More Than a Century of Counting Birds

There is a first time for everything and this year we’re joining with close to 80,000 (give or take) experienced bird-watchers and amateur volunteers across the western hemisphere who are participating in the longest-running citizen science survey of all time.  It is the Audubon 119th Christmas Bird Count. 

Conducted between Friday, December 14, 2018 through Saturday, January 5, 2019 - the data collected in this count assists ornithologists assess the fluctuation, range and movement of bird populations across the continent.  This information allows them to better understand how bird species are faring and tailor locations for conservation efforts.   

click on the locator for a better look

 

“It’s never been easier to be a citizen scientist and it’s never been more important to be one,” said David Yarnold, president and CEO of the National Audubon Society, in a news release. “Birds and the people who watch them are noticing changes. Using the data gathered by more than a century of Christmas Bird Counts, Audubon will keep protecting birds and the places they need. I’m incredibly proud of the volunteers that contribute to this tradition.” 

The 2017 count included 76,987 observers tallying over 59 million birds belonging to 2,673 species.  A troubling finding from the 2017 count was the continued decline of the northern bobwhite - the only native quail in the eastern United States.   

You can learn more at the Christmas Bird Count at Audubon's website.