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9 November 2001
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count
What is the Christmas Bird Count?
An annual hemispheric early-winter bird census. Volunteers count every individual bird and bird species over one calendar day (from midnight to midnight), within well-defined geographic areas.
When did it all begin?
In 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman was disturbed, as were many conservationists, at the slaughter of birds in the annual holiday event called the "side hunt." The team that shot the most birds and other small animals was the winner. As a protest, Chapman organized 27 friends in 25 locations on Christmas Day, 1900. Instead of shooting birds, they counted them.
Why?
Birds are indicators of the overall health of our environment. Christmas Bird Count data over time in any given area can provide valuable insights into the long-term health of bird populations and the environment.
Count rules are simple:
Each bird count is a circle 15 miles in diameter -- approximately 177 square miles. Bird counters try to cover as much of the circle area as possible within a 24-hour calendar day, counting each individual bird and species they see or hear in their designated sector of the circle. Representatives from each counting group meet at the end of the day to compile the master list and eliminate double-counting of birds. Bird feeders within the circle are also censused.
Today:
Over 45,000 people from all 50 states, every Canadian province, the Caribbean, Central and South America and the Pacific Islands (all areas where the breeding birds of North America spend their winter) participate in about 1700 counts held during a two and one-half week period.
The Christmas Bird Count itself has evolved into the largest and longest-running wildlife survey ever undertaken.
Note: This announcement is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by SAS.