You are invited to the 35th Audubon Christmas Bird Count along the lower Buffalo River, and the 112th nationwide Christmas Bird Count. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is an American tradition, conducted annually since 1900. Over 50,000 volunteers participate in 2,000-plus locations, and the findings and data are vital for monitoring bird species populations. The “CBC” is fun, and rookies and kids are as welcome as bird watching experts. All you need is a bird identification book and binoculars, and appropriate clothing in the event of wet weather. We will meet in sun, rain or light snow flurries … dress accordingly!
Hot coffee, hot cider and a warm fire will be available at Pavilion One, Buffalo Point, from 10:00 to 1:00. Coffee, cider and fire are courtesy of the Buffalo National River Partners Inc. and the National Park Service. Bring a sack lunch at 12:00.
There will be four separate locations counted in Buffalo Point, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Overlook Trail, Indian Rockhouse Trail, Skull Rock and west bank). If you do not belong to a group, we can assign you to groups at 10 a.m. in Pavilion One, Buffalo Point. Advanced sign-up is not required for counts in Buffalo Point. Volunteers are needed for other locations during the day from dawn to sunset. Groups or individuals may select from the following locations and choose their time and location. See sign-up sheet and contact Roy Stovall if you wish to reserve a location. Sign-up is required for these locations to avoid double-counting.
• Rush Landing, Clabber Creek mouth, lower section of Rush Mountain Trail.
• Rush, Morning Star Loop Trail and abandoned mines.
• Dillards Ferry/Highway 14 Bridge.
• Maumee North, CR 532 from Caney.
• Maumee South, CR 52 from Morning Star.
• Hathaway Mountain/Cow Creek Cook Hollow Trailhead, CR 101 south of Rea Valley.
• Cozahome Church, CR 61.
• Morning Star community, highway 27 southwest.
• Harriet community, Highway 14 south.
Adult volunteers are asked to contribute $5 to fund the cost of statistical analysis of the data. Tax-deductible checks should be made to National Audubon Society Inc. There is no fee for children under 18 or feeder-watchers.
Directions: Buffalo Point Ranger Station is located 16 miles south of Yellville. From Yellville, drive 14 miles south on highway 14, turn left on highway 268 by Wild Bill’s Outfitters, drive 2 miles to ranger station at park entrance on right. At the ranger station, turn right down towards the campgrounds and drive to the first pavilion on the right, Pavilion One.
Please sign up with compiler Roy Stovall 870/736-0505 (cell), e-mail Roy.Stovall@Suddenlink.net, so that we can coordinate territories.
Life and Wildlife along the Little Buffalo River 
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