Story and photo by Michelle Blake
Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division natural resource specialist
A Mountain bluebird sits on a branch at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) Directorate of Public Works (DPW) staff hosted the fourth annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Dec. 14, 2021.
The CBC is a national volunteer event that was first implemented in 1900 and remains the nation’s longest running citizen science survey. Now in its 122nd year, the CBC has more than 81,000 volunteers at over 2,500 locations throughout the western hemisphere, including numerous military installations.
Each year, from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5, volunteers count the birds within pre-approved 15-mile-wide CBC circles. The PCMS CBC circle is located in the center of the installation and encompasses 24 unique plant communities and a range of habitats including short grass prairies, arroyos, steep canyons and pinon-juniper dotted hillsides.
The data collected enables the National Audubon Society to track and assess the health of North America’s bird population over space and time, enables scientists to monitor the impact and spread of non-native species, and to detect changes in migration patterns. The CBC data is often combined with other surveys to guide conservation efforts and the development of strategies that protect birds and their habitats. For PCMS, the data collected can be used to support the objectives of Fort Carson’s Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP) and demonstrate the Army’s commitment to protecting natural resources.
PCMS 2021 CBC survey
During the PCMS CBC, six volunteers from Fort Carson and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service divided into two teams and surveyed for four and a half hours, both on foot and from vehicles. The unseasonably calm, warm weather with slightly overcast skies was ideal for bird watching.
Lou Casares, left, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security Range Control, and Max Canestorp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site Dec. 14, 2021.
During the survey, the biologists observed 23 different species and 324 individual birds. Similar to past years, the most common species were horned larks and bluebirds. Ravens, goldfinches, juncos and robins were also frequently observed.
Participants recorded numerous other species including a sage thrasher, a prairie falcon, three species of hawks (red-tailed, ferruginous and roughleg), American kestrels, shrikes and a juvenile golden eagle. When the 2021 reduced group size is factored in, the survey numbers were similar to 2020.
The National Audubon Society’s results from the 2020 survey indicate that the total number of birds recorded declined by around 6 million, despite the increase in CBC participation. The data collected by the CBCs has shed light on other emerging trends. For instance, the sandhill crane (Colorado’s only species of crane) is taking advantage of warmer winters and lingering longer in northern areas. While some species have experienced alarming declines, the Anna’s humming bird (another Colorado native) has expanded its range.
In addition to the annual CBC, the DPW biologists support avian habitat through the installation of cavity nest boxes, raptor nest boxes, owl boxes, solar powered wells (which provide reliable drinking opportunities for birds) and the construction of a cliff swallow nesting site. Open pipes are covered with mesh to prevent accidental bird entrapment, and power lines are monitored to ensure that “killer” poles are rapidly mitigated.
The biologists conduct additional annual surveys including summer and winter raptor surveys, burrowing owl surveys, spring acoustic bird surveys, nightjar surveys and raptor nest and eyrie (eagle nest) monitoring. Golden eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and if/when their nest becomes active, a buffer is placed around the nest until the eaglets fledge. Many other species of birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and to ensure compliance, the biologists conduct surveys for active nests prior to the implementation of downrange projects and activities.
Getting involved
Participation in the CBC is an excellent way to support the Audubon Society and enjoy a day outdoors with friends, family and other birders. Volunteers do not need to have any prior birding experience as they will be teamed up with more experienced birders. In addition to the CBCs, the National Audubon Society offers Project Feeder Watch, which is a survey that can be done right from a volunteer’s backyard.
For more information, contact the Audubon Society (https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count) or contact Michelle Blake at michelle.r.blake11.civ@army.mil to join the PCMS 2022 CBC.