Raton Christmas Bird Count ~ New Mexico State Parks

CALL 575/445-5607 TO SIGN UP

On Saturday, December 29, 2018, Raton, New Mexico will have our first “official” Christmas Bird Count starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Sugarite Canyon State Park visitor center. All birding skill levels are welcome to participate in this amazing citizen science endeavor. If you live in or near Raton, you may also be able to participate at home by counting the birds that visit your feeder on December 29. Why participate? Here are five good reasons:

1. A day of birding is always better than a day of working or watching television!
2. A chance to meet new people and learn about some phenomenal natural areas.
3. The opportunity to go into some areas of Sugarite Canyon that are not often visited.
4. A lucky few may get the opportunity to view Great Horned Owls and Bald Eagles.
5. Because it’s FUN!

We welcome new birders, but any experienced birders would be a great help! Anyone that would like to take his or her car or truck for driving local roads and carpooling with others would be much appreciated as well. For those who would like to participate, we have both scenic roads to drive and trails to walk. You may also be able to participate by counting birds that visit your feeder at home, too. Some of the trails will be muddy or snow-covered, so please bring clothing that you don’t mind getting wet, such as warm shoes and long pants. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them.

The compilation dinner will be celebrated in Raton the evening of December 29.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Park Ranger Scott Chalmers at 575-445-5607 or you can use his email: Scott.Chalmers@state.nm.us.
We hope to see you here!

The Audubon Society has been sponsoring this tradition of more than 100 years. This count will include Raton and nearby areas including Sugarite Canyon State Park. Volunteering can be as simple as watching birds at your home feeder, or as active as hiking a trail. Volunteers need to call Scott Chalmers here at Sugarite (445-5607) in advance to be sure folks are assigned appropriately and that the birds are counted as accurately as possible. Only those who call to sign up in advance will be able to participate in the official count. (This is partly to make sure the same birds aren’t counted more than once.)