Hello CBCers! Even in these COVID-19 days, many birders still want to do the CBC! The season runs from December 14, 2020 through January 5, 2021. National Audubon has established some strict rules this time around, in order to keep everyone safe. 1 - Coordinators will individually decide whether or not to hold their counts. There is no pressure on anyone to hold or participate in a count if they are not comfortable doing so.2 - For counts that are held, social distancing & masking are required at all times in the field, and there will be no compilation gatherings and no carpooling (except within familiar or social “pod” groups traveling together). The official Audubon notice containing the new rules is pasted below my signature in this email. If you are a CBC compiler/coordinator, please help me build an accurate 2019/2020 Christmas Bird Count schedule for count participants, to help get as many volunteers involved as possible. I’ll post your information as soon as I get it (unless I’m out birding). Now that November 15th has passed, counts can be confirmed, and any counts submitted from now on for inclusion on the calendar will NOT be marked TENTATIVE. Although the Audubon website will eventually have all the information on individual counts, a lot of people still refer to the CBC calendar on the NYSOA website at http://www.nybirds.org/ProjCBC.htm. All I need is the following information, which you can send by simply replying to this email. Alternatively, you can fill out the form on the NYSOA website at any time - go to http://www.nybirds.org/ProjCBC.htm and click on the link in the turquoise-colored box at the top of the page. Name of CBC circle 4-letter ID of CBC circle CBC date Contact Name Contact email Contact phone number Thanks! Carena PoothNew York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA)www.nybirds.orgwww.nysyoungbirders.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COVID-19 NOTE: National Audbon has directed CBC compilers to wait until November 15, 2020 to make a decision as to whether they will hold or cancel their count(s). Therefore, any CBC listed below is TENTATIVE until November 15th, at which time participants should check back to see whether it will be held or not. From National Audubon to CBC compilers, September 21, 2020:Due to the COVID19 outbreak, this year’s Christmas Bird Count will require a few changes if your count is to take place at all. The two options for Christmas Bird Count compilers are as follows: | Option 1: Run a COVID-19 safe and socially distanced CBC, if local rules allow. [Must wait until November 15 at the earliest to choose this option in order to better understand status of COVID outbreak in your region during the CBC.] | | Option 2: If option 1 is not possible, cancel this season’s CBC for your location. [Can choose this option now if you wish.] | If you choose option 1, below are the guidelines that we urge you to follow: | 1. | Wait until November 15 at the earliest to confirm CBC will take place, if local regulations allow. | | 2. | Cancel all in-person compilation gatherings. | | 3. | Social distancing and/or masking are required at all times in the field. | | 4. | Carpooling may only occur within existing familiar or social “pod” groups. | | 5. | Activities must comply with all current state and municipal COVID-19 guidelines. | If you feel it is not safe to move forward with your CBC and choose option 2, please know that Audubon fully supports your decision to cancel. The safety of our compilers and community scientists will always be our top priority. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
