Each year between December 14th and January 5th, thousands of birders and nature enthusiasts participate in one or more of the 2000+ Christmas Bird Counts held annually in the United States, Canada, and many other Western Hemisphere countries. This year will mark the 124th year for this event.

This holiday season, please join with the other birders for this important citizen science effort sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The one-day bird counts provide valuable data about the number of bird species and numbers of each species occurring within a set geographical area.

Palomar Audubon Society would like to extend an invitation to all birders to participate in the annual Escondido Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 30, 2023. The count circle incorporates mostly rural areas near Escondido, Valley Center, Ramona, and Poway. Fantastic birding skills are not a requirement – an extra pair of eyes is always helpful. All birding skill-levels are welcome!

Due the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Audubon Society most likely will put in place some new rules for this year’s CBC’s. All activities must comply with all current state and municipal COVID-19 guidelines. See our  next November/December Band Tales newsletter, or visit our website www.palomaraudubon.org for any possible new details.

After November 15, 2023, for additional information, and/or for team assignments, contact the Escondido CBC senior compiler, Ken Weaver, by phone at (760) 723-2448 or by email at gnatcatcher@sbcglobal.net.

Again this year, Palomar Audubon Society is making a concerted effort to have more of it’s members participate in this important event. Sign up after November 15, and join the fun!