OUTDOOR BRIEFS

BIRD COUNTING

Join in for Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count

As winter is upon us, some of us are counting down to Christmas, but wildlife enthusiasts soon will be counting something else. Bird watchers of all ages have a chance to count the birds during two events taking place through the winter season.

The Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society, is an annual event that starts Dec. 14 and runs until Jan. 5.

Margie Klein, wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said "Population trends and extensions or limits in range can be mapped from the Christmas Bird Count numbers. The difference in numbers from one year to the next can be due to a number of factors, such as the loss of habitat, or changes in environmental conditions."

The Christmas Bird Count started in 1900. Last year, citizens counted more than 65 million birds in locations across the country. In Southern Nevada, the local chapter of Audubon, Red Rock Audubon Society, will be hosting several birding field trips:

• Dec 17: Henderson, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 451-6843.

• Dec 18: Ash Meadows, 6 a.m.-4 p.m., (775) 372-5435 or e-mail carl_lundblad@fws.gov.

• Dec 19: Corn Creek, 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., 361-1171.

• Dec 26: Muddy River, Saturday 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., e-mail blund@mvdsl.com.

There will be a $5 fee per person per bird count participated in, which will be used to cover the cost of compiling data and printing your name in the CBC report titled "American Birds." Be sure to make a reservation with the appropriate outing leader so that the group can plan accordingly.

STOCKING STUFFERS

NDOW offers gift ideas for the sportsman or wildlife fan

If you're hunting for some holiday gift ideas for the sportsman or wildlife enthusiast on your list, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has some suggestions for you. The following items are available at NDOW offices and are free of charge.

"How to Fish in Nevada," written by expert anglers, provides a beginner with "how-tos" on everything from knot-tying to fishing techniques. Experts and beginners alike will appreciate this book written just for Nevada anglers by Nevada anglers.

Full-color fishable waters maps direct anglers to all of the waters in the state by region (western, southern, and eastern). This tool also notes which species can be found in which water.

"The Chukar Partridge," by retired wildlife biologist Glen C. Christensen, is the definitive work on chukar partridge in Nevada. In its pages, the sportsman or woman will find a detailed history of how this bird came to the Silver State and quickly became its most popular upland game bird. Hunters seeking to know more about finding chukar and about their behavior will find that information in this 79-page publication as well.