The term “crowd-sourcing” may be new. But it’s exactly what the National Audubon Society has been doing for more than 100 years, with the Christmas Bird Count. In December, tens of thousands of people participate in this, the longest running citizen science initiative ever. Local groups set forth on a designated day and count every single bird they see or hear in a 15-mile-diameter circle.
Other bird counts take place during migration or breeding season. The Christmas bird count gives scientists a snapshot of bird populations on their winter ranges. Volunteer participants collect much more data than scientists would ever be able to amass in the same amount of time.
By comparing many years of data, they can identify trends and take action if necessary. For instance, in the 1980s, the American Black Duck was seen to be declining, and action was taken to reduce hunting pressure. We’ve also learned that the Tufted Titmouse is expanding its range into New England, possibly because so many of us keep well-stocked birdfeeders in the winter. Scientists are also studying the impact of climate change on birds whose populations are shifting northward.
The Christmas Bird Count was established as an alternative to the holiday hunt, in which thousands of songbirds were shot. The conservationists who suggested this alternative ended up creating one of the most enduring and important citizen science initiatives.
To find a Christmas Bird Count circle near you, follow the link at the Earth Wise website, or contact the National Audubon Society.
Web Links
Christmas Bird Count
http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count
CBC Data and Results
http://birds.audubon.org/data-research
Photo, taken on December 17, 2011, courtesy of Jennifer Jewett / USFWS via Flickr.