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 115th annual Christmas Bird Count.
The initial San Fernando Valley CBC was held in 1957 and this will represent our 58th 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 suburban area. Last year, with 59 counters in 16 locations, we tallied 134 species, just about average for the last 10 years, but well short of our record count of 160 species in 1993. To approach that record, we need more birders counting birds in their neighborhood and joining established count sectors.
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 and preferably before January 14, 2016.
Count participation is free and open to all. Traditional count sectors are listed below.
Hansen Dam and Vicinity. Meeting time: 7:00 AM
From the intersection of Osborne and Glenoaks, go north on Osborne to Dronfield (signal), turn right on Dronfield and enter park. Proceed downhill to large parking lot. Look for counters with binoculars. Bring lunch and drinks, and be prepared to walk. Leader: Jim Moore, jimmoore@socal.rr.com or (661-317-1600)
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 east of Woodley Avenue, north of Burbank Blvd. and south of the Tillman Water Treatment Plant. Bring lunch, drink. Leader: Kris Ohlenkamp, kris.ohlenkamp@sbcglobal.net.
Bull Creek & west of Balboa Park. Meeting time 8:30 AM
Enter the park at the entrance road on the east side of Balboa Blvd, south of Victory Blvd. Meet in the small, paved handicapped and bus parking area in the dirt overflow parking lot between Balboa Blvd and Lake Balboa. Leader, Allan and Muriel Kotin, akotin@earthlink.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
Pierce College. Meeting time 8:00 AM
Meet at the corner of Victory Blvd and DeSoto. Leader, Jody Church, jochurch@roadrunner.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. Bring lunch and drink as the exit gate will be closed until 2:00 PM. 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
Veterans and El Cariso Parks. Meeting time 7:30 AM
Meet at Veterans Park at the end of Sayre St in Sylmar. Turn left at the first intersection after entering and proceed to the western parking lot. Leader, Dick Norton, n6aa@arrl.org.
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 southside of Chatsworth Street, a half block west of Tampa. Park on the north side of the street. Leader: Rose Leibowitz, roselbirds@gmail.com
Chatsworth Park, Oakwood Cemetary & other nearby parks. Meeting time 7:00 AM
Meet at McDonalds on the corner of Roscoe and Topanga. Leader, Jim Hardesty, jaybirder@gmai.com