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The 115th Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take
place from December 14, 2014, to January 5, 2015. Thousands of citizen scientist
volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in the largest,
longest-running animal census on the planet. Data from over 2300 locations (from
the Arctic Circle to the waters of the Drake Passage off Tierra del Fuego) will
be submitted to the National Audubon Society. CBCs are designed to capture an
early winter snapshot of bird populations. Understanding the distribution and
status of bird populations are foundational to conservation policy.
Each count takes place within a “count circle” which focuses on a specific
geographical area. Everyone can participate in this free event. If you are a
beginner, you will be able to join a team that includes experienced birders. The
best counts are the ones with the most eyes! If you are unable to join a field
team and you live within the boundaries of a count circle, you can make
arrangements with the coordinator to stay home and report the birds that visit
your feeders. In addition to collecting crucial information about birds, CBCs
provide participants with a pleasant social birding experience while enjoying
the beauty of nature. Do yourself a favor and sign up for one or more of the
thirty some counts in Utah. A listing can be found at
www.utahbirds.org. Visit
the NAS website, www.audubon.org, for a wealth of information on CBCs.
David Yarnold, President and CEO of the National Audubon Society, said it best,
“…bird by bird, day by day, we are making a difference.”
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