AFRICA: The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the Western Hemisphere by volunteer birdwatchers.
In the longest running bird census in history, the count was started as an alternative to Christmas day bird hunts. Fill up your bird feeders and grab your binoculars – the Christmas Bird Count is here. While this annual event started on December 14, still have plenty of time to sign up and start counting.
So why should you bundle up and head out to find some birds? According to Audubon, “Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations – and to help guide conservation action.”
This year marks the 115th anniversary of the Christmas Bird Count. More than 70,000 volunteers in 2,400 areas participate each year. To participate, you must find a circle compiler near you (you can find one on the map here), who will give you instructions. No matter how experienced you are with bird watching, you are welcome to participate.
