Death Valley Christmas Bird Count Information

January 3, 2015, 7am

The Death Valley Christmas Bird Count will be held this year on January 3, 2015. Below is some information about our count, if you have additional questions please email linda_manning@nps.gov, or you may call 760-786-3252.

Weather can be variable and the mornings are cool, so dress appropriately. Layers and hats/gloves are recommended (temps can be in the 30's at the start and in the 60's by the afternoon). Recommend checking the weather forecast a few days prior so you can bring appropriate clothing.

Map showing where to meet

Click to Enlarge

Meet at 7 am at the Furnace Creek Golf Course parking lot off of Hwy 190 (see map). Furnace Creek is on Hwy 190 on the floor of Death Valley; to get to the golf course parking lot turn west on the road immediately south of the Chevron station. If you end up at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Airport you've gone too far north of the Chevron; if you end up at Furnace Creek Ranch, restaurants, General Store, or the Inn, you are too far south. There is a sign to the golf course on the road to the parking area, but it's easy to miss.

You are responsible for your own sustenance so bring food and water for the day. In the morning we'll break into two or more groups, depending on the number of birders and equipment available. One group will cover the golf course and Furnace Creek Ranch area, including ponds on the golf course. The second group will bird the Furnace Creek Inn gardens, then move to Furnace Creek Wash and Travertine Springs. Both groups will meet back around noon, have some lunch, then we will all go onto the sewage lagoons, and if there is time the housing area at Cow Creek.

There will be a mix of walking terrain and distances, and some birding by car. If you have walking challenges, let me know in advance or that morning, and we can make some accommodations.

Depending on interest, we can tally up at the end or I can email the final count tally to you. If you can only stay part of the day, that is not a problem, however we need everyone to meet at 7 am.

We can usually count on seeing 50+ species and occasionally have some interesting and challenging birds. (Peregrine Falcon, Rusty Blackbird and Dickcissel have been seen previously.)

All levels of experience are welcome. This is a great opportunity to learn about birds found in Death Valley and meet other people interested in birds and desert experiences.

We hope to see you there!

Linda Manning, Death Valley National Park
linda_manning@nps.gov / 760-786-3252

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