The Christmas Bird Count is coming to Sequoia National Park on December 14/Sequoia Park Conservancy
Each year from December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers across the continent brave the elements to take part in this massive citizen-science project. The data collected in this long-running wildlife census is used to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.
When: December 14, 2019
Times:
6 a.m. for Owling
Owling is conducted primarily around the Ash Mountain area, Buckeye, and the Ash Mountain Rec Hall.
7 a.m. Birding starts
Birding is a multi-hour event. Participants will pick a specific area in the park to count birds. The distance and difficulty of routes vary.
Where: Meet at the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park
Christmas Bird Count Routes
ALT – Alta Peak / Pear Lake
Description: Very strenuous. 14 miles round-trip, roughly 5,000 foot elevation gain, may require skis and other snow gear. Low bird diversity.
Logistics: Use own vehicle. 4WD needed. Bring flashlights etc.
ASH – Ash Mountain Area
Description: Easy. Driving and walking, hiking possible. Includes Ash Mountain area from condos Pumpkin Hollow to Middle Fork Gauging Station. NPS headquarters and housing. If there is extra time, hike up to Marble Falls. Great bird diversity.
Logistics: Use own vehicle. 2WD is OK.
BCG – Buckeye Campground
Description: Moderate. Potwisha & Hospital rock, Paradise Creek & Middle Fork trails. Moderate bird diversity.
Logistics: Use own vehicle. 2WD is OK.
CMR – Colony Mill Road
Description: Strenuous. 11 miles, watch for poison oak and ticks. Great bird diversity.
Logistics: Snow permitting – leave vehicle at bottom, get ride to top. Otherwise, park at the bottom and do an up and back. 4WD needed for top. Have SHP crew drop off car at end of CMR.
CCR - Crystal Cave Road
Description: Easy if by car, Moderate-Strenuous if by foot - depends on road conditions. Moderate bird diversity. Potentially good for woodpeckers, transition species.
Logistics: Use own car. 4WD may be needed depending on road conditions.
FLM – Flume – Very helpful to be able to bird by ear on this route.
Description: Moderate. Hike down the flume between Potwisha and the entrance Station. Moderate bird diversity.
Logistics: Leave a car at the entrance station and one at the RV dump station. 2WD OK.
GFA – Giant Forest Area
Description: Moderate. Explore Giant Forest trails and Crescent Meadow Road and area. Low bird diversity.
Logistics: Use own vehicle. 4WD needed.
LPA – Lodgepole Area.
Description: Moderate. Explore Tokopah Falls, Wuksachi, Dorst, etc. May need snowshoes. Low bird diversity.
Logistics: Drop off CMR group at Colony Mill trailhead on cave road before LPA. 4WD needed.
GHW – Generals Highway
Description: Easy. Drive along the highway and check all the stops. Includes Crystal Cave Road, Lost Grove, Muir Grove, and Little Baldy – consider doing with LPA. Low bird diversity.
Logistics: On own. 4WD needed.
NOF – North Fork
Description: Moderate. North Fork Drive and all areas and campgrounds along it, Yucca Creek and Marble Fork (not up Colony Mill). Watch for ticks and poison oak. Great bird diversity.
Logistics: Drop off vehicles for CMR and SHP groups. 2WD OK.
ORL – Oriole Lake and Milk Ranch Lookout.
Description: Moderate. Driving and Hiking. Varied elevations and vegetation types. Great bird diversity.
Logistics: On own. 4WD needed.
SHP – Shepherd’s Saddle Road
Description: Moderate to strenuous. Seven miles. Foothill scenery. Watch for ticks and poison oak. Check spur road. Great bird diversity.
Logistics: Drop off car at CMR for that group. Also drop off car for at end of SHP route. Drop off crew at stable. 2WD OK.
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