Did you know that there is a 125 year relationship between birds and Christmas? Although birds have been associated with the holiday for an even longer time, cue the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song, we are talking about the Christmas Bird Count! The CBC not only has us see turtle doves, swans, and geese, but can sometimes result in a cumulative witnessing of over 40 million birds (we promise we’ll get to what we mean).
So what exactly is the Christmas Bird Count?
Prior to the turn of the 20th century, many hunters participated in a tradition known as the “side hunt.” The intention was a competition to see who could hunt the most furry and feathered animals. Around the same time, the noticeable decrease in animal populations encouraged an increase in conservationists. One of which was ornithologist and member of the National Audubon Society, Frank Chapman. In the year 1900, he celebrated December 25th a little differently. Or, a lot differently.
Alongside 26 other committed observers, scientists, citizens, and friends of nature, he established the “Christmas Bird Census.” This new, more respectful tradition was to count birds during the holidays, instead of hunting them. Across the nation, the first 25 CBC’s were held, spanning coast to coast and even including one just two hours south in the city of Pueblo, Colorado.
Over the years, this festive celebration of nature has also become an essential function in bird conservation. The data collected by communities and individuals, just like you, helps the Audubon Society to track the status and health of bird populations. It has provided critical information on climate change and biodiversity, which has given counsel for reports created by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
This data amassed by citizen scientists not only elucidates the aforementioned trends of the planet, but it supports scientists in finding solutions to national, international, and global conservation issues. Unfortunately, it has continued to give us the same prognosis- birds are under threat and we need to make a change.
The good news is that every year, more and more individuals and communities are becoming involved. We know this because last year, the 124th Christmas Bird Count, saw a record-breaking number of participants. From the United States, to Canada, to the Caribbean, Latin America, and Pacific Islands, 83,186 people gathered between December 14th and January 5th to count birds.
These thousands of people were dispersed amongst 2,677 counts, or circles, which are organized by location. Among all of these circles, 40,871,030 birds were observed across North America, including the birds seen here in the greater Denver area. Although this number may seem somewhat unimaginable, it is in fact alarmingly low. Each year we are seeing an increase in observers, who are seeing a decreased number of birds. More eyes on the planet should not mean less birds, and yet, that is what we are being shown.
So, what can we do?
No action is too small. Change is created by an individual and, resultant, collective commitment to betterment. The more that people take inspired action, the more that it inspires and creates awareness for those around them, catalyzing a cascade and propagation of mobilization.
As we move towards the 125th anniversary of the Christmas Bird Count, look to your local area to get involved. You can join any of the day counts, or even observe from your backyard bird feeder. To join a count, visit this map here. Once there, zoom in on the Denver area and find a circle near you (green and yellow mean there is still space), hover your mouse over the circle and email the compiler that is listed for that circle.
If you would like to join us, the Denver Audubon, our Denver Urban count covers a circle with a 15-mile diameter that includes the Platte River from North City limits to Mississippi, west to Buckley Field & Rocky Mtn. Arsenal. For birders of all levels, follow the link here to find a location near you and join us in this celebration of nature!
Whether you consider yourself a bird expert or bird curious, your presence matters. Every human that observes birds during this count is an essential source of information that supports ours and the National Audubon’s mission- to protect birds and their habitats while improving the health of the planet and humanity.
We believe in preserving the profound wonder, connection, and joy that remind us of our interconnectedness with the planet, and sometimes there’s just no better way than to witness the festive spirit that is a feathered being. Let’s go birding!