A collared kingfisher perches on a branch at Agingan. This year’s Christmas bird count on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is set for Dec. 20.
THE CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife is calling on volunteers to participate in this year’s Christmas bird count on Dec. 20.
The event will take place on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
On Saipan, volunteers will gather in the American Memorial Park parking area near the amphitheater.
On Tinian, the meeting point is the San Jose Fiesta Grounds.
On Rota, volunteers should meet at the Round House Pavilion in Songsong.
All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 a.m.
Volunteers will split into teams and cover different portions of each island. Volunteers are encouraged to bring binoculars, but it’s not required, as many birds can be spotted with the naked eye.
In last year’s bird count, this reporter was a volunteer at Banzai Cliff and the Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park.
Other bird habitats may include jungles, wetlands and golf courses.
DFW advises volunteers to bring water and to dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Residents of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate.
DFW takes part in the Christmas Bird Count alongside volunteers from the U.S. and Canada, a tradition started by the National Audubon Society.
For more information, contact Amanda Santos, wildlife biologist, at asantos.dfw@gmail.com or (670) 664-6016.
