Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

bird count Erika's Picks 12/17/20

(Photo by Jillian O'Connor)

Weekend fun: Erika’s Picks for Dec. 19 and 20

Get out and help Audubon with Christmas Bird Count. Plus: Singing! Plays!

Christmas Bird Count
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19 and 20. FREE
It is Audubon’s 121st Christmas Bird Count! This year, the count will be conducted between December 14 and January 5. There is a specific methodology to the CBC, and all participants must meet (virtually) in advance with the circle compiler, but anyone can participate. Each count takes place in an established 15-mile-diameter circle, and count volunteers follow specified routes through this circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It’s not just a species tally — all birds are counted all day. If you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. If your home is within the boundaries of a CBC circle, then you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeder on count day. Check out the sign-up link for information on how to contact the compiler.

‘’Twas the Night’ … Reimagined (Virtual)
Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.
Studio East presents the delightfully entertaining classic “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” with a twist, where chaos, craziness and cuteness reign. “’Twas” tells the famous poem through the eyes of not only the humans involved, but the run-away mice, hungry cats, “hoofing” reindeer and the Big Guy himself. This year is reimagined even more with a smaller cast and new characters, and it will all be happening virtually! Register through the link, then pay what you can and stream the show. Running through December 27.

The Canterville Ghost’ (Virtual)
Saturday, Dec. 19
Available for streaming or download, “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde is adapted and directed by Seattle favorite Brandon J. Simmons and features the vocal talents of a beloved host of local actors. For lovers of the cozy British mystery and a good holiday special, this classic ghost story is full of warmth, laughs and great good fun. Tickets are available for $15 or Pay-What-You-Will pricing via the website book-it.org. Recommended for ages 10 and up, the link will remain available through June 30, 2021.

KCLS Online Program: Cook and Chat for Teens
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2-4 p.m. FREE
Calling all kids ages 12 to 18. It’s the final week for this fun series of baking and cooking classes with teen volunteers through KCLS. This Saturday, learn to make sponge cake! Bring your friends (virtually) and make this wonderful treat!

KCLS Online Program: Pop-Up Holiday Sing-Along
Saturday, Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. FREE
Ages 2 to 7 … or whoever wants to sing!
Put a little jingle in your step with a few holiday tunes for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Each session includes a little dancing, too! These short sessions are five to six minutes long and the recorded versions will be available in the library’s Facebook playlists after each event.
Go to the Maple Valley Library Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/maplevalley

More Things to Do

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About the Author

Erika Bigelow

Erika lives in Seattle with her husband, three human kids, two furry kids and a school of fish. When she's not scribbling, cooking or chauffeuring, Erika enjoys running and reading, although not simultaneously.