Neighborhood news: After Christmas, count the birds

For more than 100 years, citizen scientists throughout the United States have volunteered their time to count birds for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Their efforts provide important information about wintering bird populations, distribution and changes over time.

Locally the count circle covers nearly 180 square miles and includes Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Cedar Run and Foggy Bottom Wetland Banks, Nokesville Park, the Prince William County landfill, portions of Prince William Forest Park, Quantico Marine Corps base and parts of Fauquier County.

Last year, volunteers observed and recorded 15,873 individual birds representing 82 different species for the Nokesville Circle survey area.

This year, the Prince William Conservation Alliance invites volunteer birders -- including beginners -- to join a team covering a sector and meet at the end of the day for a tally rally at Merrimac Farm.

The count will take place Sunday, starting bright and early at 6:30 a.m.

Participants will meet at Merrimac Farm WMA North Entrance, 14712 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville.

Registration is required. To register and/or obtain more information, call 703-499-4954 or e-mail alliance@pwconserve.org.

The PWCA is a nonprofit watershed organization serving Prince William and surrounding communities. The group works to conserve, preserve and restore local waterways and natural areas and increase community participation in stewardship.

Support groups

Spiritual Care Support Ministries provides support, education and a biblical perspective to those who are ill, dying, grieving and experiencing personal loss, as well as to those who journey with them.

SCSM support groups, including GriefShare, Spouse Loss, DivorceCare, Caregiver Support and Resource and Chronically Ill, will begin anew in January.

Meetings are held at the SCSM Satellite office in Bristow, 11500 New Life Way, Manassas Assembly of God Church, as well as in Culpeper, Warrenton and Manassas.

All support groups are non-denominational and free. Teens and adults are welcome. Call Chaplain Liz Danielsen at 540-349-5814 for information or visit www.scsm.tv.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Nokesville, Bristow and Brentsville areas every Friday. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Katherine at kgotthardt @comcast.net.