2011 Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count

Westmoreland Sanctuary staff will be participating in the Greenwich-Stamford CBC again this year on Dec 18th.  This year the count in Greenwich turns 100, and we're excited to be a part of this milestone.  While the Greenwich CBC has evolved over the years since its inception in 1911, the importance of the count and the dedication of the many volunteers who participate has not changed.  In fact, as one of the oldest citizen science projects in the world, the Christmas Bird Count becomes more critical for bird research and conservation efforts each year.

In a few short words, here's how the organizers at Audubon Greenwich summarize how the count works:

"The count happens in two ways. Many sign up for all or part of the day with a ‘count team’ in the field. Others, who live within Audubon Greenwich’s 15-mile wide count circle, can volunteer to count in their backyards and send the results on a CBC Reporting Form to the local Count Captain, Brian O’Toole. The data then gets compiled and sent to bird researchers and scientists worldwide. So start a new family tradition that will make a real difference."

Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count circle

If you're wondering where the count circle is located, here's a general map of the area.  If you'd like to participate from home, but you're not sure if your home falls within the confines of the count circle, contact Audubon Greenwich at 203-869-5272.  Of course, you don't have to live within the count circle to participate out in the field, so use the same number listed above to sign up for one of the many count parties that will be canvasing the area for birds.

We're looking forward to a great day out in the field on Sunday, Dec 18.  Steve and I always have a great time, and we're looking forward to having Arthur Green join our count party again this year.  We'll post a list of our sightings here when we're finished for the day.  Hope you'll join us too!  Here's a look at our results from the 2010 CBC.

Good Birding,
Adam Zorn, Naturalist