The Christmas Bird Count is getting underway nationwide and it is not too late for interested volunteers to get involved. The annual event has been going on since Christmas Day of the year 1900 when conservationists thought counting living birds might be more sustainable than counting killed birds, as was the tradition of the time.
The 122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count is held from December 14th to January 5th.
To get involved in the bird count, go to the Audubon Society’s website to find a “counting circle” near you. The count is coordinated with all members of the circle. If no circle exists in your neighborhood, you can start one. There are specific rules to follow.
All of the results of the Christmas Bird Counts since 1900 are available online. Last year’s Port Huron count found 71 different species.
The Christmas Bird Count is more than just a fun activity for people who care about the environment. The findings are used in real scientific research.
https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
