Saturday, December 22!
Birders Needed!
Once again this year, the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society will join chapters across the country and in North and South America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean to take part in the National Audubon Society’s 116th annual Christmas Bird Count.
The initial San Fernando Valley CBC was held in 1957 making this our 61st successive CBC. Over the years there have been some interesting changes in bird populations in the count circle as the valley has transitioned into a more developed area.
Last year we counted 136 species and 15,198 individuals, about average since 2000. The average is 128 species and 15,935 individuals.
To get a more comprehensive indication of the health of bird population in the valley, we need more counters. Extensive birding experience is not a prerequisite, only a willingness to come out and count—wind, rain, or shine. Those unable to join one of the count groups may assist by noting species and numbers of birds at backyard feeders local parks and neighborhoods provided such counts take place within a 7.5 mile radius circle from the count center at the intersection of Balboa and Nordhoff. Please report all such counts along with the time spent observing to Jim Moore by e-mail, jimmoore@socal.rr.com no later than January 8, 2019.
Count participation is free and open to all. Traditional count sectors with experienced leaders are listed below. Contact Jim Moore, if you wish to participate in any of these sector counts.
Hansen Dam Golf Course and adjacent parks. Meeting time: 8:00 AM
From the intersection of Osborne and Glenoaks, go southeast on Glenoaks to Montague and bear left. Proceed to the end of the road and park in the parking lot. Look for counters with binoculars. Bring lunch and drinks, and be prepared to walk. Leader: Heather Medvitz, jhmedvitz@yahoo.com or 818-667-6658.
Sepulveda Wildlife Basin & Lake Balboa. Meeting time: 7:30 AM
Meet in the parking lot at the end of the entrance road, east of Woodley Avenue, north of Burbank Blvd. and south of the Tillman Water Treatment Plant. Bring lunch and drinks. Leader: Kris Ohlenkamp, kris.ohlenkamp@sbcglobal.net.
Reseda Park & Los Encinos State Historic Park. Meeting time 8:00 AM
Meet in the parking off Victory Blvd, at the east end of Reseda Park. . Leader: Pat Bates, PBates@lgshcpa.com
Chatsworth Reservoir. Meeting time 8:00 AM
This sector is tentative, pending approval by DWP. Check with the leader before showing up. Meet at the gate on Valley Circle Blvd. just west of the junction of Plummer and Valley Circle Blvd. Leader: Art Langton, wrentit@att.net
O’Melveney Park. Meeting time: 8:00 AM
From the intersection of Balboa and Rinaldi, go north to Balboa and Sesnon. Turn left (west) on Sesnon and continue 1/2 mile. Park is on the right. Meet in the parking lot. Leader: Tracy Drake, tdrake@torranceca.gov
Wilson Canyon and nearby parks in the northeast section. Meeting time 7:00 AM
Take the Roxford exit from the 210 and drive a short distance north to Olive View Dr.. Turn right and proceed just past Olive View Hospital and park on the street near the entrance to the east parking lot. Leader: Judy Matsuoka, judy.matsuoka@sbcglobal.net
Limekiln Canyon. Meeting time: 8:00 AM
Meet on the south side of Chatsworth Street, a half block west of Tampa. Park on the north side of the street. Leader: Rosemary Liebowitz, roselbirds@gmail.com
Chatsworth Park, Oakwood Cemetery & other nearby parks. Meeting time 7:00 AM
Meet at McDonalds on the corner of Roscoe and Topanga. Leader: David and Kathy Barton, kebarton@pacbell.net