Crossroads Invites All to Participate in the Christmas Bird Count

Photo by Len Villano.

Again this year, Crossroads at Big Creek will participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count, a part of the Sturgeon Bay count, on Dec. 16. The public is invited to join in for part or all of the day.

On Dec. 16 at 9:30 am or 1 pm, birding groups will leave the Collins Learning Center to explore The Cove and Big Creek preserves. Participants are welcome to drop out at any time. At noon, folks are welcome to bring a bag lunch and watch birds at the feeding stations just outside the expansive windows of the Learning Center. Crossroads will provide warm beverages. Pre-registration not required and loaner binoculars will be available.

If you’d like to brush up or acquaint yourself with some birding basics before the count, Crossroads will screen some video clips on Dec. 15 at 2 pm. The screening is free and open to the public.

After watching for birds, people are invited to night sky viewing with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) at 7 pm, Dec. 16. DPAS members are eager to help beginners find their way around the night sky and to offer tours of the observatory. Viewing nights are held at the StarGarden and Leif Everson Observatory located at 2200 Utah Street (at the Utah/Cove Road intersection).

Crossroads at Big Creek is a donor-supported learning preserve made up of The Cove, Big Creek and the Ida Bay preserves. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay, is open 2 – 4 pm daily and during scheduled activities. Trails and restrooms free and open to the public 24/7.