Point Reyes Peninsula Christmas Bird Count & Audubon Link Information

David Wimpfheimer and Susan Colletta have been volunteer compilers of the Point Reyes Peninsula Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the last 19 and 7 years respectively.

"Compiling one of the largest counts in North America is a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously."

It is a great deal of effort; on the average, 200 plus hours of work per count year.

We put much thought and consideration into placing every single volunteer in a harmonizing group, taking into account their skills and birding expertise, as well as other team members skills and personalities. We are fortunate to have a mailing list where the "regulars" number over 200. People that have counted year after year, who consider this one of their holiday traditions. It makes our job easier when our resources are trustworthy, knowledgeable and conscientious. We also attract a fair number of talented newbie's each year.

The count is sponsored by Point Reyes Conservation Science (PRBO), Marin Audubon Society and Golden Gate Audubon Society. These organizations have been paying all administrative supply costs, as well as boat fuel costs, etc. for thirty-six years. All manpower is by volunteer.

The Point Reyes CBC, like all CBC's consists of a 15-mile diameter. Each of the 2,000 plus Audubon counts is managed differently, but the Point Reyes Peninsula habitat is so diverse, that the count circle is divided unequally into thirty-one different areas. We have thirty-one area leaders who have agreed to the extra burden of added responsibilities.

It has been amazing to watch our number of field participants steadily climb over the last few years.

The 1980's averaged (140) participants per count, the 1990's averaged (135). After the millennium: our volunteer numbers are as follows: 2000 (142), 2001 (185), 2002 (132) "the big typhoon year", 2003 (176), 2004 (199), 2005 (195) and 2006 (213). This demonstrates a steady growth of commitment.

We thank each and every one of you for your contribution to citizen science.

Each year our post count compilation dinner at the Dance Palace in Point Reyes gets cozier. It is a unique type of fun, and a great place to talk birds and meet up with friends you have not seen since last year's CBC. In 2005, our counters came from as far away as New Mexico and Ottawa, Canada. 2005's event was shy a few people who got swamped out in the rain, although we still managed to pack the Dance Palace with approximately 150 people. In 2004 and 1006, we uncomfortably packed the Dance Palace with 165 people.

Thanks to Pam Ferrari Catering who manages to feed us all fabulous food with grace and style and not make a profit.

"Compiling the Point Reyes Peninsula CBC is a labor of love and our "personal gift #1" is the compilation dinner. We are rewarded by seeing all the contented wind-blown faces and hearing the excitement in peoples voices. This is where the excitement of the day's activities combines with everyone else's and creates an atmosphere of charged 'birder-energy'. Many people tell us that the Point Reyes CBC compilation dinner is one of the best birder events they have attended all year. We all enjoy hearing about the numbers of common birds, the rarities, and the odd sightings. It is fun to hear others relate the seriousness and the fun of their day. "Gift #2" is knowing that with all these talented and dedicated people giving it their best, we have once again made a serious contribution to citizen science. That our efforts have and will make a difference. A job well done."

"Hope to see you all again next year!"

In 2005, despite adverse weather, our species tally of 195 placed tenth within North America. Our 195 field participants was the second highest in North America.

Read Susan's published article about this count, which is heavily based upon the hearty spirit of our volunteers.

You will also find our thank-you list to the volunteers that helped out at the compilation dinner.

In 2004, we tied for seventh place with Morro Bay for the most bird species, 198. First through sixth place are, Mad Island Marsh, TX (246), Corpus Christi, TX (239), Freeport, TX (214), a first year/new circle McFadden Family Ranches, TX (212), San Bernard NWR, TX (201) and Santa Barbara, CA (200). These counts, along with Morro Bay and Moss Landing are Point Reyes Peninsula's closest "competitors" as far as most species per count.

Our Article Published in the Point Reyes Light, December 30, 2004 (a personal recollection of a great day in the field)

Letter sent to the Audubon Editors, summarizing 2004 CBC

Article written by Terrie Miller about her experience as a first time CBC participant - Pt. Reyes CBC 2004

Audubon web-site - www.birdsource.org

Note: When you access the first page, click on the "Christmas Bird Count" link. That page allows you to choose from "current year's results."

Or, you may create a graph of any or all of the last 36 years of history for the Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count. Important to note there are two codes (CAPR and CA2L).

The Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count code for 1998 - 2005 is CAPR

The Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count code for 1970 - 1997 is CA2L


	mark your calendar - next count is Saturday, December 15, 2007