For the 125th year, the National Audubon Society is inviting bird enthusiasts to participate in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Events are planned for December 21st in the Fergus Falls area and December 28th in the Battle Lake area.
“Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide community science project,” said Karen Terry, resident and count coordinator. The CBC provides scientists with a crucial snapshot of bird populations during the winter months, offering data that helps guide conservation efforts.
How to Participate:
- Counts are conducted in a 15-mile-wide circle, where volunteers tally every bird seen or heard.
- Participants can count birds by car, on foot, or even from their backyard bird feeders.
- To join the Fergus Falls or Battle Lake counts, contact Karen Terry at 218-770-9301. There is no fee to participate.
Data collected during the Christmas Bird Count is vital for understanding bird population trends and responding to environmental issues like climate change. According to Dr. Brooke Bateman, senior director of climate and community science for Audubon:
“Your Christmas Bird Count observations help scientists discover trends about bird species that inform conservation.”
Over the years, Audubon CBC data has been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed studies and has helped identify alarming trends, including the loss of nearly 3 billion North American birds since 1970.
Why it matters to DL listeners: The Fergus Falls and Battle Lake counts are a great opportunity for area residents to contribute to vital conservation efforts while enjoying the winter outdoors. Whether counting birds from home or in the field, your observations help protect species and habitats locally and across North America.
For more information, visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.