Start a new holiday tradition this year and help the local Audubon Society count birds at the annual, national Christmas Bird Count.
For 118 years, the Audubon Society has been counting winter birds across the Western Hemisphere. Volunteers with the Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City will be counting on Sunday, December 17 in Lee’s Summit, MO and throughout the metro in December and January.
During the count, birders gather to count every bird they see within a 15-mile wide circle, and to note all the different species. The count helps compare the rise or decline of certain species over the years. The National Audubon Society website has a list and photographs of the 20 common North American birds with the greatest population declines since 1967.
This year, the Christmas Bird Count begins December 14 and ends January 5, 2018. On December 17, area residents can volunteer to participate with a local compiler in Lee’s Summit, MO. To participate, contact Mike Stokes for details at [email protected]. Five additional counts will be held in the region in December and two will be held in January.
Less experienced birders will be paired with more experienced volunteers to encourage a fun learning experience for all participants. Attendees should wear layered comfortable clothing suitable for hours spent outside.
If you prefer staying in the warmth and comfort of your home and live within a count circle, volunteer to count birds at your bird feeders. Contact Stoakes at [email protected] to learn more.
Photo: Linda Williams