Would you like to go birding with others and help count birds for citizen science for a day in the Fort McDowell/Fountain Hills area? Then sign up for the Dec. 14 Salt-Verde Christmas Bird Count! This count includes the eastern portion of McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Each winter the National Audubon Society sponsors the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) season from Dec. 14-Jan. 5 across a network of 15-mile diameter count circle areas across the U.S. and Western Hemisphere. The CBC is our country’s longest running community science event and has been happening for over a century!

The Salt-Verde CBC encompasses upland Sonoran Desert, riparian woodland, and surrounding urban areas and ponds. Birders of all skill levels and physical ability encouraged to help, with teams comprised of an experienced birder as a leader. Any participation throughout the day is welcome! Team assignments will be arranged before the count so that as many areas are covered as possible. Registration is required. For registration and more details, please contact Kurt Radamaker (kurtrad@mexicobirding.com).

For a full list of other Christmas Bird Counts in the Phoenix area, check here for dates as they get posted in the coming weeks: https://www.maricopaaudubon.org/christmas-bird-counts