By Terri Gorney Lehman
The Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) began on the east coast in 1900. The counts rely on volunteers both in the field and watching bird feeders to record the species of birds that are seen or heard as well as their numbers. It is the oldest citizen science project in the country and was created as an early winter census for the birds and as an alternative to shooting birds for sport at Christmas. This count gives an idea of bird populations. The counts take place every year between December 14 and January 5.
In 2014, Larry Parker, the compiler for the Adams County CBC, asked me if I would become the compiler for the count. I agreed to do so. The following year, I changed the count to the 15-mile circle for the National Audubon Society (NAS) so that it might include all of the Limberlost Conservation Area and Ouabache State Park. Randy Lehman came up with the name of SANJO CBC for the count.
This will be my 12th year as compiler and the 11th year of the NAS circle. I am very fortunate that birders from the Robert Cooper Audubon Society (Muncie), Mississinewa Audubon Club (Marion), and Three Rivers Birding (Fort Wayne) help with the count every year as well as local residents who count birds on their farms or properties and feeder counters.
For the first few years of the count, we had members of the Cardinal Club that helped. I kept the January 1 date of the count as that was the date that the Cardinal Club had used since the 1980s. My research showed that the Cardinal Club was formed in March 1948. Their first CBC was December 1948.
A highlight is the increasing number of bald eagles in the area. A bird that Gene Stratton-Porter wanted to photograph and was unable to do so.
I started the tradition of a chili luncheon with participants bringing in dishes at the Limberlost Visitor Center at noon which everyone seems to enjoy. It is a good time to chat and see people in person.
Everyone of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Some of the best birds are seen at bird feeders or in yards.
Friends of the Limberlost 