The Laramie Audubon Society will again take part in a 100-year-old Christmas tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count. Volunteers are welcome to join in the count with the Laramie Audubon Society chapter of the National Audubon Society as it conducts the Albany County Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 17. This will be the 45th count of the Albany County circle. Volunteers are needed to help count every bird observed in the 15-mile diameter circle around Laramie on the day of the count. All levels of bird watchers, including feeder watchers, are welcome. Although this international event was named the Christmas Bird Count more than 100 years ago, it is is a secular program, with Christmas indicating the season of the annual count.
Volunteers for the Albany County circle need to pre-register or attend one of two drop-in zoom calls to receive a route assignment. There will not be any in-person meetings prior to the count.
Contact Shay Howlin (307-286-1972; wolfhowlin@gmail.com) for information and to pre-register. National Audubon Society guidelines for COVID-19 include an option for participants to choose to mask at any time. Additionally, people with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Volunteers are the backbone of the Christmas Bird Count! Some teams walk, while others drive through the territory. Volunteers should wear warm, layered clothing and boots, and bring water, snacks and binoculars if you have them. Feeder watchers are also welcome.
Volunteers are invited to a chili supper where results will be compiled beginning at 4 pm the home of Shay Howlin. Potluck items welcome, but not required. Please contact Shay Howlin if you would like to be assigned a route early, would like forms for feeder watching, or have any questions (307-286-1972; wolfhowlin@gmail.com).
Additional Information - Drop-in zoom calls to assign routes on:
Wednesday December 14th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Wednesday December 14th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm
