Count some Birds!

It's that time of year again. Every year the Audubon Society gets together and does their best to count EVERY bird they see! And guess what, they need our help! Even if all you can do is say "OOOOO!" and point you can assist local birders in spotting and counting the birds living in and moving through our area. It's actually a lot of fun and these folks are friendly. Anyone who shows enthusiasm for wildlife and learning about birds is welcome. All skill levels are welcome.

This IS an all day affair, so be sure to be prepared for that. Alum Rock Park charges for parking ($6 a car) so you may want to park outside and carpool in to the innermost lot. (What do i mean by that? - drive all the way in, past the first booth, under the old train trestle to the left and all the way back as far as you can go before hitting the black electric gate.) There are restrooms at the Youth Science Institute and there will be birders in the parking lot.

Bring your binoculars, a lunch, some water, warm clothes and your sense of adventure. This count happens rain or shine. Believe me, I have seen SIDEWAYS rain on the top of the hill and little birds darting in and around the boulders.

We will park in the Alum Rock Lot and carpool to the top of Sierra Road, where we will drive in and park at the top. You will be hiking down from that point, through our property and into Alum Rock Park, where we will then shuttle the drivers back up the hill to get their cars from inside our gate.

SO, if you have wanted to hike down from Sierra Vista all the way to the bottom, this is your chance. Its fun and you are helping to keep track of our local wildlife. Every year the Audubon Society publishes the lists collected from these holiday bird counts. Your time and energy will be a GREAT help.

Arrive at 8 am and expect to be out all day on this slow walking, binocular observing, fun day! Kids welcome, but keep in mind this is LOTS of walking.