2007 Clallam County Birdathon/International Migratory Bird Count

by Bob Boekelheide

Saturday, May 12th, is the OPAS Birdathon and International Migratory Bird Day, a great day to go birding and raise money for OPAS projects at the same time.   We hold the record for the highest number of species seen in one county in Washington in one day, a whopping 193 species seen in 1999.  In total, we've seen a total of 240 species on this count during the last ten years, so if the birds and counters cooperate a new record is certainly possible.

The International Migratory Bird Count is different from the Christmas Bird Count, because it includes all birds counted in Clallam County in one day.  No matter where you are in the county you can help out, whether you live here or are just visiting. You can count all day, count a few hours, or just hang out around your house and count your yard and feeders.  Or you could also find your own special out-of-the-way place to see what birds are there.  If you need some ideas about habitats and locations we don’t usually get to, please call me for suggestions.

            Please use the tally sheet available for download at the bottom of this page.   During and after the count, tally the birds you see, keep track of the miles and hours you walk, drive, or boat, then mail the sheet to me at the address on the back.

            Before the Birdathon, we plan to have a field trip to review common birds and bird songs in our area.  On Saturday, May 5th, meet us at Railroad Bridge Park at 8 a.m. to see and hear songbirds of the local forests, then travel to Dungeness Landing Park (Dungeness Oysterhouse) at 11 a.m. to see birds of shorelines and bays.   If you’re a late sleeper you can just meet us at Dungeness Landing.

            Please call Bob Boekelheide at 681-4076 or email rivercenter@olympus.net to sign up for the Birdathon, or just do your counting and send the tally sheet back when finished.  And remember to line up some sponsors for your count, to help support OPAS, the River Center, and our wonderful programs.  Thank you very much for your help!

Download Birdathon Count Sheet PDF