December is right around the corner and that means Christmas Bird Count season is almost upon us.

What is the Christmas Bird Count? And How Can You Get Involved?

The Christmas Bird Count is the nation's longest running citizen science bird project.  Citizens go out and count every single bird that they see during the count period in a specific place called the count area.  Anyone can participate.  People that are more experienced with identification can be the spotters.  However, people who are just beginning to learn how to identify birds or people who just like to be outside can contribute greatly too by being recorders.   All the data that is collected by the individual or group is then compiled and an annual summary is produced.  This information can then be utilized to analyse broad trends in the avian populations and changes in community structures.    The count is run through the Audubon Society.

 This year the Audubon's 117th Christmas Bird Count will take place this fall between the inclusive dates of Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 through Thursday, January 5th, 2017.  Your local count will occur on ONE of the days during that period.  To find your local bird count area click here.  In the greater Cincinnati Area, there are 5 count areas.  Two of them are reporting count dates.  Hamilton County is December 18th.  Hamilton-Fairfield is December 17th.  

Hope to see you out in the field and good luck and good birding.