Join us for our annual Christmas Bird Count! We’ll spend the day surveying the birds in our 15-mile-diameter count circle, which includes a variety of habitats. We usually see a nice diversity of waterfowl and grassland birds. There’s always a chance for Short-eared Owl and American Tree Sparrow! Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a great way to learn about the winter birds of Virginia, contribute to a long-term community science project, and get to know other birdwatchers in the area. After you register, our staff will assign you to a team of volunteers led by an expert counter. (If you feel qualified to lead a team, please let us know!)
Beginners will be assigned to a team responsible for counting the Clifton Institute’s property; this will give you a chance to go slow and learn how to identify our winter birds. If you are an experienced birdwatcher we will likely assign you to a team that will drive from site to site in our circle. Each team will decided whether to carpool or caravan from site to site. Unless conditions change dramatically, we plan to have a compilation dinner here at the Clifton Institute at the end of the day.
Since we will be inside, we ask that you be vaccinated and bring your vaccine card. If you are not vaccinated, or are just tired at the end of a long day, you can leave your data with us, grab a treat, and go. Chili will be warm starting at 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Age: All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring binoculars if available.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!
