As they’ve done for over 50 years, local birding enthusiasts will soon take part in what has become an Aroostook holiday tradition — the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. The County will host two counts this year, the Presque Isle count on Saturday, Dec. 31, plus a new, additional Caribou area count set for Wednesday, Dec. 28.
The new Caribou count area will be the northernmost in the eastern U.S. and is positioned to include a diversity of habitats including large portions of the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. The mix of woodlands, open fields, wetlands, rivers and streams and some urban habitats should provide for a good assortment of wintering birds, said Bill Sheehan, Aroostook Birders Club president and count coordinator. The count area will include parts of Caribou, Connor, Caswell, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, New Sweden and Woodland.
According to Sheehan, 35 species of birds are seen in a typical count and over 70 different species have been recorded since local counting began. The census is done in a “count circle” within a seven and one- half-mile radius of a central location. Field volunteers cover assigned areas and count all wild birds seen, with feeder watchers recording birds visiting home feeders throughout the day. Caribou birders plan to gather sometime after 4:30 p.m. for a meal and tally of results at the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center in Limestone.
Sheehan describes the day’s activities as a holiday tradition with many added benefits. “It couples outdoor activity and a chance to learn about our local birdlife. It’s a great way to contribute to continent-wide bird monitoring efforts and the conservation of birds.”
Organizers emphasize that bird watchers of all skill levels are invited and new birders can usually be paired with an experienced volunteer who will help with identification and count rules. “We hope that beginning birders and more experienced folks who have never participated in a Christmas Bird Count will come out to join us in this Caribou count,” Sheehan added.
A pre-count workshop, offered in partnership with the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department, was held Dec. 6, but those who were unable to attend can still take part in the count by contacting Sheehan evenings at 493-4658 or e-mail the Aroostook Birders Club at thearoostookbirders@gmail-.com.
In the event of severe weather, the count will be held on Thursday, Dec. 29.
