Christmas Bird Count

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge will host its 36th consecutive Christmas Bird Count on Sunday December 14, 2014. The National Audubon Society has been conducting this survey for 115 years. The refuge joined the count in 1979 to help provide a more accurate census of the numbers and species of birds present on the Refuge during the winter. Beginning before dawn and finishing at dusk, participants will identify and tally birds seen and/or heard within a 15 mile circle. The area will be covered by vehicle and on foot with special emphasis on the refuge’s many ponds and lakes, longleaf pine areas, hardwood stands, and open fields. Portions of Lake Robinson are also included in the count area and add to the diversity of habitat types covered on this count. Participants should look forward to a very enjoyable day in the field and expect to see and hear a variety of birds. Since 1979, a total of 103 species have been recorded. Previous counts have included 15 species of waterfowl, 11 birds of prey, horned larks, Lincoln’s sparrows, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The count will begin at 6:15 a.m. from the Refuge Headquarters, located 4 miles East of McBee, SC on US Hwy 1. Persons interested in joining this year’s count should contact the compiler, Nancy Jordan, by noon on December 8th, 2014 Grab your binoculars and your field guide, pack a lunch, and plan to spend an enjoyable day in the fresh air of the sandhills.