The National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a wonderful way for a non-scientist to contribute to the study of birds.
This count is the longest continuous citizen science project in North America, now entering its 124th year. While not actually held on Christmas, it is held between December 14 and January 5, reported Northern Neck Chapter president Kevin Howe.
For the past seven years, the chapter has sponsored a CBC for Northumberland and Lancaster counties. This year, the count will be held on Tuesday, December 19. It is open to all – newbies and experts.
The CBC began in 1900 and had 26 people counting birds in 25 localities. This has continued every year since with over 79,000 people in more than 2,600 locations participating last year; in 2023 our two-county count had 51 participants and recorded 101 different species of birds.
The CBC involves counting as many birds—different species and total numbers—in a 15-mile diameter area. That circle is divided up into nine sectors…..
