Each year I await the opportunity to participate in Christmas Bird Counts for many reasons. While I spend many days throughout the year birding, I generally do it solo. I have participated in six counts this season and enjoyed every single one of them because of the birds and the opportunity to see old friends. I have seen 147 species of birds so far in six CBCs.

One of the most important aspect of Christmas Bird Counts is the gathering of my family in nature. I have run to hug old friends at each count before we separate into our respective groups for the day and then I anxiously await each compilation so we can regroup to share our experiences of the day. After the data is compiled, we spend time catching up and finding out about our respective year's happenings.

These events are like a Christmas present. CBCs are about seeing birds, renewing friendships, and meeting new people. On the Tejon CBC, I was partnered with Scot Pipkin who I had met before, and three ladies I had never met. One of the women  in our car, Carolyn, immediately felt like an old friend. Celebrating a mutual love of nature with new and old friends and seeing amazing birds is the best way to celebrate the holidays.