About 2,500 years ago, the Greek historian Herodotus wrote: “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
The United States Postal Service spun it this way: “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds.”
Audubon societies across the country, readying for the 109th Christmas Bird Count, might spin it this way: “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the birders from their appointed counting sites.” The count begins Dec. 20 and continues through Jan. 5.
Yes, it’s that time again, when otherwise sensible people bundle up in body-warming layers, boots and rain gear, gather in small groups, and start counting birds (alternative: stay inside and count birds at your feeders).
The Everett-Marysville Christmas Bird Count has been a yearly ritual dating back to the 1970s, an activity that combines veteran and beginner birdwatchers into teams. More than 40 counts are held in Washington state.
“Every year is different, and there are always surprises,” said co-compiler Scott Atkinson of the Pilchuck Audubon Society.
In an economy that has already shed many local jobs, the count offers a chance to take a break from such worries. Atkinson, recently laid off from a contracts management job at BE Aerospace-Flight Structures in Marysville, said, “You can job hunt around the clock, but exercise remains the best medicine against stress.”
The counts offer an annual snapshot of an area, and nationwide compiling results in the longest-running database in ornithology.
“It speaks volumes on how land-use changes, regional weather trends and other factors affect our nature,” Atkinson said.
“For example, increased development in the area correlates with an increase in the diminutive black-capped chickadee, a species fond of ornamental suburban plantings.
“But the ruffed grouse, a bird favoring less-populated areas, seems to be decreasing.”
Weather makes a big difference.
“In December 2004, a mild fall leading up to the count produced a stunning eight swallows of two species, an unprecedented event — especially when a single swallow so far north in winter would be big news,” Atkinson said.
The local count in 2007 was average (121 species), but the 2004-2005 counts turned up 136 and 137 species respectively; both occasions placing third highest out of more than 40 counts statewide.
Unusual species are sometimes found, but must be documented by photograph, multiple observer accounts, or rediscovery in the days following the count day by new observers.
Whether you’re a novice, an experienced birder, or someone looking for exercise or social contact, talk to co-compilers Scott Atkinson (425-210-2716, scottratkinson@hotmail.com) or Mary Teesdale (360-734-2561, meteesdale@hotmail.com) for specifics.
Staircase closed: Forest Service Road 24 along the Lake Cushman shoreline to the Staircase area in Olympic National Park is closed for the winter. It’s the only access and is closed because of the danger of slides.
Tire chains: All vehicles are required to carry chains when traveling above the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station on the Hurricane Ridge Road in Olympic National Park. The rule applies to four-wheel-drive vehicles. Entrance fees will be collected; $15 for a seven-day pass.
Hurricane Ridge Road: Unless closed by heavy snows or winter storms, the road up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park will be open 9 a.m. to dusk through March 29. During the winter holiday, it will be open daily Dec. 19 through Jan. 4 except for Dec. 25, as well as holidays on Jan. 19 and Feb. 16. Road and weather condition information is available at 360-565-3131.
Snow tip: Choose your destinations wisely, advises the Washington Trail Association. Start by consulting a guidebook that will point you to low-risk snowshoe routes.
Don’t assume an easy summer day hike will make a good snowshoe or ski trip. Popular summer hiking trails such as McClellan Butte, Granite Mountain or Snow Lake become deadly avalanche hot spots in winter.
Throughout the winter, WTA’s Web site, www.wta.org, offers suggestions on snowshoe destinations.
Columnist Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-3964 or www.songandword.com.
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