Date: 12/19/25 2:53 pm From: Anne Lewis via groups.io <annelewis.pierre...> Subject: Re: [sd-birds] Regional List of Christmas Bird Counts, for the 126th year of the Counts. Region is centered on Western SD.
Continuing the celebration of the Christmas Bird Count.
My first introduction to the Christmas Bird Count was as a girl when I read
this article (maybe in Reader's Digest?) in 70's. It's been fun to revisit
it especially since birders haven't really changed in the 50 plus years
since it's been published.
On Thu, Dec 18, 2025 at 9:31 PM Nancy Hilding via groups.io <nhilshat=
<rapidnet.com...> wrote:
>
> Nancy Hilding
> President
> Prairie Hills Audubon Society (PHAS) ,
> Black Hawk, SD,
> <phas.wsd...>
> 605-787-6466
>
> To various birding list serves and a few persons,
>
> Here is Prairie Hills Audubon Society’s regional Christmas Bird Count
> list for the 126th year. We create this list each year. It starts out first
> on our web page -https://phas-wsd.org/ at the Christmas Count Page -
> https://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional .
> In December, I start to collect and add data to the on-line list. It is
> a “ work-in-progress" and it grows, develops, and when it is complete I
> e-mail it to the list serves on birding in SD. Normally I hope to finish
> it before Dec 14th, but I could not do that this year.
> Here it is - below, scroll down. Our thanks to all the dedicated
> compilers that make these counts work, and also to the birders that
> participate and collect the data.
>
> REGIONAL 126th CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ANNOUNCEMENT (12/14/2025-1/5/2026).
> TBD means – CBC Date To Be Determined
> Rapid City, Sturgis, Wind Cave, Pierre, Mitchell, Aberdeen, & Yankton in
> South Dakota
> were counting on the first day -Sunday, Dec 14th, 2025;
>
>
> Christmas Bird County Circles that need new, replacement compilers:
> Piedmont, Pine Ridge, Lake Andes in SD and Pipestone NM in Minnesota.
> However, Pipestone still functions without a formal compiler.
> ===========================
> SHORT SUMMARY OF CBCs FOR AREA IN & AROUND WESTERN SD:
> =========================
> ANNOUNCING THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS IN OUR REGION
> This is a list of Christmas Bird Counts in South Dakota and the closer
> parts of nearby states.
> It is created by Prairie Hills Audubon Society of Western SD.
>
>
> December 14th- January 5th
> Audubon’s 126th Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
>
>
> Christmas Bird Counts
> https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count >
>
> All official counts will be held between the dates, Saturday, December
> 14th, 2025 through, Sunday, January 5th, 2026.
> The Audubon CBC is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses
> <https://www.audubon.org/conservation/history-christmas-bird-count> in
> the world. Each individual count takes place in a 15-mile-wide circle and
> is led by a compiler responsible for safely organizing volunteers and
> submitting observations directly to Audubon. Within each circle,
> participants tally all birds seen or heard that day—not just the species
> but total numbers to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular
> population.
>
>
>
> When combined with other surveys like the Breeding Bird Survey
> <https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/>, the Audubon CBC provides a picture of
> how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over
> the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for
> conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their
> habitat and helps identify environmental issues with implications for
> people as well. For example, in 2019, Science published a study
> <https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.aaw1313> using decades
> of Audubon CBC data and other datasets to describe a grim picture: a
> steady loss of nearly three billion North American birds since 1970
> <https://www.audubon.org/news/north-america-has-lost-more-1-4-birds-last-50-years-new-study-says>.
> Over the years, Audubon CBC data have been used in more than 300
> peer-reviewed articles.
>
>
> Audubon CBC data are also used to measure how birds are already responding
> to climate change. A 2022 Audubon study
> <https://www.audubon.org/news/birds-tell-us-both-climate-action-and-healthy-natural-spaces-are-key-secure> used
> 90 years of Christmas Bird Count data to show how birds have shifted amid a
> century of major environmental changes. By tracking how bird ranges have
> moved over time, conservation efforts can be prioritized in areas that are
> important for birds today and in a climate-altered future. With two-thirds
> of North American bird species at increasing risk of extinction by the end
> of this century <https://www.audubon.org/climate/survivalbydegrees>,
> Audubon CBC data is more important than ever for effective conservation.
>
>
> Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this
> fun, nationwide community science project, which provides ornithologists
> with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter
> months. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a
> diameter of 15 miles. Volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the
> process, count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties
> and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting
> every bird they see. In most count circles, some people also watch feeders
> instead of following routes.
>
> Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to
> participate. If there is adverse weather on the count day, please check
> with compiler to make sure the count is not postponed.
>
>
> What to bring?
> Participants should bring lunch, drinking water, warm clothing and
> footwear. Binoculars, field guides and spotting scopes are suggested, for
> those who have them. The five-dollar fee has been dropped to encourage
> more participation and the annual published report, (American Birds)
> previously available in paper has been made digital – see link:
>
> https://www.audubon.org/content/american-birds-annual-summary-christmas-bird-count >
>
> Links to CBC web pages:
> https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count > To find a count near you on an interactive map:
> https://gis.audubon.org/christmasbirdcount/ >
> Other links:
> SOUTH DAKOTA
> https://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional/ > http://sdoubirds.org/SDOU/Calendar.aspx > NEBRASKA:
> http://www.noubirds.org/Activities/CBC.aspx > MINNESOTA:
> http://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php > IOWA
> https://iowabirds.org/Connections/CBC.aspx >
>
> *WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA’s CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
>
>
> *RAPID CITY, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Sunday, 12/14/25
> Contact: Peg Mcintire, <mcintire14...>, (605) 858-8242,
> Maggie Engler, <birdwomanSD...>, (605) 391-2511 ,
>
>
> *STURGIS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Sunday,12/14/25,
> Contact: Eric Davis: <speargoose...>
>
>
> *PIERRE/FT. PIERRE, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Sunday, 12/14/2025, Adverse weather alternate is 12/15/25
> Contact: Ricky Olson, <tatanka40...>
>
>
> *WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Sunday, 12/14/25 2025,
> Meet at 7:30 am Visitor Center’s front doors
> Noah Robison , <noah_robison...>, (605) 745-1149, (720) 404-1708
>
> This CBC is not affiliated with National Audubon Society
>
>
> *SHADEHILL, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Tuesday, 12/30/2025
>
> *Date changed – this is the bad weather alternate*
> Contact: JJ Nelson <Josiah.nelson...> , 701-227-7848, at Forest
> Service (Grand River District – Bismark office), also
> <Vivian.Raasch...>
>
> *BISON, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
> Friday, 12/19/2025, Adverse weather alternate is 12/20/25
> Contact: Janice Bovankovich, <jbovankovich...>
>
>
> *BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Thursday, 1/1/ 2026
> Meet at Ben Reifel visitors center (near Interior and Cliff Shelf) at 7:45
> am
> Please contact Nancy in advance if you are going.
> Contact: Nancy Drilling, <dril0008...>, 605-791-0459.
>
>
> *HARDING COUNTY, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
> Friday, 01/02/2026,
> Contact: Janice Bovankovich, <jbovankovich...>,
>
> *SPEARFISH, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Sunday, 1/4/2026,
> Meet at McDonalds at 7:30 a.m. MT
> Contact: Daniel Bjerke, 605-381-0493, <dlbjerke...>
> —-
>
> ————–
> *PINE RIDGE, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> Compiler has moved out-of-state & this CBC needs a new compiler
> Contact: former compiler Peter Hill, <petermhill...>, 605-441-9346.
>
>
> *PIEDMONT, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> There is no compiler – thus the 126th count is not happening
> Contact: former compiler Gene Hess: <gene...>,
>
>
> *HOT SPRINGS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
> The Count will not happen this year, but Webers still run it, and it will
> occur again in the future
> Contact: Duane or Marie Weber – (605) 673-2032, <mmcurtin...>
> This CBC has not affiliated with National Audubon Society, but that will
> change in the future.
>
>
>
>
>
> ===========
> *EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA’s CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
>
> *Mitchell Christmas Bird Count,
> Sunday, 12/14/25
> Contact: Jeff Hansen, <jeff.hansen.sd...>, 785-806-6917
>
>
> *Aberdeen Christmas Bird Count,
> 12/14/2025
> Contact: Gary T Olson – <olsonfam...>, 605-715-5242,
>
> *Yankton Christmas Bird Count,
> Sunday, 12/14/2025
> Contact: Roger Dietrich: <1947rogerd...>, (605) 660-6247
>
> *Madison Christmas Bird Count,
> Monday, 12/15/25
> Contact: Jeffrey S. Palmer, <jeff.palmer...>, (605) 256-5190
> *Sand Lake N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,
> Tuesday, 12/16/2025
> Contact: Lindsey Wickre, <lindsey_wickre...>,
> 605-228-8421,
> *Waubay N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,
> 12/17/2025
> Contact: Nicole Heller – Office (605) 989-2324, <Jarrod_Lee...>,
> 605-566-0832 ext 16,
>
> *Brookings Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/20/2025
> Contact: Dan Kemp, <dankemp...>
> *Watertown Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday 12/20/2025
> Owen Mcelroy, <owen.mcelroy...>
> *Sioux Falls Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/20/25
> Contact: Chris Anderson, <canderson1...>, 605-254-2550
>
> *Huron Christmas Bird Count,
> Monday, 12/22/25
> Contact: Ryan Thompson, <ryemel4...>
>
> Office: (402) 281-3140
>
>
>
> *Canton Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 1/3/2026
> Contact: Chris Anderson, <canderson1...>, 605-254-2550
>
>
>
> ———-
> *Lake Andes Christmas Bird Count,
> It stopped happening in a previous year & it is not expected to happen
> this season.
> We need a new compiler to adopt this CBC.
> Contact: Mick Hanan, <mick_hanan...>, (605) 481-2347
>
> *OTHER ADJACENT STATES*
>
>
> *SOME NEBRASKA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
>
> *Scottsbluff, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
> Sunday, 12/14/25
> Contact: Kathy DeLara, <renosmom...>,
> *Ponca State Park, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
> 12/14/2025
> Contact: katie leware, k*<atie.leware...>*
> <katie.leware...>?subject=Inquiry%20about%20the%20126th%20Christmas%20Bird%20Count>
> ,
>
>
> *Fort Niobrara, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
> Tuesday, 12/16/2025
> Contact: Katie Schober, <katie_schober...>, Cell: (308) 645-7440,
> Office: (402) 281-3140
>
>
> *North Platte, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
> Wednesday, 12/17/2025
> Wenesday, 12/17/2025Contact: Thomas Walker, <thomas.walker...>,
> 308-530-7659
>
>
> *Norfolk, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/20/25
> Contact: Duane Wolff, <duane.wolff...>, (402)-841-0130,
> David Heidt, <heidtdw...>, 402-371-3412 leave message
>
> *Lake McConaughy, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/27/2025
> Contact: Stephen Dinsmore, <cootjr...>, 515-294-1348
>
> *Crawford Christmas Bird Count,
> Friday, 1/2/2026
> Contact: Kathy DeLara, <renosmom...>
> *Harrison Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 1/3/2026
> Contact: Kathy DeLara, <renosmom...>
>
> =======
> *SOME WYOMING CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
> *Buffalo, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> Sunday, 12/14/2025
> Contact: Deane Bjerke, <bjerkedp...>,
> *Gillette, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> Sunday, 12/14/25
> Contact: William Vetter, <wm_vetter...>, (307) 670-1145
> or Dustin Downey, 307.756.3941, 504.453.4139, Dusty.Downey@audubon.
> *Goshen Hole, WY, Christmas Bird Count
> Saturday,12/20/2025
> Contact: Zachariah Hutchinson, <zhutchinson...>
>
>
> *Casper, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/20/2025
> Contact: Bruce Walgren, <piranga...>, 307-234-7455,
> or Stacey Scott at <hustace...> or (307) 262-0055
>
> *Sheridan, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/20/2025
> Contact: Annie Dunn, <anniegitterdunn...>, (253) 307-9082
>
> *Story-Bighorn, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/27/2025
> Contact: Ariel Downing: at 307-751- 2303, <bandgeek832...>,
> *Kane, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday, 12/20/25
> Contact: Christy Fleming: <christy_fleming...>, 307-548-5402
> *Bates Hole, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> Thursday, 1/1/25
> Contact: Hustace “Stacey” Scott, <hustace...>, call Stacey at
> 307-262-0055 or Charlie at 307-473-2512
>
> —
> *Guernsey/Ft. Laramie, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> TBD
> Contact: Jane Dorn, 307-640-4002, <linglebird...>, Jane has been
> incapacitated and thinks Grant Frost may be assuming some of the duties to
> organize this CBC, call him at 307-343-2024
> *Sundance, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
> TBD
> Contact: Jen at 307-290-0457, <ravenssong18...>,
> *SOME IOWA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
> *Westfield, IA, Christmas Bird Count,
> Tuesday, 12/16/2025
> Contact: Tucker Lutter, <tuckerlutter...>,
> *Sioux City, IA, Christmas Bird Count,
> Saturday 12/20/2025
> Contact: Jerry Probst, <probstsuebee...>, 712-490-8256
> =====
> *SOME MINNESOTA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
> *Hendricks, MN, Christmas Bird Count,
> Tuesday, 12/16/25
> Contact: William A. Schultze, <bcbrats...>,
> *Ortonville, MN, Christmas Bird Count
> Saturday, 12/20/25
> Contact: Brandon Semel: <brandon_semel...>
> 605-479-3015
> *Pipestone National Monument, MN, Christmas Bird Count,
> 12/30/25
> Contact: Mike Majeski, 651 247 9459, <mmajeski...>,
> <garrettwee...>,
> Gabriel Yellowhawk at Park – <Gabriel_Yellowhawk...>, 507-215-9118,
> Beth Collins <bc309167...>,
> A new compiler is needed
> =========
> *SOME NORTH DAKOTA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
> *Long Lake N.W.R. ND, Christmas Bird Count,,
> Wednesday, 12/17/2025
> Contact: Patrick Chastan, <patrick_chastan...>, 701-321-0865 or Jared
> Newton, <Jared_Newton...>
> *Tewaukon N.W.R., ND, Christmas Bird Count,
> Wednesday, 12/17/25
> Contact: 701-403-0041, Eric Wilson, <Eric_Wilson...>
>
> *Bismarck-Mandan, ND, Christmas Bird Count,
> Sunday, 12/21/2025
> Contact: Corey Ellingson, <crackerjackbirder...>, 701-400-5891
> *Medora, ND, Theodore Roosevelt N.P. South Unit, Christmas Bird Count,
> at South Visitor Center
> Date will likely not be determined before 12/23/25
> Kevin Melzo, <kevin_melzo...>, 701-623-4730 ext 1403, or Neil at
> 701-623-4466
> *North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt N.P., ND, Christmas Bird Count
> Date will likely not determined before 12/23/25
> Contact: Kevin Melzo, <kevin_melzo...>, 701-623-4730 ext 1403, or
> Neil at 701-623-4466
>
> =============
> *SOME MONTANA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS*
> *Miles City, MT, Christmas Bird Count,
> Friday, 12/19/2025
> Contact: Jennifer Muscha, <jenmuscha...>, 406-951-2799
> ==========================
>
>
>
> ============
> Nancy Hilding
> 6300 West Elm, Black Hawk, SD 57718
> or
> Prairie Hills Audubon Society
> P.O. Box 788, Black Hawk, SD 57718
> <nhilshat...>
> 605-787-6466, has voice mail
> 605-787-2806, cell (rarely used)
> http://www.phas-wsd.org > https://www.facebook.com/phas.wsd/ > https://phas-wsd.blogspot.com/ >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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