The National Audubon Society invites birdwatchers to participate in the longest-running community science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). On Saturday, December 18, birders and nature enthusiasts in Crookston will take part in this tradition, many rising before dawn to participate. Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges host a similar count on Friday, December 17. This is the 122nd annual count hosted by Audubon.
This year is the 50th year volunteers have counted birds in the Crookston area. Last year 16 volunteers braved high winds and cool temperatures to count 33 species of birds totaling 1877 individuals. Everyone is hoping for better weather this year!
You do not have to be an expert to participate. The only equipment required are binoculars and a bird book. Typically, novice birders are paired with more experienced counters, however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the count will be run in a similar fashion to last year’s count. Participants will count birds independently in assigned locations within a 15-mile diameter circle that includes the city of Crookston. This event can serve as a great learning experience for beginning birders. Participants can count from a vehicle or on foot, depending on their comfort and the weather conditions that day. Volunteers survey the rural areas in the morning and usually focus on the city of Crookston in the afternoon. Volunteers can assist for the full day, just the morning or afternoon. Bird feeders are an important part of the count, too. People who live in the count circle also can participate by reporting bird sightings at their home feeders.
All volunteers will receive a map of the count circle and a count form with the birds typically seen, in addition to other resources. Interested volunteers must register by Friday, December 10 to participate. If you are interested in participating or have questions about the count, contact John Loegering, volunteer count compiler, via email at jloegeri@umn.edu or 218-280-8014.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a free community science project organized by the National Audubon Society. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels and Audubon’s free Bird Guide app makes it even easier to learn more. For more information and to find a count near you visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.
