What? The 34st Litchfield-Pawleys Island CBC will take place on Thursday, December 30th 2004. Our count will be one of the more than 1800 counts in North America taking part in the 105th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count.
Why? The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running citizen-science project in the U.S. The 100 plus years of data provide a tremendous data base on the status and distribution of winter bird species in North America. Besides, it is FUN to spend a good part of the day in the field and to enjoy the companionship of others who like birds at our roundup.
Who? Anyone who can identify at least some of the common birds of winter can participate. Any field participant should be willing to pay the $5 participants fee required by the National Audubon Society and be willing to spend at least half a day in the field or spend an hour or so watching a feeder within the count circle.
How? Our 17 mile diameter circle is divided into two areas and 13 or more field parties. Those covering the area east of the waterway, assemble between 6-6:30 AM at the headquarters/store of Huntington Beach S.P., where they will meet with Jack Peachey who will form the field parties and give instructions. Each field party will be led by an experienced birder and will head to their assigned areas by 7AM. Likewise those participants working west of the waterway will meet Tonya Spires at the gates of the Plantersville Sod Farm on the Plantersville Loop Road. The West group will assemble and depart at the same time as listed above.
What is the goal? Our goal is to have fun as we identify and count as many species and individual birds as possible within the count circle.
What is the end game? At the end of the day all participants and party leaders are invited to attend the dutch treat dinner at the HANSER HOUSE RESTAURANT starting at 5PM. The Hanser House has an early bird and senior citizen menu as well as their regular menu. It is located on Route 17 North (east side) in the Litchfield Exchange area which is about 2 miles south of Huntington Beach State Park. With cooperative weather, we hope to reach at least 150 species of birds which would bring this count special recognition in the Christmas Bird Count issue of American Birds. We have won this recognition in six of the last seven years. Last year 157 species was second best in South Carolina. Waccamaw Audubon members and friends are invited to join us in the field or at the restaurant in the evening.
If you are interested call Jack Peachey at 843-347-5810 any time before December 17 or after December 27. He will be out of town for the Christmas holidays. Tonya Spires is especially in need of field observers and you can contact her at 843-397-0384 in the evening or weekends or leave a message. MAYBE THIS WILL BE THE YEAR WE REACH 160 SPECIES! Jack & Tonya Co-compilers.
