Christmas Bird Count on December 15th   Clifton Forge, VA (Dec. 3, 2018) - The annual Alleghany Highlands Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, December 15th. Interested members of the public are invited to participate. This fun, field survey of the bird species wintering in our area, will be conducted as part of the 119th Audubon Christmas Bird Count – a citizen volunteer effort that began back in 1900. Birding teams will explore bird habitats of our area by auto tours and on foot, while exploring lakes and ponds, stream sides, farm fields and hedgerows, as well as forests and urban areas. The count circle is a standard circumference of 15 miles centered just East of Clifton Forge and includes some of the best-known natural and recreational sites of the Alleghany Highlands area. From Douthat Lake and the Clifton Forge Reservoir, the Cowpasture River and Jackson River valleys, to national forest lands near Longdale Furnace (Green Pastures), Glen Wilton, Sharon, and Low Moor. The count circle covers 177 square miles and parts of four counties in our mountainous area. "During the 2017 CBC, 336 birds of 60 different species were identified through the observation efforts of 14 individuals. This year we hope for more birds and more birders," said Michael Hayslett, CBC coordinator. Following the birding day on December 15th, participants will gather in the back room at Jack Mason's Tavern in Clifton Forge for an enjoyable “tally dinner” to share their best bird sightings of the day and fellowship over food and drink. This 2018 count is the second year for the Alleghany Highlands CBC to be revived after a long hiatus. Our area CBC was started many years ago by the late, Dr. Allen E. LeHew, of Clifton Forge – a physician and noted birding enthusiast. An informational meeting and planning session will be held on Monday, December 10th at 7:00 pm in Room 509 of McCarthy Hall at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. Interested parties are encouraged to attend this preparatory session. Refreshments will be served. To register for the 2018 Alleghany Highlands Christmas Bird Count, please contact Michael Hayslett, CBC Co-coordinator, by email at Vavernalpools@gmail.com .

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