The snow is falling, the carols are in the air and it is time for that annual Christmas tradition of counting birds. Yes, it is the 24th annual Christmas Bird Count and the 18th time that Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Audubon Society to host a bird count at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge. The experience is rooted in tradition for Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Regional Conservation Outreach Manager. “I’ve been a birder since I was 9 years old, and this will be my 24th year participating in a Christmas Bird Count,” shares Kieffer-Selby. “All birds are unique, which makes this a challenging and fun event that I love to do year after year. I recommend looking for a Christmas Bird Count near you and experiencing it for yourself!” Those that are interested in participating should meet at 8am (and goes until 5pm) at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge visitor’s office parking lot on Saturday, December 17th. If possible, you should bring your own pair of binoculars to use during the count. You can attend for the whole day or for a short time, but if you plan to stay for the whole day, you should pack a lunch, bring water and dress warmly. The event is a great opportunity for volunteers to see a variety of birds, including robins, shrikes, Canada geese, sandhill cranes, bald and golden eagles, waterfowl, and sometimes rare species. Participants might also get a chance to see porcupines scattered throughout the refuge. While the event is free, participants are asked to register in advance on Eventbrite.
