Each winter, the National Audubon Society (NAS) enlists the assistance for volunteers, throughout the Western Hemisphere, to conduct the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This year marks the 123rd annual CBC and takes place from December 14, 2022 through January 5, 2023. This event has a long and storied history since its inception in 1900. It was initially started by a group of conservation-minded individuals who felt it was important to count birds rather than harvest them.
The CBC is broken down into various “circles” which encompass a 15-mile radius around a town or other focal point. For our area, the focal point is the City of Tiffin (map found in the website reference at the end of this article). If you decide to take part in this year’s count, you must register with the local “compiler” who will provide additional information, including what day during the aforementioned time period our CBC takes place.
Not only does this event help the NAS collect valuable information regarding population trends, but is also helps us to get out “there” and work off those calories that we always add during the holiday season. Additionally, it may help to ease the effects of sunlight deprivation during these long winter months. For information regarding the CBC and how to register, see: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count
