Citizen Science—Join a Christmas Bird Count!
Each December and early January, birders help record the numbers and species of birds in specific areas by participating in a Christmas Bird Count project that began in 1900. This information is compiled to give researchers an idea of how many birds there are and where they are. The long-term data contributed by citizens helps scientists monitor bird population trends and identify problems and, hopefully, address them before species become threatened.
People usually go out in teams that include an experienced birder and others of varying experience or ability. The emphasis is on fun! Although there are opportunities to walk around, many observations are made from cars. This means you can stay relatively warm. Counts last all day, although participants may join for half a day. Here are the Christmas Bird Counts in our area, coordinated by the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. If you’re interested in joining a count, please call the compiler ahead of time to let him or her know you’ll be there. Contact information is listed below.
Kalamazoo County Bird Counts:
Kalamazoo, Saturday, December 30
Compiler, Russ Schipper , 269-375-7210 or schipper.russ@gmail.com.
We meet at noon for a potluck lunch at People’s Church at 1758 North 10th Street. Bring a dish to pass and table service.
Hot tea and coffee will be provided.
Southern Kalamazoo County, Monday, January 1
Compiler Brenda Keith at 269-327-0671 or birdsongbk@gmail. com
We meet at the Keiths’ at noon. Brenda provides hot soup, beverages, and more. Bring a dish to pass and/or your lunch.
Additional Bird Counts in the Area
Compiler, John Brenneman, at the Kalamazoo
Nature Center, 269-381-1574, ext. 30, or jbrenneman@naturecenter.org
Saturday, December 16, Battle Creek
Monday, December 18, Dowagiac
Wednesday, December 27, Allegan State Game Area
Wednesday, January 3, Gobles
The listed information was summarized from the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo’s website, https://kalamazooaudubon.org. To read more, go to the event calendar and click on the December 30 listing.
