The Yosemite Area Audubon Association invites you to participate in the 2024 Christmas Bird Counts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome, including people new to birding. There is no fee to participate, and experience is not a requirement.
History of the Christmas Bird Count
Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas “Side Hunt.” They would choose sides and go afield with their guns—whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) quarry won.
Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the then-nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a “Christmas Bird Census” that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.
Click here for more information on the history of the bird count and how scientists are using the data.
The Details
Generally, the counting takes place from dawn to dusk, but some people choose to do just a partial day. Most counts combine birding on foot and by car. General recommendations are to dress for cold weather, wear layered clothing, and bring lunch/snacks and water. Binoculars are not mandatory, but we do recommend them.
The Mariposa Christmas Bird Count will be on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
The count circle is divided into four zones: Briceburg Area, Lush Meadows, White Rock Road, and Catheys Valley. If you want to participate or need any further information, please contact Karen Amstutz at ravenamstutz@gmail.com.
The Oakhurst Christmas Bird Count will be on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Please get in touch with the zone leader for the birding area you would like to join:
Oakhurst, Vern Johnson (roygbiv@nctv.com)
Ahwahnee North, Steve & Kathy Kelly (sankkelley@gmail.com)
Ahwahnee South, Francey Blaugrund (birders@sti.net)
About the Yosemite Area Audubon Association
A California chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Mariposa County and Eastern Madera County.
We hold a vision that will benefit both natural and human communities in the area that we serve. We are committed to the sustainable balance of our community’s people, birds, other wildlife, habitat, and economy through conservation, education, and advocacy.
