Audubon to conduct 109th Christmas Bird Count

WHITE MILLS, PA — The Northeast PA Audubon Society is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC), held within a seven-and-a-half-mile radius of White Mills. The CBC, part of an international effort, will be on Sunday, December 14 beginning at dawn and ending when the last volunteer is finished.

“There are a variety of ways to participate,” said Barbara Leo, the local count coordinator. “You can simply sit and count birds at feeders, or you can partner with an experienced birder. One does not need to be an expert to participate. Volunteers also have the option of giving as little or as much time as they want to the effort.” To volunteer, call 570/253-2364.

The first CBC, in 1900, was a demonstration of early conservation efforts by the newly organized Audubon Society. Twenty–seven people participated and reported 18,500 birds representing 90 species. By 2000, the number of volunteers had swelled to 52,471, and included counts in many different countries. The data collected represents the longest running database of bird sightings and provides valuable information for scientists studying population trends and movements over time. Much of this data has been used in understanding causes of declining bird populations.