Before the 20th century, people engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas "Side Hunt," forming teams and embarking into the field with their guns. Whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) game would win.
Increasing, people were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. So on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman (an officer in the budding Audubon Society) proposed a new holiday tradition: to count birds rather than hunt them.
Though the Christmas Bird Count has changed and evolved since it began over a century ago, it has always relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteers like you. We welcome you to join us on the count’s 120th year to keep the tradition going strong.
All ages are welcome to participate! If you want a primer or refresher on how to get involved, sign up for our Christmas Bird Count Training on December 7. |
