It was only a handful of bird enthusiasts who met at the Montour Preserve on December 14 for the 109th Christmas Bird Count(CBC), but the numbers didn’t deter the eager group to setting out to observe as many birds as they could from dawn to dusk. Most of the volunteers traveled on foot; while others drove to specific locations along the designated routes.

Linda Unger, the organizer for the Montour Preserve Group, discussed the morning plans and handed out tally sheets on which each bird species seen or heard could be recorded.

This was the first time for Adrienne and Britain Roth, of Danville, to participate in the CBC. They were concerned they wouldn’t be knowledgeable enough in birding, and came equipped with a bird identification book and binoculars. Everyone else did as well. Along with another couple, they walked down the familiar Goose Woods Trail adjacent to the Visitors Center.

Stopping, listening and watching were the key components, and once eyes became adjusted to the slightest movement in bushes and trees, it became fairly easy to detect them. As the Roths were nearing a woodland, someone called out, “There goes a great-horned owl.” Positive identification was made when it landed in a nearby tree. “That was quite a thrill,” remarked Adrienne.

With ears tuned in to the sounds of nature, another participant piped up, “I just heard a ring-necked pheasant cackle.” This was indeed a very rare treat.

As the group meandered through trails, numerous songbirds were identified. Aside from chickadees and gold finches, there were also a few bluebirds flitting from tree to tree in the morning sunshine.

“They no longer migrate like they once did,” noted Britain. “We see them all winter long.”

Britain’s interest in birds began when he was only 10 years old. “My grandmother had a friend who had a pet cardinal that stayed in the backyard, but came out when she called it. That was pretty cool. My grandmother also gave me a book of Audubon’s bird folio and some models which I put together and painted.”

Adrienne recalled living in an old stone house surrounded by large pine trees. “I was able to observe birds from all different views.”

It was her parents, however, who had the greatest influence on her. “My parents were hikers and loved to listen to and watch birds, so it’s always been a part of my life.”

After a warm lunch, and a chat with the other volunteers in the groups, the couple set out again. This time, they walked around Lake Chillisquaque. More birds awaited them. Perhaps one of the strange sightings was that of a mute swan. “He seemed confused because he was with a flock of Canada geese,” Britain said. “And while we were quietly watching some juncos, a doe and fawn walked almost right up to us — until they caught our scent.”

The highlight of the day came when the couple returned to the PPL Education Center. “We got to see a flock of cedar waxwings,” Adrienna said excitedly. But she was more elated at identifying a golden crested kinglet. “I’d say learning about the kinglet was the best part of my day.”

When the Montour Preserve CBC was completed a week later, there were 48 different bird species observed. Among the most noteworthy were one bald eagle, 400 Canada geese, 42 mourning doves, 50 horned larks, and 83 blue jays. Added to the songbird list were 26 cedar waxwings, 15 mockingbirds and 665 starlings.

Corporately, the handful of volunteers in the Montour Preserve CBC Group joined tens of thousands across America. “Each year, volunteers brave snow, wind or rain to take part in the CBC, and they have made an enormous contribution to conservation to help guide conservation actions,” Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Section Supervisor said.

“The data collected through this effort, which is the longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, allows researchers, conservation biologists and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.”