The Christmas Bird Count better known as the CBC has been a tradition of the Audubon Society, the premier organization for the protection of birds and other wildlife, since 1900. The count is conducted from Friday, December 14, 2018 through Saturday, January 5, 2019.
The CBC database is comprised of early winter bird observations. Currently there are well over 2,585 count circles submitted each year, and that number is growing. These CBC groups provide vital information for Audubon conservation staff, ornithologists, researchers, federal, state and local wildlife agencies, land planning and development agencies, educators, birders, various societies and the general public to learn about bird distribution and population trends.
Scientists need lots of data to understand what is happening to birds on a large scale. That’s why citizen science is so important, and you don’t need a degree to participate. If you like watching birds, as a citizen scientist, you can contribute your sightings to one or more of the many projects such as the Project FeederWatch offered by the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
What was once just a Christmas holiday tradition, the CBC has become an important resource for scientists and researchers in the fields of ornithology, conservation and environmental science.
So, put aside the holiday shopping for a while, go out into the peaceful outdoors, join a group and participate in bird counting, watch birds at your feeders during the winter, and give yourself the gift of becoming a citizen scientist.
LD
For questions about birds contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at: cornellbirds@cornell.edu
Or visit their website at www.birds.cornell.edu and, also the National Audubon Society at www.audubon.org where you will find a wealth of information and resources. Happy Birding!!