Long-running bird count takes wing

Bird-watchers across the nation will keep their eyes on the skies through Jan. 5 during the 121st annual Christmas Bird Count conducted by the National Audubon Society. The count started Dec. 14.

The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running wildlife survey in the world and one of the oldest examples of citizen science making a difference in conservation. During this four-week stretch, tens of thousands of bird-loving volunteers gather data on the number and type of birds found during the peak of migration.

Each individual count takes place in a 15-mile-wide circle and is led by a compiler responsible for organizing volunteers and submitting observations to Audubon. Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day, not just the species but total numbers, to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population.

Some counts may take on a different look this year because of virus concerns and social distancing protocols. Each count organizer in Arkansas is responsible for laying out the parameters of the count, and will make the call on how many volunteers may participate per location.

Data from Christmas Bird Counts has been used in more than 200 peer-reviewed, scientific articles, including Audubon’s landmark, “Birds and Climate Change Report,” in which it was noted that 314 of the 588 North American bird species will lose more than 50% of their climatic range by 2080 at the current rate of temperature change being recorded.

There is no fee to participate. The quarterly report, “American Birds,” is available online. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s recently redesigned “Arkansas Backyard Birds Guide.” It’s an excellent resource to find some of the most common Arkansas birds, said Kirsten Bartlow, watchable wildlife coordinator with Game and Fish.

“First- time participants may find a new passion in bird watching. I’d encourage them to check out the recently redesigned Game and Fish program, Wings Over Arkansas,” Bartlow said. “It offers rewards for attaining certain numbers of species on a birder’s life list and is another great free resource to help people enjoy the outdoors.”