Calling all bird lovers! Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count is on in southwest Illinois

Whether you regularly feed neighborhood American robins or occasionally catch a sighting of a downy woodpecker, bird enthusiasts can contribute to one of the longest-running surveys of birds in the U.S.

The National Audubon Society kicked off its annual Christmas Bird Count Wednesday, Dec. 14. It’s one of the longest-running wildlife censuses, according to the organization, and runs through Jan. 5, 2023.

The count is in its 123rd year.

“The twelve decades’ worth of data collected by participants contribute to one of only two large existing pools of information notifying ornithologists and conservation biologists of what conservation action is required to protect birds and the places they need,” the Audubon Society said in its Nov. 16 news release on the CBC.

The survey is conducted entirely by volunteers, and last year’s Christmas Bird Count included 76,880 individuals who counted more than 42 million birds.

“The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a great tradition and opportunity for everyone to be a part of more than 12 decades of ongoing community science,” CBC Director Geoff LeBaron said in the news release. “Adding your observations helps scientists and conservationists discover trends that make our work more impactful. Participating in the Audubon CBC is a fun and meaningful way to spend a winter for anyone and everyone.”

How to participate in the Christmas Bird Count

You need not be a bird expert or own special equipment to participate.

While the count is free, you will need your own transportation, warm clothing if the weather is chilly and binoculars if you own them.

Visit the Audubon’s circle map to find participating circles near you. Green and yellow circles are welcoming volunteers.

A number of circles in southern Illinois were taking participants as of Thursday afternoon, including ones at Carlyle Lake, Baldwin Lake, Collinsville and Monroe County. The Weldon Spring circle is marked full.

Once you’ve identified a circle, contact the compiler as soon as possible by email to let them know you’d like to participate.

“Each circle compiler will choose a single calendar day [between Dec. 14 to Jan. 5] and your CBC birding is done on only one calendar day for each circle,” according to the Audubon.

On that day, counts will take place in a 15-mile circle, and volunteers will visit specific areas, counting birds they see and hear. Beginners may be paired with other birders.

The Audubon offers tools, including its free Bird Guide App, to help participants recognize species.

Those who reside in their circles may be able to count from home while monitoring yards and feeders.

You can monitor the results of the CBC live online.

What does Audubon do with data from the Christmas Bird Count?

The CBC helps capture a snapshot of bird populations, and the data is used in partnership with other surveys to inform conservationists and more.

In addition, the data is studied to observe how bird populations are affected by climate change, according to the Audubon.

“A 2022 Audubon study used 90 years of Christmas Bird Count data to show how birds have shifted amid a century of major environmental changes,” according to the release. “By tracking how bird ranges have moved over time, conservation efforts can be prioritized in areas that are important for birds today and in a climate-altered future. With two-thirds of North American bird species at increasing risk of extinction by the end of this century, Audubon CBC data is more important than ever for effective conservation.”

This story was originally published December 16, 2022 at 5:30 AM.