The nationwide Christmas Bird Census (CBC) is a holiday tradition that counts birds. Its roots extend back to the turn of the previous century beginning on Christmas Day 1900. The modern day locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California with most counts in or near the population centers of northeastern North America.
The primary objective of the Christmas Bird Count is to monitor the status and distribution of bird populations across the Western Hemisphere. When the CBC data is combined with that of other surveys such as the North American Breeding Bird Survey, a clearer picture of how bird populations throughout the Americas have changed in time and space over the past hundred years develops.
Data helps reveal the impact of diseases such as, in years past, the West Nile virus. Since birds are overall indicators of the health of our environment, the Count can also tell us a great deal about ourselves and our impact on local flora and fauna.
It is once again time for the annual Tri-County Rochester Christmas Bird Count. This particular count, during the North American event, covers a 15 mile circle where the counties of Marshall, Kosciusko, and Fulton Counties meet.
Come participate in the count at Potawatomi Wildlife Park and surrounding area. This year continues the goal of creating a list of birds found specifically on Potawatomi Wildlife Park. Inexperienced birders are encouraged to come. We will have identification cheat sheets and you will be paired with more experienced watchers.
Contact Potawatomi Wildlife Park if you are interested in participating in this count.
Date: Saturday December 17, 2016 Time: 8:00a.m.
Location: Potawatomi Wildlife Park Interpretive Center, 16998 State Road 331, Tippecanoe Indiana
Cost: Free and includes published annual report.
For more information, please call Executive Director Mike Stephan at (574) 498-6550
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About Potawatomi Wildlife Park: Potawatomi Wildlife Park is a free-admission 317-acre park along the Tippecanoe River south of Bourbon, IN. It is in Marshall County, just over the Kosciusko County border. Coming from the north, the park entrance is located approximately 1/2 mile south of State Road 10 directly across from 17th Road. Coming from the south, the entrance is approximately 1/2 mile north of the Tippecanoe Bridge on State Road 331.
Known for its nature and habitat, there are five miles of hiking trails, and many different wildlife species present. The park serves the surrounding five counties and is open daily from sunrise to sunset for you to walk the trails and observe or study wildlife.
