PORT ANGELES — The last North Olympic Peninsula bird count for this season will be on New Year’s Eve, with birders counting species in and around Port Angeles.
“We’re still signing up people,” said organizer Barb Blackie on Wednesday.
“We have about 30 people now.”
Bird species will be counted in an area that extends as far east as Morse Creek, as far west as the mouth of the Elwha River and as far south as Hurricane Ridge.
“There’s a lot of habitat and trails,” said Blackie, adding that, along with people to cover streets, the group also needs participants who want to hike or go out on snowshoes.
There is a $5 fee for all but those who count birds at their home feeders — which is one role participants can play.
Counters won’t meet collectively, Blackie said.
Instead, people are organized to cover certain parts of the area.
“You can start as early as you want to start,” she said. “You can do half-day, a whole day.”
Earlier this month, a record numbers of species were spotted during one-day tallies in the Dungeness Valley and Quimper Peninsula.
The Dungeness count produced an unofficial species total of 150, and the Quimper tally saw 115 different species.
Both are records.
Even those who don’t count bird species Saturday can show up for the tally, Blackie said.
The group will meet at 5 p.m. at Soho Asian Bistro at 134 W. Front St. for a no-host meal and to combine all the numbers.
“Anyone is welcome to the tally even if they don’t count,” Blackie said.
Blackie will provide bird count forms to participants who sign up by contacting her at blackieb@olypen.com or 360-477-8028.
