ARIZONA (& VICINITY) CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT SCHEDULE - 2007-2008

by Walter Thurber

The National Audubon Society has conducted Christmas bird counts since 1900.  Volunteers from across North America and beyond take to the field during one calendar day between December 14 and January 5 to record every bird species and individual bird encountered within a designated 15-mile diameter circle. These records now comprise an extensive ornithological database that enables monitoring of winter bird populations and the overall health of the environment.

Participants are typically assigned to teams based on their bird identification skill level and endurance.  Many counts hold a compilation dinner at the end of the day where results are tabulated and stories shared.  A $5.00 participation fee defrays a portion of the cost of tabulating and publishing the overall count results.  Help is needed on most of these counts, so find one that interests you and contact the compiler for more information.

The Count List 2007-2008

The 2007-2008 Arizona Christmas Bird Count list (below) includes a couple of nearby counts in New Mexico and Mexico.  A locator map and area descriptions follow the list. Click on any listed map code to view the map or click on the map to return to the list.  Area descriptions for highlighted, underlined counts may be seen by clicking on the count name.  You may e-mail compilers whose names are linked.  Selected count results for prior years are also linked.

 

| Back To Top | Count List | Locator Map | Area Description | 

Previous Counts 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

[Click on map to return to top of count table.]

AREA DESCRIPTION 

 

Carefree Christmas Bird Count.  This count circle is centered three miles north of the SkyRanch at Carefree Airport. The count includes the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek as well as the north end of the City of Scottsdale. This upland desert count is situated in northeast Maricopa County and it was organized in 1992. 

The largest drainages are Cave Creek and Camp Creek, both of which are flowing streams in their northerly reaches near Seven Springs. The Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek Recreation Area and several Desert Foothills Land Trust preserves are found here, and roughly 40 percent of the circle lies within the Tonto National Forest. Elevations range from approximately 1800-5000 feet. This count typically records about 100 species.

 Call compiler for information 

 

Gila River Christmas Bird Count.  The Gila River circle is centered three miles east of Powers Butte and about the same distance south of Palo Verde. The count encompasses unincorporated Arlington and Palo Verde as well as part of the Town of Buckeye. This western Maricopa County count dates from 1981. 

The Gila River winds through the middle of the count circle and provides excellent birding habitat. The Hassayampa River empties into the Gila upstream from Powers Butte. An added feature is the presence of the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area. Elevations range from approximately 700-1900 feet. This count typically records about 140 species. 

Call compiler for information 

 

Hassayampa River Christmas Bird Count.  This northwest Maricopa County count reaches into Yavapai County as well. The count circle is centered five miles northeast of Wickenburg on Constellation Road. There is considerable public land here and little urban development; the only significant population center is the Town of Wickenburg. This upland desert count has been held annually since 1989. 

The Hassayampa River affords good birding opportunities, especially south of town at the Hassayampa River Preserve. This property is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. The Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness can be birded as well. Elevations range from approximately 2000-4400 feet. This count typically records about 100 species. 

Call compiler for information 

 

Phoenix-Tres Rios Christmas Bird Count.  The center of this count circle lies about one mile south of the confluence of the Gila and Agua Fria rivers in central Maricopa County. Portions of the City of Avondale and the City of Goodyear are included.  The count was held continuously from 1954-1984 during which time it was known as the Phoenix Christmas Bird Count. The count was reinstated in 2001. 

This count takes the second part of its name from the three major rivers found here—the Gila, the Salt and the Agua Fria. Excellent birding is available along the rivers as well as at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Tres Rios Wetlands, Cobble Ponds, Buckeye canals and Jackie Meck Lake. Elevations range from approximately 900-3200 feet. This count typically records about 140 species.

 Call compiler for information 

 

Salt-Verde Rivers Christmas Bird Count.  This count circle is centered at Adams Mesa in eastern Maricopa County. The count encompasses the Town of Fountain Hills and portions of the City of Mesa, Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Nation, Phon D. Sutton, the confluence of the Salt and Verder Rivers and Saguaro Lake. The first count was held in 1950, followed by a second count in 1954 and annual counts since 1985. 

The Verde River empties into the Salt River here and the mature riparian habitat along both waterways appeals to a wide range of birds. Public lands include the Tonto National Forest, McDowell Mountain Regional Park and Usery Mountain Recreation Area. Elevations range from approximately 1200-4000 feet. This count typically records about 140 species. 

Call compiler for information or see the Salt Verde CBC Website at http://www.mexicobirding.com/AZbirds/CBC/

| Back To Top | Count List | Locator Map | Area Description |

Previous Counts 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007