Sunday, December 26, 2010
In place of the Chapter’s usual monthly field trip, the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society will once again join chapters across the country and take part in National Audubon’s 110th annual Christmas Bird Count. The count is part of the world’s largest cooperative wildlife survey with over 50,000 participants in North and Central America, Hawaii, and Caribbean. Count totals are forwarded to and analyzed by interested researchers in cooperation with the NAS and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
The bird count provides a measure of the nation’s early winter bird populations including species composition, distribution, and population trends. Bird count numbers are often the only long-term, comprehensive information available regarding local wintering bird populations. As this chapter’s count enters its second half century, some trends are clearly evident. While the skill level of the counters and field guides continue to improve the numbers of some of the most common birds continues to decline. Still others have disappeared from count totals while some others are relative newcomers to the count area.
Members and friends of the chapter are encouraged to save the date and join one of the count groups listed below as numbers of participants are crucial to the success of the count. The more eyes in the field, the more birds are seen. Several of our count areas are underserved and can use additional help. Extensive birding experience is not necessary, only a willingness to come out and count wind, rain, or shine.
Those unable to join one of the count groups may assist by noting species and numbers of birds at backyard feeders, parks, and neighborhoods provided these counts take place within a 7.5 mile distance from the count center at the intersection of Nordhoff and Balboa. Please report such counts along with time spent observing to the compiler by letter, phone, or e-mail (Art.Langton@SFVAudubon.org) no later than and preferably before January 4, 2010.
While count participation is free and open to all, a $5/person donation to offset the chapter’s payment to NAS will be greatly appreciated and accepted.
Hansen Dam and Vicinity………….. Meeting Time: 7:00 AM
From the intersection of Osborne and Glenoaks go north on Osborne to Dronfield, turn right on Dronfield and enter the park. Proceed downhill to a large parking lot. Look for counters with binoculars. Bring lunch, drink and be prepared to walk. Leader: Jim Moore
Bee Canyon and O’Melveny Park.. Meeting Time: 8:00 AM
From the intersection of Balboa and Rinaldi, go north on Balboa to Sesnon. Turn left (west) on Sesnon and continue .5 miles. Park is on the right. Meet in the parking lot. Leader: Muriel Kotin
Sepulveda Wildlife Area…………….. Meeting Time: 7:30 AM
Meet at the parking lot east of Woodley Avenue and north of Burbank Blvd., south of the Tillman Water Treatment Plant. Bring lunch, drink. Leader: Kris Ohlenkamp
LA Pierce College……………………… Meeting Time: 8:00 AM
Enter the campus from Winnetka Avenue and meet by the flagpole in front of the Administration Building. Bring drink, snacks. This large area needs several counters. Leader: Aurelio Albaisa
Limekiln & Aliso Canyons and
Porter Valley Country Club………… Meeting Time: 8:00 AM
Meet at the sign for “Limekiln Canyon Lower Trail” on the south side of Chatsworth Street one-half block west of Tampa Avenue.
Leaders: Carolyn Oppenheimer and Donna Timlin
Chatsworth Nature Preserve………. Meeting time: 8:00 AM
For information regarding the meeting location and time of possible counting activities in this location, phone the compiler (Art Langton), during the week prior to count day, at (818) 887-0973.
Additional locations, times, and leaders as well as changes and modifications may be announced at the December 9 membership meeting. -Art Langton, compiler