Every December for more than 100 years, people across North America venture into the field to count birds.
These counts are compiled into a national database that conservation scientists use to see how bird populations are doing. The information gathered provides details that allow scientists to see where they need to focus their efforts. Most recently, the count is beginning to show how certain bird populations are moving due to climate change.
You can be a scientist as well! It doesn’t matter if you are an ornithologist (bird specialist) or a novice. The Audubon Society organizes the count across the U.S. every year, and the zoo works with this group to organize a group in our region. Contact the zoo to learn how you can volunteer with the bird count this year.