Christmas Bird Count 2015

Date: November 30, 2015
Contact: Joe Veverka, 520-387-6849 x7119

Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument are looking for birders of all skill levels for this year's Christmas Bird Count.  The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a National Audubon Society tradition in its 116th year and has occurred annually in Ajo since 1998. This year Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument will reopen 2 count circles that have not been counted since 1983. This event is not only a lot of fun but also very important as it serves to further research and conservation efforts for bird species and habitat throughout the country.

This year's count days are Monday and Tuesday December 14th and 15th for Organ Pipe counts and Saturday December 19th for the Ajo count.  All of those interested in participating are invited to the informational meeting at the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Ajo on Friday, December 11th at 2:00pm.  At the meeting Organ Pipe Cactus and Cabeza Prieta representatives will sign up volunteers and establish groups based on interest and birding experience. Each circle has a 15 mile diameter in which volunteers record every bird they see or hear.  At the meeting we will assign routes and answer any questions participants may have.

We are especially in need of experienced birders, but would welcome everyone who has a basic interest in sonoran desert birds. At least one experienced birder will be assigned to each group.

For more information, contact Kim Veverka (Cabeza Prieta NWR) at 520-387-4987 or email at [e-mail] or Joe Veverka (Organ Pipe Cactus NM) at 520-387-6849 x7119 or email at [e-mail]