The annual Western Schuylkill Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the Schuylkill County Conservancy will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17. Annual Christmas bird counts have been taking place in 1900.
Each year, the count is repeated in the same locations so changes in species numbers can be seen in the count areas over time. The information is sent toone large database via the Audubon Society, resulting in local bird counters getting to see species numbers changes from this on a much larger scale.
Items such as habitat loss, pesticides and other pollutants and changes in weather conditions can have a significant impact on species numbers.
The count covers all species: ducks, herons, sparrows, finches, thrushes, etc. Some folks even survey for owls in the predawn hour.
Newcomers are welcome, and no experience is necessary. To learn more, contact David Kruel at dkruel@comcast.net
First Day Hike
The conservancy is holding its First Day Hike on Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. at Frog Hollow nature preserve, Friedensburg. Guides will be Jerry Bowman, Steve Hepler and Barbara Ritzheimer.
Source: Berkshire mont