river talk

The Christmas Bird Count

125 years and going strong

By SCOTT RANDO

Posted 12/9/25

During the 1800s, there was a Christmas tradition among hunters called the “Christmas Side Hunt.” The hunters would gather and split into two sides and go out into the field with rifles …

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river talk

The Christmas Bird Count

125 years and going strong

RR photos by Scott Rando

This is one of the many ringed-billed gulls that can be found near the river, but they are common enough to find in shopping center parking lots, where they scavenge for food scraps dropped on the ground. They are the most common gull species found inland. These two were at the Zane Gray boat ramp, a favorite winter spot for eagles as well.

RR photos by Scott Rando

This is a young-of-year bald eagle flying in a snow squall. The increasing number of resident eagles, along with winter migrants, means that this species will make it on to the majority of survey forms in the region. As well as bald eagles, there are a few golden eagles that migrate down from Canada to our region.

RR photos by Scott Rando

The northern cardinal is common in the region, and does not migrate. This is a male cardinal, with its bright red plumage; even the female stands out with a red red-trimmed crown, bill, flight feathers and tail. Cardinals are attracted to bird feeders and have a liking for sunflower seeds. During the winter, they are easy to spot against a background of snow.

Posted Tuesday, December 9, 2025 10:29 am

By SCOTT RANDO

During the 1800s, there was a Christmas tradition among hunters called the “Christmas Side Hunt.” The hunters would gather and split into two sides and go out into the field with rifles and shotguns. The side that had the most feathered and furred animals won.

As the 20th century neared, though, there was increasing concern about declining bird counts, among other conservation concerns.

On Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, one of the charter members of the soon-to-be-formed Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a Christmas Bird Census that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.

Over 125 years later, this tradition is now called the Christmas Bird Count. It takes place around this time every year. This year, the Christmas Bird Count runs from December 14, 2025 to January 5, 2026. Participating organizations survey the same circular areas year after year to get more accurate counts.

If you wish to find out more and perhaps volunteer to count, visit Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count site at www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count.