How to Volunteer for the Poynette Christmas Bird Count

Poynette birders prepare for December 27 count

Volunteers are preparing to trek through potentially snowy terrain to participate in the upcoming Poynette Christmas Bird Count.

The annual event, which serves as a vital citizen science project, is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, according to the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance.

The count focuses on several key habitats in Columbia County, including the Goose Pond Sanctuary, Erstad Prairie, and Schoeneberg Marsh WPA. Organizers are currently seeking additional volunteers to cover these specific locations during the winter survey.

Mark Martin and Susan Foote-Martin have managed the coordination of the Poynette count since 1981. The resident managers of Goose Pond Sanctuary will lead the field trips and outings for this year’s iteration of the project.

Training for the 127th CBC

To prepare participants for the complexities of winter bird identification and data collection, National Audubon is hosting a specialized training session. The Christmas Bird Count 101 webinar is set for Tuesday, November 17.

The webinar is scheduled to run from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST. This session will provide an overview of the 127th Christmas Bird Count, explain the significance of participation, and offer practical tips for new volunteers. National Audubon will provide live translation in both Spanish and French during the presentation. For those unable to attend the live event, a recording will be made available for later viewing.

Participation in these counts provides more than just a seasonal outing for enthusiasts. By recording species presence and abundance, volunteers contribute to a massive, long-term dataset used by researchers to track shifts in avian populations and habitat health across the United States.

Physical requirements for volunteers

The survey involves physical activity, with participants expected to walk approximately 2 to 3 miles. Because the count takes place in late December, organizers noted that volunteers may need to hike through snow.

Those interested in joining the field outings can contact Mark Martin or Susan Foote-Martin at [email protected] or via telephone at 608-333-9645. An RSVP is required for those planning to participate in the count.