At their founding CBCs were without automobiles, 7x binoculars, or decent
field guides. I'm not sure the 15mile circle was in effect. Many of us live
outside established count circles, or wonder of wonders , may be visiting
others today outside official circles. Maybe something like this has been done
on Obol before, maybe a different day of the year? If you subscribe to eBird a
standard report with this date does the trick. If you've never done eBird post
your 12/25 yard count on Obol, or mail it to me privately if you prefer. It
need not be sent/reported today. If you're with a group, hopefully you won't
read this until tomorrow. Report the birds you remember. I'm online
because there's 9cm snow here and growing. No company today. As starter species
l offer:Mountain Quail. 13Steller's Jay.
1Canada Jay. 1Chestnut-backed Chick. 1Hutton's Vireo.
1Varied Thrush. 9Oregon Junco.
8Fox Sparrow. 3Surprisingly, no Raven today. Usually
audible at dawn. The vireo singing at 10:30 in the falling snow was my
inspiration. If you know people not on Obol why not ask them what's in their
yard today. If 5% of Obol participated that would be 85 people, more than any
Oregon count l know of besides Eugene and Portland. Maybe that many have
already posted a yard list on eBird today. Any guesses on species total, most
abundant species, most reported? I'm thinking of the results of a very passive
effort, but need not be your/someone's yard per se. Maybe you're on a boat,
or at a campground. If that's base of operation for the day, count there. I'll
spend time outside in hopes of hearing a Raven. Two days ago at dawn l heard a
Pygmy Owl from indoors, above the radio playing Carol's. Sent from my Verizon,
Samsung Galaxy smartphone
