check with the compiler of the count perhaps you could help in other
ways. To participate simply contact the census compiler available for each
location here  http://cgreiner.com/cbc/locations_map.php (just click on the
circle and go to the location page) or in the calendar here
http://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php (just click on the name of the count).
Finally if you prefer, just contact me at any of the addresses below.
 
Thank you,
 
Carl
 
Carl Greiner 
 
M.O.U CBC Coordinator
1616 Hill St. S.W.
Chatfield, MN. 55923
507-271-8286
cgreiner at mchsi.com <blocked::mailto:cgreiner at mchsi.com> 
 
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