Whether you are an expert birder or just beginning to learn your first birds, we have an opportunity for you!

The Christmas Bird Count is one of our chapter's biggest citizen science projects. Slated this year for Sunday, December 15th, the count brings together volunteers of all birding levels to count the number of birds and bird species seen within a 15-mile diameter circle around Venice and Englewood on that one day. Results are submitted into a national database that provides researchers with indications of bird population trends. This year will be the 125th year for the national count.

The count usually takes 3-4 hours and involves some walking or travelling by car with stops along the way. We work in teams, making it a great opportunity to involve birders of various levels and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with getting out with a group to enjoy nature. And since some may have church commitments that day, we'll offer an opportunity for afternoon-only birding as part of the count. If you've participated before, know and have contact information for your Area Leader, please contact your leader now to confirm your participation. All others, please email Bob Clark at rlwclark@gmail.com, provide your name, your email and phone information. At a later date, we'll get back in touch to learn more about your experience so that we can place you with a survey team.

Special note: We have a special need for at least two chapter members to step up this year to serve as an Area Leader. We split the survey circle into 14 separate areas, with a team devoted to surveying a particular area. Area Leaders are responsible for coordinating the work of their team, then compiling and reporting the results of their teams. If you have participated in even one count in the past, regardless of your birding level, please, consider stepping up to lead a team this year. Again, contact Bob Clark ASAP for more information.