The 116th annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place around the world in December and early January.  Since the CBC began over a century ago, it has relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteer citizen scientists. We volunteers have replaced the hunters of old.  We count birds and you’re invited to join us to participate this year in the 116th Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), the longest running Wildlife census on the planet. Two Christmas Bird Counts are held in York County, the York County CBC on Monday, December 14th, 2015 and Biddeford/Kennebunkport CBC on Saturday, January 2nd.

Each count covers the area within a designated 15 mile diameter circle. Teams of birders search sections of the circle area tallying the total number of birds seen within the circle. The York County Count extends from Moody Beach to Fort Foster; last year we found 94 species. The Biddeford/Kennebunk Count extends from Parson’s Beach in Kennebunk to the Cascades in Saco; last year we counted 85 species. You do not have to brave the cold and wind to contribute. You can also participate while staying warm by tracking the activity at your bird feeders.  There is no fee to participate and the annual published report, American Birds, is available on line.

Each circle is led by a Count Compiler. Therefore, if you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher.  In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, then you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeders once you have arranged to do so with the Count Compiler.  We have lots of fun in the field during the day followed by a gathering of the team members at the compilation where we tally the species seen in the count circle, swap stories from the day’s hunt, and enjoy our supper.

If you are interested in joining a count please contact a Count Compiler:  Pat Moynahan at 207-284-5487 or pmmoynahan@maine.rr.com for the York County Count, and Marie Jordan at 207-799-1408 or mijord@maine.rr.com for the Biddeford/Kennebunkport Count. You are invited to our Christmas bird party.