Each year, between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part in the Christmas Bird Count effort.

Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.

The long term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. 

THIS YEAR, the Monte Mucho Audubon Society, in partnership with the Rio Grande International Study Center, will hold 2017  Christmas Bird Count events on:

- Saturday, December 17 (Laredo)

- Sunday, December 18 (Zapata/Falcon Dam and Chaparral WMA). 

Volunteers are needed to help spot and ID bird species and to count birds.  You will placed in a team of 3-5 people and will visit several sites. 

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.  Each team will be led by an expert birder.  Bring your own binoculars. We will also have plenty of binoculars for those in need of a pair. 

The CBC starts around 6:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.  A complimentary dinner and tally of numbers will take place at 5 p.m.

Registration links for the three CBC's can be found below.

NOTE1: The Christmas Bird Count takes place come RAIN OR SHINE!

NOTE2: CBC starts EARLY (sunrise). It may be chilly so gloves/mitts, coats, scarves, hats and rugged shoes/boots are highly recommended. 

NOTE3: CBC's in Zapata/Falcon and Chaparral WMA will require an even earlier departure time for the drive.