Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Community Contributed

By Arleone Dibben-Young, Molokai compiler

The 113th Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place on Molokai Thursday, Dec. 20. The nationwide event is an annual count that takes place in established areas during the same time period during the month of December. The information compiled over time provides a useful tool indicating population trends of bird species.

The topside Molokai count is divided into three routes: Seabirds and waterfowl via a northern pelagic route, forest birds at the Waikolu Lookout, and shorebirds and waterfowl along the south shore. The Kalaupapa peninsula is the fourth site in the count circle and is limited to five participants.

Reservations should be made in advance for each count route. The topside count begins at 7 a.m. at the 4 mile marker in Kawela; Kalaupapa participants will be picked up at the bottom of the trail at 7:30 a.m. Molokai residents are encouraged to participate – no age is too young to learn about birds and no experience is necessary. The count is free; participants are asked to bring water, snacks and lunch. For more information contact the organizer Arleone Dibben-Young at 553-5992 or researchbirds@yahoo.com.