MONTROSE-The Black Canyon Chapter of the National Audubon Society (BCAS) will be hosting the annual Christmas Bird Count in Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, and Hotchkiss as part of the 113th annual count which now includes over 2,000 sites throughout the country. Literally tens of thousands of volunteers will be gathering important data in one of the oldest conservation efforts in the country.
"This not only gathers critical information on the status of bird populations nationally but provides an opportunity for anyone interested in our local populations, whether they are just beginning to get interested in bird watching or are seasoned veterans, to get outside and do what they love to do," commented Jon Horn, president of the BCAS. Horn said that beginners will be paired with more experienced birders so they can  not only provide important help, but also get a taste of what bird watching is all about and meet local bird watching enthusiasts. 

Dates and contacts for the counts are:

Montrose, Saturday 12/15, meet at the Bureau of Land Management Office, 2465 S. Townsend, 8:30am, Missy Siders, 240-5332

Delta, Sunday 12/16, meet at the Delta City Market parking lot, 8:00am, Amy Segland, 252-6014

Gunnison, Sunday 12/16, meet at the Hurst Science Center at Western State College, 7:30am, Arden Anderson, 641-5322

Hotchkiss, Saturday 1/5/13, meet at the Hotchkiss City Market Parking Lot, 8:00am, Jason Beason, 970-310-5117