The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society will host the annual Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 20 and are seeking volunteers to take part.<\/p>\n
The event is a part of the National Audubon Society\u2019s 126th Christmas Bird Count, which will take place between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5.<\/p>\n
Volunteers do not need to be an expert birder in order to participate. Individuals are needed who can help drive, spot birds, record data and tally numbers.<\/p>\n
The home base for the event will be SCCF\u2019s headquarters, at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. Participants can pick up data sheets and refreshments \u2014 coffee, juice and donuts \u2014 when it is convenient for them, as early as 6:30 a.m. Teams will reconvene throughout the day to tally data.<\/p>\n
To volunteer or for more information, visit https:\/\/www.mobilize.us\/audubon-community-science\/event\/865416\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n BIRD FEEDER WATCH OPTION<\/p>\n Those who live within the circle boundaries but cannot get out into the field can still contribute as a Bird Feeder Watcher. They will spend at least 30 minutes watching their feeder(s) at home on the count day and submit their sightings. The SCCF noted that Bird Feeder Watchers are essential for capturing data on common backyard species. Plus, it is a great option for families or those new to birding. For questions, contact SanCapCBC@gmail.com.<\/p>\n CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT<\/p>\n The National Audubon Society\u2019s Christmas Bird Count takes place annually, with counts held across North America, Central America and parts of South America. The first count was held in 1900, when some birders opted to count birds instead of shoot them, as was the previous Christmas tradition. The Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count \u2014 always held on the first Saturday of the count window \u2014 dates back to 1961, though some informal counts were held prior.<\/p>\n For more information about counts take place outside of Sanibel and Captiva, visit https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/community-science\/christmas-bird-count\/join-christmas-bird-count<\/a>.<\/p>\n