Spring Bird Count

The McHenry County Audubon Spring Bird Count takes in the entire area of McHenry County.  It normally occurs on the second Saturday of May to coincide with the peak of Spring migration.  Teams in all parts of the county fan out to hit all the hot spots, counting all birds in their area. Typically the day starts at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. when MCCD sites open up and continues until evening.

Each of the teams would welcome some additional help.  We would be pleased if you joined us. This counting event would be a good learning experience for beginners, who can be paired up with more experienced observers.  More expert birders are, of course, welcome.  There is no cost to participate. 

Rob Gough is our main coordinator for the Spring Count.  Contact us at rschietz@harpercollege.edu for more information or to be assigned to a site or group. 

Christmas Bird Count

The McHenry County Audubon Christmas Bird Count has been conducted since 1961.  The count covers a circle with a diameter of 16 miles that has its center at Bull Valley and Valley Hill Roads in Bull Valley. Eight teams divide up the circle, counting all birds in their segment.  Each of the teams would welcome some additional help.  We would be pleased if you joined us, but do keep in mind that the National Audubon Society charges a $5.00 per person fee to participate.

Our target locations include open water areas, conservation and natural areas, backyard feeders, neighborhoods with mature trees, and rural areas.  The goal is to count the total number of individuals of all bird species in our circle.  Some participants start counting as early as 3:00 in the morning to look for owls.  However, the main count extends from dawn at around 7:30 a. m. until dusk at about 4:30 p.m.

Rob Gough is the main coordinator and compiler for the count.  If you would like more information, please contact us at rschietz@harpercollege.edu.