Each year, local birders enjoy meeting fellow bird watchers in the Pokagon and Angola vicinity for an Audubon-affiliated bird count. This year’s Pokagon Christmas bird count is scheduled for Wednesday, December 28. Participants will meet at the park nature center by 7:45 a.m.

Birders may participate for either part or all of the day.

"Bring a sack lunch and binoculars, and a spotting scope if you have one," suggested Fred Wooley, interpretive naturalist at Pokagon State Park. "After we meet at the nature center, we will break up into previously determined parties and cover different areas within a 15-mile diameter circle."

Organizers will collect a fee of $5/person for those 19 and older. Proceeds will go to the National Audubon Society, who administers the event.

Please register by December 24 by calling the park nature center at 260-833-2012. Birding teams will be formed and advance plans made.

Birders within the 15-mile diameter circle may also contribute from home. "If you observe birds at your own feeders, call the results in to us that day before 4 p.m., or the next day between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.," requested Wooley. "But please call the center ahead of time to let us know you’ll be doing this."

General information about the National Audubon Society and the annual Christmas bird count can be found at www.audubon.org/bird/cbc