It’s the most wonderful time of the year … for birders! Every December, thousands of avian enthusiasts across the Western Hemisphere take part in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The rules are simple: from sunrise to sunset, count all the birds that you can see and identify. It’s been a winter tradition since 1900, and anyone can join in. Plus, there’s plenty of materials at your library to help you improve your birding skills.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Alachua Audubon Society, the library has birding kits available for checkout. Each kit includes two bird guides and a pair of binoculars in a handy backpack. There’s also a kid’s version of the birding kit with child-sized binoculars and bird guides for kids, made possible by a donation from the Rotary Club of Gainesville.
During the CBC, teams will look for birds along isolated country roads, across the expanse of Payne’s Prairie, and even in the ponds behind shopping malls! Those efforts pay off, as our local bird count regularly racks up the highest number of birds seen inland in the state of Florida. The CBC in Alachua County will take place Sunday, December 18.
"Gainesville’s Christmas Bird Count is a great way for volunteers to contribute to science while participating in an exciting all-day bird survey," said Debbie Segal, president of the Alachua Audubon Society. “Rare birds are found every year during the Gainesville CBC, and hopefully this year will be no different.”
Folks should keep their eyes peeled for strays from the western parts of the country, says Segal. Watch for the vividly red Vermilion Flycatcher and the Wilson’s Warbler, a tiny butter-yellow bird that sports a jaunty black cap. Alachua Audubon Society Vice-President Timothy Hardin, said he hopes to spot some rare waterfowl visitors like the Snow Goose or the Cinnamon Teal.
Hardin advises those new to the CBC to check out ebird.org, the free online resource from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. EBird’s maps will show what species have been spotted in your area recently – or if you’re looking for a specific bird, you can search for the spots where it’s been found before.
The CBC is like a treasure hunt to Hardin, it’s a chance to work as a team to unearth hidden gems, in the form of rare birds.
"We are so fortunate to have the richness of birdlife around here to seek out,” said Hardin.
The Gainesville Christmas Bird Count takes place on Sunday, Dec. 18. To sign up, please contact Andy Kratter at kratter@flmnh.ufl.edu or Bob Carroll at gatorbob2@yahoo.com.
The library collection has many birding guides available. Here’s a short list of recommended reading and listening.