Be one of thousands to help in count

During the next month, thousands of "citizen scientists" will participate in the 110th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Braving cold and often inclement conditions, these volunteers assemble before dawn in pre-selected locations between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 to tally the birds they see during a full day in the outdoors. In Nevada, counts are planned for locations in Southern Nevada, as well as sites near Elko, Snake Valley near Great Basin National Park, Carson City and Minden.

The bird count helps scientists monitor avian species battling for survival against challenging environmental conditions. The tallies help direct future environmental planning and actions. Like the old-time canaries in the mine shafts, birds reflect environmental conditions for all living things, including humans. In 2008, participants tallied nearly 60 million birds, primarily in North and South America. Their work has global implications, since birds wing along their migratory routes without heeding political or geographic boundaries.

The National Audubon Society's local affiliate, the Red Rock Audubon Society, invites interested Nevadans to join members in counting birds during outings this month at various locations. These outings start at a central point, then fan out to other sites in a general region. The more pairs of eyes, the better. Volunteers pay a $5 registration fee for each outing to pay for the cost of compiling the information and listing participants' names in a national publication. Reserve a place on the team of bird counters by contacting team leaders.

You do not have to be an experienced birder to participate, but you will certainly be more experienced by day's end. If you have binoculars or a spotting scope, bring them. If you don't own a bird guide, give yourself an early Christmas present of an illustrated guide on birds of Western America available at bookstores locally. Leaders will provide directions and tally sheets.

Dress in warm layers in clothes that you won't mind getting snagged, dusty or muddy. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and socks for warmth. Bring gloves. Carry at least a quart of drinking water, a sack lunch and snacks. Wear sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Carry all your gear in a small day pack.

Red Rock Audubon plans four outings in Southern Nevada for the 2009 Christmas Bird Count. The first outing in Southern Nevada focuses on the Henderson area on Dec. 17. This region's 2008 count listed an astounding 103 species. Meet at the Denny's Restaurant on Warm Springs Road and Marks at 6:30 a.m. The count takes place at several sites around a 15-mile circle, including the Henderson Bird Preserve, nearby wetlands and Lake Mead. Call leader Je Anne Branca at 451-6843 for reservations. When the count is over at 4 p.m., participants will gather for a potluck. Plan to bring a dish to share.

Reservations must be made by Monday for participation in the Dec. 18 bird count at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most remote Southern Nevada sites, at about 100 miles from Las Vegas. Call leader Carl Lundblad at (775) 372-5435 or e-mail carl_lundblad@fws.gov. Participants welcome warm beverages and refreshments when they check in at the refuge's information center between 6-7 a.m. A recent count listed 61 species, but lower water fowl numbers, probably because of drought.

Join the oldest Southern Nevada bird count at Corn Creek on the Desert National Wildlife Refuge about 25 miles north of Las Vegas on Dec. 19, at 6:30 a.m. Birders have tallied species here since 1942. Call leader John Hiatt at 361-1171 for reservations, meeting location and details.

The Muddy River Valley 65 miles north of Las Vegas has several sites where birds will be tallied on Dec. 26, starting at 6:30 a.m. Participants will divide into teams to scan the skies and vegetation around such sites as Warm Springs and the Bowman Reservoir. Last year's Christmas count yielded 81 kinds of birds along the river valley. Contact leader Bruce Lund at blund@mvdsl.com for reservations, meeting site and other details.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.