The Tiadaghton Audubon Society, a group of local birders based in Wellsboro, Pa. needs help with the Cowanesque Circle Christmas bird count in Tioga County, Pa. and New York on Saturday, Dec. 17. People who can help are asked to sign up by this coming Monday, Dec. 12.

It is not necessary to be a member of either the Tiadaghton or the National Audubon Society to participate.

The Cowanesque Circle has a diameter of 15 miles and is centered on Cowanesque Lake with a radius of 7.5 miles. It covers the following areas: North – Pinnacle State Park in N.Y.; South – Ives Run Campground; West – Osceola; and East – East Lawrence Road and Woodford Road. 

“We would appreciate it if more people living in or outside the Cowanesque bird circle area who don’t want to leave their homes would get involved by counting the birds at their own bird feeders in their own backyards,” said Sean Minnick, coordinator.

“If backyard birders call or email me, I can tell them how to do a count and whether they are in the Cowanesque Circle area and should send the data to us. If they live outside our circle area, they will be referred to the appropriate place to report their bird data,” Minnick said. 

“We also need people willing to go on the road to participate in the Cowanesque Circle bird count,” he said. At least 10 volunteers are needed. Each participant will count every bird they see as he/she/they follow their assigned routes.

People who have never participated before but are interested and comfortable with going out on their own are welcome to help,” Minnick said. “It might be fun for a family or people living in the same household to participate together.”

Those interested can sign up by emailing tasmember@yahoo.com or calling Minnick at 570-948-9052. “Anyone interested is welcome to call me for more information,” said Minnick.

Bird count volunteers will get their area assignments or confirmation of their participation from their own properties via email.