SUMMERTON -- The early bird-watcher counts the birds.

That's the theory behind the 26th Annual Santee National Wildlife Refuge Christmas Bird Count, which will be conducted bright and early beginning at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29.

This count was initiated in 1982 to help provide a more accurate census of the numbers and species of birds present during winter months.

Those interested in joining this year's count should contact the compiler, Robin Carter, at 803-782-8820 or 803-466-2237 before Dec. 15. After Dec. 15, contact Santee National Wildlife Refuge at 803-478-2217 or e-mail kay_mccutcheon@fws.gov.

Again this year, birding groups for the 10 areas censused within this count will be organized prior to the day of the count. Leaders for each of the 10 birding groups will contact individual birders assigned to their group to convey information on the group's meeting location and time. A $5 fee helps defer the costs of publishing results in the Christmas Bird Count issue of National Audubon Society Field Notes.

From dawn until dusk, participants will ide.jpgy and record birds seen and/or heard within the designated count area. Counters will cover the area by vehicle and on foot with special emphasis on several wetland and open water areas, mixed pine and hardwood locations, thickets, hardwood stands and open fields.

Organizers say birders can look forward to a very enjoyable day in the field and expect to see and hear a variety of bird life. The Santee count is one of the most popular and productive counts in South Carolina and normally attracts more than 35 participants.

Highlights from previous counts include an average of 130 plus species, including Le Conte's sparrows, greater white-fronted and Ross' geese, more than 20 species of waterfowl, snow geese, tundra swan, Sandhill crane and 11 bird of prey species, including numerous bald eagle sightings and occasional peregrine falcons.

Grab your binoculars and your field guide and plan to spend a peaceful day outdoors to wind down after those hectic holidays. If you can't join the count, you can still participate as a "feeder watcher" by counting birds that come to your yard and your feeders.

For more information, visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/.

Special to The T&D

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