A reminder that the Escondido Christmas bird count will be held on Saturday, December 28. Unlike a regular field trip where everyone birds one or two spots together, the Christmas bird count covers a much larger area (a circle 15 miles in diameter). As a result we divide into more than 20 fairly small teams, each of which covers a specific area within the circle. Each team is led by an experienced birder.

The Escondido CBC covers portions of Ramona, Poway, Valley Center, and the San Pasqual Valley, as well as eastern Escondido. Teams begin their individual counts around sunrise. We will meet in the early afternoon to compile the overall results at Kit Carson Park where our hospitality committee will serve a lunch.

Our chapter welcomes birders of all levels of experience. I recommend letting me know of your participation in the next two weeks, though, as our teams tend fill quickly. I can’t place people at the last minute.

If you are able to lead a team, please let me know as we have several spots where we still need a team leader.

Thanks,

Ken Weaver, count compiler