Volunteers needed for local bird count

Volunteer bird watchers who think Christmas is "for the birds" are invited to help count birds on Christmas day as part of the first annual Sisters Christmas Bird Count.

The event is part of a national network of surveys sponsored by the National Audubon Society, and 1999 marks the 100th anniversary of Christmas bird counts (CBCs) nationwide. To celebrate the CBC centennial, the Sisters count will be held Christmas day, Saturday, December 25.

Volunteers of all skill levels are needed to join the Sisters count for any amount of time that fits into their holiday schedule.

"Being outside counting birds is a great way to spend Christmas Day," said Sisters count coordinator Stephen Shunk. "Even if folks can only spend a couple hours in the field, we still need their help."

CBCs are conducted in 15-mile-diameter circles. The center of the Sisters count circle lies just northwest of downtown Sisters and includes such diverse habitat as Black Butte Ranch, Indian Ford Creek, Trout Creek Butte, and approximately 10 miles of Squaw Creek.

Backyard bird watchers who live within about seven miles of Sisters are also encouraged to partici- pate by counting birds at their bird feeders during the day. Those who can spend time in the field will be assigned designated areas based on the amount of time they can contribute.

According to Shunk, it is possible that the count could tally over 100 species of birds, depending on weather conditions during the prior week and on count day.

"I'm sure we'll count at least 60 species," he said. "We also hope to document the continued presence of common redpolls at Black Butte Ranch and blue jays near Indian Ford Meadow."

Less experienced birders will be accompanied by those who are more familiar with local bird species, making the count inviting to bird watchers of all skill levels, Shunk explained.

In addition to birds tallied on Christmas day, Shunk said the presence of rare birds should be documented during the week of the count. Anyone aware of such finds, including owls currently present in the Sisters area, are asked to contact Shunk with the locations prior to count day.

For more information or to register for the first annual Sisters CBC, call 549-8826.