When it comes to bird watching, the winter season has a few things going for it, mainly visibility and variety.
For the avid birder to the curious beginner, it’s prime time, a season when waves of species make their way through the Piedmont.
In December, the focus is on the annual Christmas Bird Count, when on consecutive Sundays – Durham, Dec. 19; Chapel Hill, Dec. 26; and Jordan Lake, Jan. 2 – birders get together to collect information for the annual local census.
“The Christmas Bird Count is where I learned to bird watch and what I do to become a better bird watcher,†said Tom Driscoll, past president of the New Hope Audubon Society.
Driscoll, who has participated in counts in Duke Forest and his Eastwood Lake neighborhood since moving to Chapel Hill in 1996, said the counts are a great introduction to bird watching because you have a chance to be in the field with experienced watchers. It makes bird watching much less confusing, he said, when you’re out in the field with people who know the birds and know the calls.
“We’ll see 70 species routinely, Driscoll said, adding that counters sometimes encounter some astounding sights. One year, there was a flock of 250 cedar waxwings right in town; another year, he said, a similarly sized collection of American robins. Pileated woodpeckers and owls are often on the list.
Haven Wiley, a professor of biology at UNC, said the count has provided a look into the populations that migrate through the state in the winter and inspired birders.
“The count has done some very important monitoring,†Wiley said, “It’s also great fun.â€
If you’re interested in participating in the Christmas Bird Count or just learning more about local bird watching, contact the New Hope Audubon Society at newhopeaudubon.org or the Chapel Hill Bird Club at carolinanature.com/chbc
A survey of spots to bird watch
Orange, Chatham and Durham counties boast some prime bird watching areas. Following is a list of spots compiled with the help of some local enthusiasts.
Mason Farm — The 367-acre Mason Farm Biological Reserve is managed by the N.C. Botanical Garden and features easy trail access through open fields, woodlands and wetlands. With more than 200 species of birds recorded, Tom Driscoll of the New Hope Audubon Society said it is a prime place for viewing year round, with an abundance of red-headed woodpeckers and migratory species.
Pedestrian Bridge at Bynum — Along with the small state park near the old mill, the bridge is an excellent place to bird watch and a good way to see birds farther up in the trees.
Jordan Lake — All kinds of ducks, gulls and grebes are to be found in the stiller waters of the upper portion of Jordan Lake Reservoir, especially on cold, windy days, according to UNC biology professor Haven Wiley.
Cane Creek and University Lake — They’re closed for the winter; but bird watcher Margaretta Yarborough says that when they’re open, the two OWASA lakes are great places to see all kinds of water birds. Cane Creek’s quiet and a large heron rookery on the south end of University Lake make them both worth the trip.
N.C. 54 Impoundment — Plenty of waterfowl along with falcons, rusty blackbirds and woodpeckers are among the many species found along the trails near the waterfowl protection area.
Further resources on the web:
Mason Farm website — ncbg.unc.edu/pages/41
Wild Bird Center — Owner Cynthia Fox maintains an active site for local birders at http://www.wildbird.com/franchisee/hil
N.C. Birding Trail — Maps and resources for hikers and birders at ncbirdingtrail.org
Chapel Hill Bird Club — carolinanature.com/chbc
New Hope Audubon Society — newhopeaudubon.org
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December is for the birds
When it comes to bird watching, the winter season has a few things going for it, mainly visibility and variety. Just what’s needed for the annual Christmas Bird Count.

One reply on “December is for the birds”
I love winter bird watching…when the leaves are gone you have a better chance of seeing the birds..it’s my favorite time for Owl watching.