Updates are made daily. Count compilers wishing to have details posted on this site should contact Susan Billetdeaux, Webmaster.

Houston Area - Upper Texas Coast

Freeport: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Begun by Victor Emanuel, the Freeport Count is consistently one of the top in the nation; in 2007 it placed 6th. Habitat includes seashore, barrier islands, prairie & woodland. Access to Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Dow Chemical Company lands, and the Gulf shore provide an amazing variety of habitat and often produce rare winter birds for the Upper Texas Coast such as Least Grebe, Summer Tanager, Sage Thrasher, Masked Booby, and assorted warblers. The count is organized and reported by compiler Mike Austin. Victor Emanuel remains an honorary co-compiler and an active participant in the count. The Freeport Christmas Bird Count works through its co-compilers and is divided into ten areas with their own leader & unique habitats. For more information and assignments, contact Mike Austin by e-mail or by telephone (281-992-8888).

Mad Island Marsh: Monday, December 15, 2008
We reported 235 species in 2007 and are again Number One in the nation for species. (Last year's results). Most of the count is on private land and participation in the CBC is the only way to gain access to some very productive wildlife lands. The diversity of the CBC is great and most sections have multiple exclusives. The CBC features extensive native grasslands, brushlands, floodplain forests, beaches and coastal marshes. We need skilled birders to scan for pelagics over the Gulf from land, skilled shorebirders to ride on boats to survey expansive mudflats and marshes of the delta of the Colorado River, and birders to survey narrow forest areas along the river for lingering neotrops. We get super support from local sponsors and a unique t-shirt and a quality count down meal are provided to all participants. Contact Brent Ortego for count assignments. More information on Brent Ortego's web site.

Turkey Creek: Monday, December 15, 2008
This count in Hardin and Tyler Counties includes the Turkey Creek and Hickory Creek Savannah Units of the Big Thicket National Preserve. Meet at the Big Thicket Visitor Center on US69 at FM420, about 7 miles north of Kountze at 6:30 AM. Sponsored by the Big Thicket National Preserve. Contact Dave Roemer at 409-951-6720 or John Whittle at 409-722-4193 for more information.

Galveston: Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Anyone who would like to participate is welcome! Please contact count compiler Dwight Peake, telephone 409-740-4621, to sign up and for more information. All of the areas in this count circle have great birding! It is a wonderful count like Attwater, but the two contrast sharply. Attwater may have the highest species total for a totally inland site, and Galveston may get the highest number of species relative to the land area available in the count circle since most of it is water. This count also includes Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary and Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary. Last year we listed 171 species. Highlights included Red-eyed Vireo, Broad-winged Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, Nashville Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Glaucous Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow and Black Rails, Stilt Sandpiper, Groove-billed Ani, Horned Grebe, and Fulvous Whistling Ducks.

Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR: Wednesday, December 17, 2008
This is a wonderful opportunity to bird the Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR in Eagle Lake, TX. This count hails as having one of the highest species count of all inland CBCs in North America. Anyone interested in participating in this CBC must contact Sumita Prasad prior to the CBC date so that we have a head count. Participants should expect to meet at the refuge headquarters in Eagle Lake by 6:15 AM and bring lunch and whatever gear necessary (rain gear, snacks, etc.) for a good day's birding. The countdown dinner will be held at the Sportsman's Restaurant in Eagle Lake, TX at sundown. Should you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the compiler, Sumita Prasad, 832-453-4374 (messages). Many, many thanks for your interest and participation in the Attwater NWR CBC.

San Bernard NWR: Friday, December 19, 2008
This unique count provides opportunities to bird areas of the refuge not normally open to the public including a newly-acquired tract along the west end of CR306, the Bludworth tract along Cocklebur Slough (2003 acquisition) and the nearby McNeill tract which now boasts the official state champion Live Oak. Also open for counters is the state's Nannie Stringfellow Wildlife Management Area. We have rail buggy slots open for those hoping to see Yellow Rail and possibly even Black Rails. There will even be a pre-dawn run for those interested in having the best chance of seeing these elusive species. This count also claims some of the best hospitality around with the refuge staff providing an air boat, rail buggy, and 4WD trucks. Not sure who the chef will be this year, but I'm told we will again be offering the famous countdown dinner of seafood gumbo! Although this count still provides the small count atmosphere, it has plenty of big count diversity with 190 or more species most years. You can join us by contacting either of the co-compilers or by showing up at the refuge headquarters on CR306 at 0630 hours the morning of December 19th. Co-compilers Ron Weeks  (or phone evenings 979-299-0066) or Jennifer Wilson (or phone daytime 979-964-4011).

Brazos Bend State Park: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Circle the date. In addition to the wonderful property within the park, our teams are able to enjoy vast Smithers Lake, Davis Estates, Northern Brazoria County and other diverse habitat within the count circle. Now in our 24th year, we encourage participants young and old, and all levels of experience to join the fun. Strong leadership will be assigned for all groups and the park entry fee is waived for participants. A count-down dinner will follow the count including the award of the "Big Bird" for the outstanding sighting during the event. (An American Redstart seen by Stephan Lorenz was the 2007 winner.) Contact Bill Godley at 281-341-6684 (email: fribbish@msn.com) for details and choose your area now if you have a favorite location.

Johnson Bayou - Southwest Louisiana: Sunday, December 21, 2008
Johnson Bayou CBC has a rich history beginning in 1976 to present. While much of the area is private, local land owners have allowed access to their property for this count, areas rarely birded and normally inaccessible to birders at other times offering a good chance for oddities. We have permission from the land owners ie. Gray Estate and Crain Brothers to be on their properties. Areas covered include beach, costal cheniers, marsh and grasslands. Johnson Bayou is located off Hwy 82 in Louisiana just across from Pleasure Island, TX (east of Sabine Pass). From Port Arthur take Hwy 82 east for about 15 miles into LA. The school sits between a store and the Head-of-the-Hallow Cemetery. Last year's count included White-tailed Kite, Crested Caracara, Merlin, a number of LeConte's Sparrows, Seaside Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting. American Woodcock, Peregrine Falcon and Chuck-will's-widow were seen on the 2005 count. Meet at 7:00 AM at the Johnson Bayou school. This count has great potential with enough observers. We always need more birders on this count and this is a great chance to find a "one-of-a-kind" bird for a CBC. Every birder WILL make an impact on the results of this count. Please contact Ken Sztraky, telephone 409-385-2835, for more information, assignments and directions.

Trinity River: Friday, December 26, 2008
Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge will host the Twelfth Annual Trinity River Christmas Bird Count for northern Liberty County. Areas to be counted include the Trinity River NWR, Tarkington Prairie, and Gaylor Lake. We will meet at 7:00 AM at the Valero Gas station located at the intersection of Hwy 105 and 321, about 6 miles southeast of Cleveland. Some folks will bird the "bottoms" so be sure to bring a sack lunch, rubber knee boots and other appropriate outdoor clothing. The wrap-up dinner will be held at the Plantation restaurant in Cleveland. Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome. If you have any questions you can contact Stuart Marcus at 936/336-9786 or stuart_marcus@fws.gov.

Armand Bayou Nature Center: Saturday, December 27, 2008
Come for the birds, come for the fun, but just come! Volunteers are needed in the field and in backyards. Armand Bayou's count includes areas of LaPorte, League City, Dickinson, Seabrook and Baycliff (and lots of places in between), so we need your help. We meet at 6:30 am at Armand Bayou Nature Center's auditorium. We will also be owling at ABNC (5:00 am-ish) Please contact Martha Hood at 281-286-6746 or lazuli007@yahoo.com to register, get signed up for an area, and for further details. Thank you!

Beech Creek: Saturday, December 27, 2008
This count takes places in Tyler and Jasper Counties and includes Steinhagen Lake, the Beech Creek unit of Big Thicket National Preserve and Martin Dies State Park. Meet at the Corps of Engineers Picnic Area on FM92 immediately north of the intersection with FM1746 in Town Bluff at 6:30 AM. Sponsored by the Big Thicket National Preserve. Contact Dave Roemer at 409-951-6720 or John Whittle at 409-722-4193 for more information.

Spring Creek: Saturday, December 27, 2008
This count, sponsored by the Piney Woods Wildlife Society, covers a 15-mile diameter circle that is roughly centered in The Woodlands at I-45 and Rayford-Sawdust road. Our count circle is divided into four count areas with leaders and meeting places as follows: The Woodlands count area will meet at Starbuck's at 7:00 am, (about three traffic lights west of I-45 on Sawdust Road at 25111 Grogan's Mill Road — on the left at the intersection of Sawdust and Grogan's Mill Road). Al Barr leads the Mercer count area. The owling group will meet at 4:30 AM at the Kroger parking lot beside the McDonald's at I-45 and FM 2920. For the non-owling portion, meet in the Mercer Arboretum parking lot (west side) at about 9 AM. The Hooks Airport section, led by Jennifer Backo, will meet at 8:00 AM at the Hooks airport parking lot at Stuebner Airline and FM 2920. The Jones State Forest section, will meet at 7:30 AM at the Jones Forest office on FM 1488, west of I-45. After a full day of counting birds, we will again have our countdown dinner at 5:30 p.m. in a private room at the Tequila Patio Mexican Restaurant (281-350-1136). The restaurant is located on the west side of Aldine Westfield Road about 1/2 mile north of Mercer Arboretum. There, we will have refreshments and dinner and will tally the total species and relate the exciting events of the day. You are welcome to attend the dinner whether you participate in the count or not. There is a $5.00 fee per count participant that goes to the National Audubon Society. Persons 18 years and under participate free. Contact Al Barr, at 281-443-6629 for more information.

Buffalo Bayou: Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Buffalo Bayou CBC is centered at the Houston Audubon's Edith L. Moore Sanctuary. It extends from Memorial Park on the east to beyond Hwy 6 on the west; from the Southwest Freeway at West Belt on the south to FM 529 near Jersey Village on the north. This area includes sizable chunks of excellent habitat: Houston Arboretum, Art Storey Park, Addicks & Barker Reservoirs, Bear Creek Park and Buffalo Bayou. Last year this count produced 123 species of birds and over the last ten years this count has averaged about 123 species with a high count of 132 species being hit twice. It is possible to see up to 15 species of sparrows on this count, including the elusive Henslow's and Grasshopper Sparrows. Other "Special Birds" seen over the last five years have been: Hooded Merganser, American Bittern, Solitary Sandpiper, American Woodcock, Common Ground-Dove, Black Phoebe, Couch's Kingbird, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Towhee, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin. This count is one of the most popular in Texas; we would like you to join in the fun and help us eclipse the high count of 132 species. There are two ways to participate: (1) Be a Field Observer - Join one of the teams in the field ($5 fee) (2) Be a Feeder/Yard Watcher - Because so much of the Buffalo Bayou CBC area is residential, Feeder Watchers (those who stay at home and observe their feeder, yard and/or neighborhood) are extremely important to the count and greatly increase the efficiency of the count by observing species that otherwise would not be seen, such as hummingbirds. Feeder Watchers don't pay a participation fee and submitting your observations is easy via an on-line data form accessible on the web site. For more information, see the Buffalo Bayou CBC web site or contact co-compilers Michael Williams (preferably by email) or via phone at 832-723-0653 or Adam Wood, 713-515-1692.

Old River: Monday, December 29, 2008
Open to all participants. Lower Trinity River centered at Lake Charlotte including Wallisville Dam. We will meet in the area between McDonald's and DJ's Country Store on the corner of I-10 & Hwy 61 (take the Hankamer exit off I-10) at 6:30 AM. The countdown dinner tentatively will be at Iguana Joe's just north of I-10 on Hwy 146 in Mont Belvieu. We will meet there between 5:00-5:30 PM. For further details please contact Harry Elliott, or phone 832-444-0965.

Cypress Creek (Katy Prairie): Thursday, January 1, 2009
Last year we had access to a record number of acres thanks to the Katy Prairie Conservancy and its many land partners. Access to other private ranches and acreages like the Kelsey Ranch, Laas Ranch and Bridgeland Properties gave us access to over 32,000 acres. These private ranches contain much of Cypress and Bessie Creek bottoms within the count circle providing a habitat diversity unparalleled on the Katy Prairie. Unusual birds included Yellow-crowned Night-heron, Glossy Ibis, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Common Moorhen, Ladderback Woodpecker, Tree Swallow, Cave Swallow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Palm Warbler, and Pyrrhuloxia. Count Compiler: Fred Collins.

Orange County: Thursday, January 1, 2009
Habitat covers marsh, woodlands, and the Cow Bayou watershed. Meet in Orange at 7:00 AM at the Service Station at the intersection of Highway 105 and FM 1442. All are invited, even if you are not an experienced birder or are only able to bird for part of the day. Feeder watchers are welcome to participate. Let us know in advance and we will find a suitable group for you to join. The more pairs of eyes in a group, the more birds will be seen. Contact Ken Sztraky, telephone 409-385-2835, for more information.

San Jacinto Wilderness: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Love to bird - but also love to kayak? Do you enjoy seeing winged wonders in a true wilderness setting? Then come join us for the 2nd annual count, sponsored by Lake Houston Park! In January 2007, with barely two weeks notice, we had 19 birders of all ages and skill levels come and participate in what everyone knew would be only a trial run, and we ended up with over 5000 individuals across 80 species. For 2008, the first official count for this circle, an incredible 43 birders joined in an awesome effort and gathered in almost 11,000 birds across 93 species! Will 2009 be the year this unique inland circle breaks into triple digits? Come and be a part of it! For 2009, most groups will be meeting 7 AM inside the Jack-in-the-Box, 20130 US-59, in New Caney, TX. This is at the southwest corner of the US-59/FM-1485 intersection. Five groups have been formed: Lake Houston Park Trekkers, Damuth Preserve Diehards, Dayton Prairie Muckers, Tri-Lakes Roadies, and Iron Duck Kayakers. Read descriptions of groups. If one of the groups strikes your fancy, please email the leader directly as well as compiler David F. Henderson. See you 1/3/09!

Sea Rim State Park: Saturday, January 3, 2009
This count in Jefferson County includes Sea Rim SP, Texas Point NWR and Sabine Pass area. Meet at the corner at the stop sign on Highway 87 (where Highway 87 turns right) in Sabine Pass at 7:00 AM. Sponsored by Golden Triangle Audubon Society. Contact John Whittle, 409-722-4193 for details.

Coastal Bend

Guadalupe River Delta - McFaddin Family Ranches: Thursday, December 18, 2008
We reported 225 species in 2007 and were Number Two in the nation for species. (Last year's results). The Guadalupe Delta was designed to monitor lingering neotrops, but in the process of capturing 15 miles of forested river corridor we also contained diverse wetlands/brushlands/grasslands within our count circle. As a result, this count circle has been reporting some amazing species tallies again mostly on private property. One state Wildlife Management Area adds greatly to species diversity, but the bulk of the birding is on private ranches or industrial property. We need birders to stalk lingering neotrops in South Texas Tamaulipan thorn-scrub, riparian woodlands and grasslands. We have miles of bayous and rivers within the count circle which provide access to forested tracts by boat which cannot easily be reached otherwise. We have access to 25,000 acres of private ranches, 7200 acres of conservation land and 2 large industrial holdings. The Delta has sponsorship from Lyondell Corporation with activity fees and a supper at a camp fire in the river bottom for the tally is provided to each participant. Contact Brent Ortego (telephone 361-576-0022, ext. 24) count assignments. More information on Brent Ortego's web site.

Welder Wildlife Refuge: Friday, December 19, 2008
Meet at 6:30 AM at the Welder Wildlife Foundation Main Gate off of Hwy 77 north of Sinton for assignments. Contact Terry Blankenship.

Corpus Christi: Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Corpus Christi CBC is one of the older counts in the state and one which traditionally has a very large number of species. The habitat includes Nueces Bay, marshland, ponds, the lower Nueces River and its delta, brush, fields and grasslands. We may well be short-handed this year and would appreciate all the help we can get. Contact David Newstead or Larry Jordan (telephone 361-443-0744).

Corpus Christi - Flour Bluff: Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Audubon Outdoor Club will pay the $5 fee. This count goes back many years and is particularly interesting because it is in an area which varies from completely residential to completely rural and is changing year by year. Please contact compiler Larry Jordan, 361-443-0744, for an assignment.

Aransas NWR: Monday, December 29, 2008
The Friends of Aransas & Matagorda Island NWRS will be sponsoring the annual count at the Refuge in Austwell, TX. CBC participants are fee-free. Breakfast and noon meals will be provided. Meet at the Volunteer Bldg in the residential/Visitor Center area at 6:30 - 7:00 AM for registration and field assignments. (Follow CBC sign after gate entrance.) Contact Barbara Bruns, telephone 361-575-5505 or Aransas NWR 361-286-3559.

Lower Rio Grande Valley

Falcon Dam and State Park: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Open to all participants. We meet at the river in Salineno at 7 AM. We cover Salineno, Chapeno, Falcon Dam State Park and down to Roma, Texas. Contact Jim Hailey, 361-288-2759.

La Sal Vieja: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Meet at 6:30 AM at the intersection of FM88 and FM186 for assignments. Bring your sack lunch and meet at 12:00 noon at Delta Lake County Park on FM88. A free countdown dinner is held in Elsa at Alameda Restaurant (Mexican food) at SE corner of FM88 and FM107 around 5:30 PM. La Sal Vieja is a fascinating count that yielded 165 species the last few years. It is held in the Valley Salt Lake area transected by FM186. Here we find many arid upland species comprised of raptors and wintering sparrows, as well as water birds. Much of this area is made up of grassland, salt lakes, and arid brush country with sandier soils and ranch land. The Valley Nature Center in Weslaco is paying for all participants' count fees & dinner!! Please call ahead or e-mail to register. Contact Martin Hagne, 956-969-2475.

Chaparral Wildlife Management Area: Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Chaparral Wildlife Management Area was affected by a wildfire in March - this will provide very valuable data in our assessment of the impact of the fire both short and long term on the bird component of this ecosystem. The CWMA invites you to participate in our annual count; it's a lot of fun with nice people. The event takes place rain or shine, and the more eyes we have looking the more birds we find. Birders, beginners to advanced, interested in participating should contact me at the email or phone listed below. Once we know how many are participating, we assign teams so we can get thorough coverage. The CWMA consists of 15,200 acres of South Texas brush country. The CWMA Directions: The Chaparral Wildlife Management Area is located 8 miles west of Artesia Wells on F.M. 133. Take I-35, to Artesia Wells/Catarina exit, turn west. Participants will meet at the Chaparral WMA office at 7:00 AM. A $5.00 fee is required of each adult participant, which helps pay for National Audubon's administrative costs and a copy of the Christmas Bird Count issue of "American Birds". For more information, contact Marina Rivieccio, telephone 830-676-3413.

Choke Canyon: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Covering Choke Canyon State Park, the reservoir, and surrounding scrub, fields, and woodlands, this count offers a high diversity of waterbirds, raptors, and sparrows, and easy access to many "South Texas" specialties. A countdown dinner is held starting at sunset at Nolan Ryan's Bass Inn on Hwy. 72 west of Three Rivers. Coverage of the count circle is arranged prior to count day. Groups are assigned the night before, and each group is responsible for getting themselves going in the morning, so there is no pre-count meeting and no "official" start time other than "first light". Owling will be conducted starting at 12:01 AM. Please contact Paul Sunby if interested for further details.

Coastal Tip of Texas: Saturday, December 20, 2008
All interested parties will meet at Laguna Atascosa NWR Visitor Center at 6:00 AM to distribute maps and answer questions. We would like as many volunteers as possible. It would be nice if people could provide their own vehicles, but there may be vehicles available if they want to go in groups with Refuge Volunteers. Contact Leo Gustafson, telephone 956-748-3607.

Santa Ana: Saturday, December 20, 2008
All are welcome to participate. Local and visiting birders can count at Santa Ana NWR or anywhere in the count circle, and you can bird solo or join experienced or novice birders on a team. Please call the Santa Ana NWR visitor center (956) 784-7500 or email compiler Mike Carlo, telephone 956-784-7500. It's always fun counting birds on the border; hope to see you at the count.

Weslaco: Saturday, December 27, 2008
Meet at 6:30 AM at the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco for assignments. Lunch is on your own. A free countdown hamburger dinner will be held at the Estero Llano Grande State Park around 6:00 PM. The Weslaco CBC is only in its 6th year, yet for the last few years we led, or were very close to leading, the number of species counted in all of the Rio Grande Valley counts. We had 178 species two years ago, and the count was ranked 21st in the country! But we need your help to do that again!! Participants' fees will be paid for by our sponsors, the Valley Nature Center and Estero Llano Grande State Park & World Birding Center. Please call ahead or e-mail to register. Contact Martin Hagne, 956-969-2475.

Anzalduas-Bentsen: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Count circle includes Bentsen State Park and Anzalduas County Park. Participants, working in teams, may opt for a few hours of counting, an all-day marathon or anything in between. Compiler Josh Rose, telephone 956-584-9156.

Harlingen: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Meet at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen at 6:30 AM for assignments. Meet at the What-A-Burger at Business 77 and Harrison from 12 to 1 for lunch and afternoon assignments. Please contact compiler, Mark Conway, 956-412-6631, for further details.

Laredo: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Come find the White-collared Seedeater with us! We have some great property to survey, both private and public, with a count dinner provided by the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau. If you are interested in helping us (we need help), please let me know. Contact Susan Foster for further details.

Laguna Atascosa: Sunday, January 4, 2009
Contact Jody Mays, 956-748-3607.

North/East Texas

Caddo National Grasslands: Monday, December 15, 2008
Greetings! Welcome to the Caddo NG CBC. We will meet at the campground/boat ramp parking lot on the north side of Coffee Mill Lake. We will divide into 4-5 groups and cover the circle from 7 AM to 4-5 PM. Key birding areas include Coffee Mill Lake, a large lake replete with duck hunters and poachers alike, several small to mid-sized "grassland" fragments that produce LeConte's Sparrows and has possibility for a lot of great sparrows, ag fields with longspurs, and even some mature pine woods that have Pine Warbler and I'm hoping Bachman's Sparrows at some point. For an idea of the count circle, google for Caddo National Grasslands and Coffee Mill Lake, the lake is just above the centroid of the circle. This count is also not for the weak of heart. The reason is that the Caddo NG people offer deer hunts on the weekends throughout the CBC window, so there are numerous deer hunters shooting at first light. Hunting is only for about the first 2 hours, so it's not bad after that. Orange vests are strongly recommended, even though we tend to stick to open areas like the lake early in the morning. We will NOT meet at the Pizza Hut in Bonham for the count dinner as we normally do. Instead, one of our generous volunteers is hosting a chili feed at her house near the count circle. We readily welcome any and all birders, including novices, from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or anywhere! See you there. Contact Doug Wood (email preferred), or phone at 580-745-2272 (that's my office phone with voice mail).

Dallas County: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sponsored by Audubon Dallas. The Dallas count circle is centered at the intersection of Inwood Road and Cedar Springs and is divided into twelve zones for easier canvassing. Parties of observers are sent out under the leadership of "zone leaders" to cover pre-set zones within the count circle. You do not have to be an expert birder. The only qualifications are that you can pay $5.00, be able to count, and have a pair of binoculars. The $5.00 helps Audubon cover CBC program costs (such as database/web costs, and the publication of the CBC results summary). The weather tends to be cool and occasionally rainy. A review of the last few Dallas CBCs indicates the low temperature averages in the mid-40s F and the high temperature is in the mid-50s F. Children 18 years and under participate for free. Zone leaders usually try to pair experienced birders with less experienced counters. Jim and Gretchen Peterson will serve as official count compilers again this year. All participants are invited to the "count-down" dinner at 5:30 pm that day to compile the final numbers. The dinner will be at Luby's Cafeteria, 6221 East Mockingbird Lane, about 2 blocks west of the Abrams intersection. To join a group and for further details, contact Reba Collins by email or phone (evenings) at 972-530-2412. She has maps and zone leader names.

Hagerman NWR: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Meet at refuge headquarters on count morning for assignment to areas. The insane can meet at 4:45 AM for owling, normal people at 7:00 for regular birding. Directions to headquarters: From intersection of US 75 and US 82 in Sherman, go west about 1 mile to FM 1417, turn north for about 5.5 miles. Turn west on Refuge Rd and follow signs to headquarters (6 miles more). Contact compiler Wayne Meyer to preregister.

Tyler: Saturday, January 3, 2009
This is a count in northeast Texas that includes woodland and lakeside habitat with a good variety of pineywoods birds. Anyone who is interested should contact Peter Barnes, home telephone 903-839-8359.

Central Texas

College Station: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Our traditional countdown chili dinner will follow. Open to all participants. Anyone interested please contact Betty Vermeire, or (979) 324-6654 (cellular + messages). An organizational meeting will be held in early December. Texas Master Naturalists can earn volunteer hours by participating. Our 2007 CBC was notable for having the highest count of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in the country!

Uvalde County: Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Uvalde CBC group meets at 7:30 AM in the parking lot of the Chamber of Commerce/Civic Center on Main Street, Uvalde. As a small town CBC, Uvalde is always happy to have new folk join us. We need all levels of birders from experts through to beginners to help as spotters and scribes. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Susan Cooper to register and for further details.

Balcones Canyonlands: Monday, December 15, 2008
Meet for orientation at 6 AM in Cedar Park; or, for those coming from the Marble Falls area, 7:15 AM in Lago Vista (contact me for exact locations). Tally rally is at 5:45 PM in Jonestown. The count area is almost entirely rural, but snacks and/or lunch are available at a few places. Contact me, John Kelly, for more information about joining. Secondary contact person is Chuck Sexton (512-339-9432, ext. 30).

Austin: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Your compilers this year will be Laurie Foss and Shelia Hargis. Please let us know you would like to participate by sending an email to austincbc@gmail.com. Let us know: (1) if this is your first year for the CBC, (2) if you are requesting your "usual" section, (3) if you are requesting a new section. Also, we need to hear from all of you who lead a section as soon as possible. If we don't hear from you by November 14, we will come looking for you. No one wants that. One final request. If you have suggestions for things that, if they were present, would make this a "Wow that's fun!" event please be sure to let us know.

Crawford: Saturday, December 20, 2008
As with last year we hope to break our "Western Waco" circle into 8 parts, but can do fewer if needed. We will meet at 07:45 AM at Bosque Square on the south of Hwy 6 & Bosque Blvd. just before the Hwy leads over the twin bridges of Waco Lake. In recent years we have not done a post-count dinner, though I'd be happy to dine with anyone coming out of town, as I'm sure will others. Also, I encourage anyone visiting anywhere in the area to send me a list on any birds seen there during count week (Dec 17-23). However, since many groups like to start early but may want additional help, anyone interested should please call me at my work cell (Waco Lake Corps of Engineers (254) 379-3642 M-F 8-4:30 so I can estimate how many folks are going. One of each group (1 car per group) usually emails me the totals, or drops the written notes whenever. Send me (Eric Haskell) an email for a list from last year that highlights "target" rarities. Anyone seeing one is encouraged to call me for verification, and so hopefully I can see the bird too!

Georgetown-Andice: Saturday, December 27, 2008
This is a new CBC. Georgetown is about 30 miles north of Austin on I-35. For details contact the compiler, Ed Rozenburg, telephone 512-869-7303.

Gibbons Creek: Monday, December 29, 2008
The count circle encompasses Gibbons Creek Reservoir, the TX Municipal Power Agency (TMPA) reclamation area (lakes, ponds, grasslands, woodlands), and the small communities of Anderson, Carlos, Keith, Singleton, Shiro, and Roans Prairie. This is a rare opportunity to bird the restricted areas on TMPA land. The tree species in the circle are comprised mostly of hardwoods, but there are pines in the eastern portion of the circle. Waterfowl, long-legged wading birds, raptors, shorebirds, grassland birds, and woodland birds are encountered within the count circle. Bald Eagle, Crested Caracara, Cave Swallow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Sprague's Pipit, Henslow's Sparrow, and Harris's Sparrow are some of the species encountered on count day. Some of the rarities found within the count circle include Cinnamon Teal, Ringed Kingfisher, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Pyrrhuloxia, and Evening Grosbeak. Everyone is welcome to participate. Novice birders can be grouped with experienced birders. We need a participant(s) who has a canoe or boat to count birds on the reservoir and on the periphery of the reservoir. If you are interested in participating in the count, please send Darrell Vollert an e-mail or call979-251-4986.. Participants will be e-mailed a map of the count circle with the territories defined. Participants will also receive the tabulation form, compilation form, rare bird documentation form, and a CBC form via e-mail or snail mail. Those covering the two territories on TMPA property will need to meet with representatives of TMPA at 8 AM on count day to fill out a couple forms. Participants covering TMPA land will be escorted by a TMPA employee.

Bastrop - Buescher State Park: Thursday, January 1, 2009
Open to all participants. We will meet at the Texas Grill Restaurant on Hwy 71 in Bastrop at 6:30-7:00 AM. The countdown will be at the same location at sunset. The count is sponsored by the Bastrop County Audubon Society with fees paid and a luncheon served. Please email David Mitchell or call 512-303-9246 if interested.

Boerne: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Meet at the Boerne HEB parking lot (sw corner near the Dairy Queen) between 7:00 and 7:30 AM. Anyone wishing to help should contact me, Sue Wiedenfeld, or phone 830-995-2300 to sign up and for further details.

Palmetto State Park: Saturday, January 3, 2009
We will meet at 6:45 AM at the park's pavilion. I would encourage all those who bird the area or want to explore an new area to join us. The Count Circle offers a interesting mix of birds that include Zone-tailed Hawks that have been seen in and around the park over the last couple of years. Last year's count found 3 Zone-tailed Hawks which was the high count for the nation. All three birds were initially observed on the park property roosting along with the hundreds of vultures that winter in the park. If you are interested in helping with the count, please let Dwayne Rogers know at your earliest convenience. Also, if you are interested in taking on a little extra responsibilities he is looking for some area leaders. For more information and a copy of the count circle please contact Dwayne Rogers, 713-417-1309 (cell), 281-692-9740 (home).

Burnet County: Monday, January 5, 2009
We have 8 teams, each assigned to a specific area. Team leaders are responsible to members for communicating meeting time and place for their particular area. At the end of the day the entire circle group meets for a countdown, and meal, if desired; time and place to be identified. E-mail compiler Elizabeth Knebel for more information about joining.

Panhandle

Lubbock County: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Team leaders will receive their information before the count and will assemble their teams as they see fit and birding will probably last, for most, from 7:30 to 4:30 or so. The countdown will be a potluck dinner at my place, starting at 5:00, with the actual countdown starting no later than 6:00. I will need eight team leaders and could use at least 24 counters. So far I have the following: Team 1 - northeast portion of the circle - VACANT; Team 2 - north central portion of the circle - Cliff Stogner; Team 3 - Buffalo Springs Lake/V8 Ranch - Anthony and Aveline Hewetson; Team 4 - southeast portion of the circle - VACANT; Team 5 - southwest portion of the circle - VACANT; Team 6 - northwest portion of the circle - Rob Lee, Susan Bergeson, Jim Bertrand; Team 7 - canyon lakes - Phillip Kite, Nancy Neill; Team 8 - town proper - Tom SoRelle, Bob Rasa, Catherine Winans. Please contact compiler Anthony Hewetson, telephone 806-252-1213 if you are able to participate.

Wichita Falls: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sponsored by the North Texas Bird and Wildlife Club. Debra Halter compiler. Contact Terry McKee, telephone 940-766-4097 for more information.

Muleshoe NWR: Sunday, December 21, 2008
We will meet at refuge headquarters at 7:30, will bird for at least four hours, and will meet back at headquarters for a potluck lunch and countdown around noon or so. I will need four team leaders and could use at least 12 counters. So far I have: Team 1 - Paul's Lakes - Anthony and Aveline Hewetson; Team 2 - northern uplands and upper rim - Rob Lee, Susan Bergeson, Jim Bertrand; Team 3 - Goose Lake and lower rim - Phillip Kite and Bob Rasa; Team 4 - central woodlands and White Lake - Cliff Stogner, Jim Crites, and Catherine Winans. Please contact compiler Anthony Hewetson, telephone 806-252-1213 if you are able to participate.

Quitaque/Caprock Canyon State Park: Saturday, January 3, 2009
The count center is Caprock Canyon State Park; rocky canyon terrain, junipers and cottonwood trees are predominant. There are also two small man-made lakes for waterfowl. Meet at Caprock Canyon State Park gate at 8:00 AM. Contact Joel Reese.

Robert Lee: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Sponsored by the Midland Naturalists. Robert Lee, in Coke County, is about 40 miles N/NW of San Angelo. The circle center is just outside town and includes East Spence Reservoir, Mountain Creek and its reservoir, surrounding fields and mesas. Robert Lee CBC 2006 results. For updated information and further details please contact compiler Rose Marie Stortz or phone 432-683-1676.

White River Lake: Saturday, January 3, 2009
We will meet at the White River Lake Marina at 7:30, will bird throughout the day, and will meet up for a hot supper/countdown - either at the marina or in nearby Crosbyton - somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00. I will need five team leaders and could use at least 15 counters. So far I have: Team 1 - the northern woodlands - Rich Kostecke; Team 2 - the east side - Cliff Stogner, Susan Bergeson, Jim Bertrand; Team 3 - the west side - Rob Lee; Team 4 - east and southeast - Aveline and Anthony Hewetson; Team 5 - west and southwest - Tom SoRelle, Phillip Kite. Please contact compiler Anthony Hewetson, telephone 806-252-1213 if you are able to participate.

West Texas

Comstock: Saturday, December 27, 2008
Located 45 miles west of Del Rio, the count circle includes parts of the Rio Grande and Pecos Rivers. Meet at the Visitor's Center in Seminole Canyon State Historical Park between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. Some routes on this count require a lot of walking. Should anyone wish to assist please contact compiler Sue Wiedenfeld via email, or phone 830-995-2300 to sign up and for further details.

Guadalupe Mountains: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Coverage areas will be assigned before count day. Most areas require hiking. Participants will meet at 6:45 AM at the Pine Springs Cholla Chateau (call 915-828-3251x251 for directions) to be sure all areas are covered. Preliminary post-count tally will be at the Cholla at the end of the day. Some housing or RV space may be available for Friday and Saturday nights for $7.00 per person per night. Advance reservations required. Contact Fred Armstrong for more information about joining.

This list reports details of the counts as provided by the compilers. Houston Audubon Society is not responsible for administration of the counts.