Christmas Bird Counts and Winter Waterfowl Censuses

As the holiday season approaches, it is once again time to think about the winter bird counts. Each year, ELIAS members participate in a series of ten counts — five Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) sponsored by the National Audubon Society and five winter waterfowl censuses sponsored by the NY Ornithological Association.

 

WHY IS THE COUNT IMPORTANT

 

From December 19, 2009 - January 25, 2010, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Grandmothers and students, soccer moms and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists will head out on an annual mission – often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house in the middle of winter. These Citizen Scientists are taking action for conservation. By participating in Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, they help scientists understand how birds are faring amid unprecedented environmental challenges.The data they collect informs the world about the State of Birds, and provides the information we need to shape their future and ours. “Each of the citizen scientists who brave snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation," said Geoff LeBaron, Audubon's Christmas Bird Count Director.

 

 

 

"From the Barrens to the Bays"

Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, Inc.

A New York Chapter of the National Audubon Society

Serving the communities of Southampton, East Hampton, Western Riverhead, Brookhaven 

Last year, thousands of volunteers counted nearly 60 million birds across the Americas and beyond.