Organizers invite anyone who has participated before in the annual Christmas Bird counts on Ocracoke or Portsmouth Island, or those who have expressed interest, or might know others who’d like to join, to sign up as soon as possible.
The count dates this year will be Dec. 30 on Ocracoke Island and Dec. 31 on Portsmouth Island.
Supporter Spotlight
RSVPs are needed to inform Capt. Donald Austin know how many people will be heading from Ocracoke to Portsmouth.
The Ocracoke count has run every year since it began in 1982.
The Portsmouth count started in 1988 and has missed a few years due to bad weather or scheduling problems.
“With all the dismal reports on birds declining, we did get a bounce from last year’s Ocracoke’s count,” said compiler Peter Vankevich.
Ocracoke’s 2024 Christmas Bird Count tied the record for the number of species.
Supporter Spotlight
To volunteer, call or text Vankevich at 202 468-2871, or email petevankevich@gmail.com.
The tally rally will begin at 6 pm, Dec. 31, at Vankevich’s house in Widgeon Woods, near the lighthouse on Ocracoke Island.
