Overview

Topic: The 55th Evergreen-Idaho Springs Christmas Bird Count is Coming!
Speakers: Chuck Aid, Evergreen Audubon Bird Monitoring Director
Date and Time: Thursday, December 7 at 7:15 pm (doors open at 6:45 pm for socializing)
Location–Hybrid: In person at the Church of Transfiguration & virtual attendance via Zoom

Presentation Details

As winter approaches and we find ourselves in a cooler Evergreen world, the elk have dispersed to winter habitat as the mule deer recover from their rut. Already we have experienced a couple of snowstorms and can expect more snow to continue frosting the Douglas-fir and ponderosa pines. And now, in the coming weeks activity at your bird feeders should be increasing.

These signs can only mean one thing: it is time to prepare for one of Evergreen Audubon’s most cherished traditions, the 55th Annual Evergreen Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), held this year on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

And that can only mean that our Thursday, December 7 chapter meeting will be devoted to getting prepped for the upcoming count by our Director of Bird Monitoring, Chuck Aid. Crack open that well-worn field guide and get ready to learn the subtleties of the rosy-finch clan, the bounty of juncos, and the multitude of sparrows we might see (and need to identify!) on the count.

Chuck’s presentation will get us primed for our CBC by providing an overview of our CBC count circle, reviewing the highlights of last year’s CBC, and looking at trends in our 54 years of data. There will be a visual review of the bird species we are likely to see during the count, with tips on difficult-to-discriminate species and other key identification hints. Chuck will then conclude with the ever-popular bird quiz, where we Wait for each other to identify (read: guess) the correct ID. Chuck’s wish is that beyond the “aha” moments we experience as we review for the Christmas Bird Count, we also will increase our enjoyment of our winter birds.

And don’t forget: our Christmas Bird Count is followed by the traditional Tally Rally potluck at the end of the day, where we share stories, great food, and tally up our collective count data.

So on Thursday, December 7, be sure to arrive at the Church of the Transfiguration (or log on) when doors open at 6:45 pm so you can grab a good seat (virtual or actual) and visit with your Evergreen Audubon friends & neighbors. Have a cookie, get that good seat, and learn about the latest bird and wildlife sightings. If attending virtually, consult the Zoom Meeting Details below. The meeting proper begins at 7:15 pm with brief announcements to catch you up on Evergreen Audubon’s jam-packed calendar of events and outings, immediately followed by the evening’s program.

About the Speaker

Chuck Aid earned his MA from the University of Colorado, conducting research in southeastern Arizona on the effects of fire on grassland birds, and, since retiring from teaching middle school science, has been on the Evergreen Audubon board of directors for the past twelve years. While on the board, Chuck has focused on leading regular bird and flower walks, updating the Bear Creek Watershed Breeding Bird Atlas, and one of his favorite events, coordinating our CBCs.

Zoom Meeting Details

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83158390470?pwd=YnczUHJ4WExONTU4RWNDQXZDQzhLQT09

Meeting ID: 831 5839 0470
Passcode: 030633

Dial-in according to your phone’s area code.  If you are dialing in from a Colorado phone, the number is:
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
Meeting ID: 831 5839 0470
Passcode: 030633

Or find the appropriate number for your area code visit the Zoom website https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kzc31iRPZ