Bird Count

Christmas Bird Count is a science bird project that fortifies the Audubon science data. It is America's longest-running citizen participatory program. It started Christmas 1900, when an officer and ornithologist of the new Audubon Society, steered people away from engaging in hunting to a new holiday tradition, Bird Census. At that time conservation was also just beginning, the Christmas “Side Hunt” was a competition to bring back the biggest pile of feathered and furred creatures. Early conservationists were boycotting feathered hats and being vocal about the declining bird populations.

Twenty-seven birders counted that first year and tallied 90 species in locations from Canada to California, though mostly in northeastern North America. The count at present takes place from December 14 through January 5 each year. Tens of thousands volunteer to take part no matter the weather, snow, wind or rain. Data collected over the century fuels researchers, wildlife agencies and conservation biologists with a long term perspective about the health of bird population across North America. Data is instrumental in understanding climate change. Initiatives by the U.S. Fish & wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency will utilize the Audubon reports too.

In Moab the public can participate in a bird count with staff at Dead Horse Point State Park on January 2 2016 over the entire day 8 AM – 5 PM. All skill levels are welcomed. Participant need only sign up for the count with crystalwhite@utah.gov or 435-259-2614.  

https://www.facebook.com/DeadHorsePointStatePark/events

Just like birding? Anytime of year birding in the parks and surrounding public lands is a joy around Moab. Use http://discovermoab.com/birding.htm to begin planning.