Join Carlo and Heather for the Charles Town Christmas Bird Count at USGS!
PVAS Host: Carlo Olivares, Heather Walsh
Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 10 participants.
Join trip leaders Carlo and Heather for a guided Christmas Bird Count experience at USGS! This hands-on outing is perfect for anyone interested in becoming part of a time-honored community science tradition. Under their guidance, you’ll learn how to conduct a Christmas Bird Count—from spotting and identifying birds to recording observations that contribute to a nationwide conservation effort.
All are welcome, no birding experience required.
After the count, you’re invited to return to Cool Spring in the evening for the optional Tally Rally, where birders from across the Charles Town circle gather to enjoy good food, tally the day’s sightings, and swap stories from the field.
Come learn, explore, and be part of a festive day of birding and community!
The property has a mix of open ponds and woods, with excellent wetland quality and diverse bird species! Click here to see a list of birds seen in past Decembers! (Some places may not have an eBird list for that month, so that is a great opportunity for you to add the birds you see at this bird walk!)
- Walking Distance: ~ 2-2.5 mile, with the option of dropping out at the midpoint
- Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
- Exposure: Very little to no shade.
- Terrain: Asphalt, gravel, and mowed grass. The route is generally flat.
- Restroom: No restrooms are available.
- Parking/Where to Meet: Park in the lot along Reservoir Rd here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FmsL7ZBdT6YybPFF7. The group will assemble near the parking area along Reservoir Rd.
- What to Bring: Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring along drinking water. Bring binoculars and/or a camera if you have them!
About Carlo: Carlo got hooked on bird-watching through PVAS on one of our bird walks last winter. Since then Carlo has learned how to identify various local and migrant birds through sight, sound, and flight patterns. Carlo hopes to grow his knowledge and guide others on their bird-watching journey.
About Heather: Heather Walsh has worked at the EESC for 17 years as a fish biologist. Her research focus is to better understand how environmental changes affect the health of wild fish and what that could mean from a human perspective. She is also a member of PVAS and enjoys birding as a pastime.