Though you might not find four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree in the rainforest ecosystems of the Tongass, there can be no doubt that counting birds is a quintessential Christmas activity. On Dec. 17, Wrangell’s avian enthusiasts will participate in Audubon’s 123rd annual Christmas Bird Count.
Over 20 countries and thousands of volunteers contribute to this early-winter bird census, which runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 yearly. Each community’s bird count is conducted on a single calendar day within a 15-mile diameter area, according to the Audubon website.
“We count the birds we see that day and turn it in to the national record,” explained Bonnie Demerjian, who has organized Wrangell’s count for more than 10 years. Volunteers add to “a long-term data record about the health of bird populations and their habitat.”
The project is an example of “citizen science,” in which members of the public collaborate with professional researchers to generate new knowledge about the natural world. “It’s really important to count birds because they can … give you a sense of the state of the environment,” said Demerjian. “It’s a good feeling to be able to help a little bit in that way.”
On the day of the count, participants pair up to walk predetermined routes along the shoreline and, if weather permits, go out in boats to count seabirds. Then, they tally the number and variety of birds they see.
“It requires people to know a little bit about birds,” Demerjian said. However, all would-be volunteers are welcome to join the count, regardless of their birdwatching expertise. Demerjian will pair up newcomers with more experienced birders to bolster community involvement.
About 15 volunteers participate each year, on average.
Joe Delabrue, district wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service, compiles the data that volunteers gather and submits it to the national Audubon Society. “We average about 47 species per count, with a total bird average being around 3,800,” he said. Common species include eagles, rock doves, crows, ravens, mallards and grebes. Others, like yellow-billed loons and ring-necked ducks, are more rare.
“I encourage people to come and join us,” he said. “You don’t have to be an expert birder to enjoy this stuff.” He and his wife, Corree, are longtime participants in the count.
Similar Audubon bird counts, like the Great Backyard Bird Count, have been used to examine the effects of climate change on migratory patterns and track snowy owl population shifts across the northeastern United States. The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place in late February.
To participate, contact Demerjian at bonniede@aptalaska.net.
“Come out and count some birds,” said Delabrue.
Reader Comments(0)