Counting Birds: A Christmas Tradition

Many families celebrate the holidays with unique traditions, special ornaments, and delicious holiday recipes. This Christmas, consider starting a new holiday tradition by participating in the National Audubon Society's 110th Christmas Bird Count. The organization is gathering data from birdwatchers throughout the continent in order to better document the current status of different bird species.

Audubon says they are looking for any amount of data. So if it’s too cold outside and you can’t go to your local park, you can stay inside and count the birds that come to your backyard feeder.

With an accurate count of bird species, Audubon can correctly measure the effects of climate change as well as inform the organization on how to better strategize its conservation efforts for specific bird populations. Last year’s data was integrated into Audubon’s Bird and Climate Change Analysis.

So next time you’re out walking the dog or hiking through your local hills or mountains, take your binoculars and notebook with you. You might just find a Tufted Titmouse.

The count continues through Jan. 5. Check out the Audubon’s Web site for more information. Some of the birds spotted in last year’s count can be viewed here.

--Julie Littman