RBC I A 115-year-old bird-counting tradition continues at State Forest State Park near Walden, Colo., on Dec. 18 at 8 a.m.
The scenic recreation area located east of Walden will welcome birders from across the country and the world to participate in the annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The annual bird census began on Christmas Day in 1900, when ornithologist and writer Frank M. Chapman led a small group of wildlife watchers on a mission to identify, count and record a variety of birds.
“Bring warm clothes, water, snacks and maybe some hot chocolate in a thermos, a good pair of binoculars, a good reference book and a friend or two, and be prepared to have a great day watching and counting birds of all kinds,” said State Forest State Park Manager Joe Brand.
Participants are asked to arrive at the Moose Visitor Center early Friday morning and be prepared to head out by 8:30 a.m., after enjoying a warm morning meal provided by the park.
At the end of the day, everyone can meet at the Arapaho Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at 953 County Road 32 and enjoy a warm lunch and swap bird-watching stories with other enthusiasts.
People volunteering for the Christmas Bird Count are not required to purchase a park pass while conducting the count.
Where: State Forest State Park’s Visitor Center, located at 56750 Hwy. 14, an approximately 25 minute drive east from Walden.
Contact: Deb McLachlan 970-723-8366 Ext. 12, or by email at [email protected]
For more information about State Forest State Park, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/stateforest
