The annual Durango Christmas Bird Count will be held Sunday, with organizers hoping to exceed last year’s record number of volunteers.
Since 1949, the National Audubon Society has been hosting the volunteer-led survey, which sends out bird lovers to record every species of bird seen on a single day.
In La Plata County, volunteers cover a 7.5-mile radius around Pastorius Reservoir, near county roads 301 and 304.
Last year, 34 volunteers spotted 87 different types of birds in a 24-hour period, breaking the previous high of 78 recorded species in 2014.
Organizer Susan Allerton said at that time, the uptick of spotted birds was likely attributable to a rise in the number of volunteers.
“There’s just been more interest in recent years from the community,” Allerton said. “And that’s helped significantly.”
This year, those interested in participating are asked to meet at 7:30 a.m. at Durango Joe’s at 40 Town Plaza. Participants will be split into groups of seven or eight and be given the option of taking part in a half or full day of bird counting. Volunteers must bring their own drinks, snacks, appropriate clothing and binoculars.
For more information, call Allerton at 247-0296 or email sallerton@earthlink.net.
