Communities across the United States have participated in Audubon's Christmas Bird Count for over a century. Wherever your travels take you during the holidays, there's likely a Christmas Bird Count you can participate in. This holds true in The Mat-Su. Conducted by the local Mat-Su Birders club, this annual event brings bird enthusiasts together to find as many birds as possible in a single day. Sound like your thing? If you happen to be in the Palmer or Wasilla area for Christmas, you can reach out to the Mat-Su Birders, join a birding team, and participate in one of the designated bird count areas for this event.

What's there to see in the winter? Plenty! The Mat-Su is a year-round home for many birds from Black-capped Chickadees to Bald Eagles. Birders, in my opinion, also see more than most as far as other wildlife goes. Moose, fox, coyotes, ermine, muskrats, and porcupine are frequently seen during the Christmas Bird Count.

Here's a photo from a fun sighting during last year's Christmas Bird Count. Great Gray Owls are especially elusive. Truly ghost-like! 

Maybe you will find something special in this year's event. Whether your primary motivation is birds and wildlife, exploring scenic trails, or simply enjoying some clean Alaska air with good company, consider participating in this fun event next time you're in the Mat-Su Valley for the holidays! WHO WHO WHOOOO knows what you might find?