Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Audubon Nebraska, and Wachiska Audubon Society invite birdwatchers to participate in the longest-running community science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). On Sunday, December 18, birders and nature enthusiasts in Lincoln will take part in this annual and important tradition.

“Birds tell us that they need our help,” mentioned Senior Education Manager and resident Birdnerd, Jason St. Sauver. “One of the easiest and most fun ways to help is to count birds as part Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count – and everyone can join the fun.”

Every year, thousands of volunteers all across the country help count as many birds as they can in their own CBC circle between December 15 and January 5. Nebraska has many active circles across the state to help us learn more about the state’s birds in winter. Lincoln’s CBC coordinator is focusing on getting more people of all ages and abilities involved. “People of all ages and abilities can participate in this amazing community science project by watching birds in the field, from their own yard, or even from their own window on Dec. 18,” St. Sauver encourages. “And, we have some special things planned this year too.” Nebraska’s Birdability captain, Cassandra Dean, will be leading an accessible and stationary count for part of the day at Oak Lake Park to allow anyone with mobility challenges to participate. The count also encourages parents and grandparents to get their young ones involved in learning to count. Finally, the count will end with an all-counters social pizza party at the Unitarian Church to share sightings and stories from the day.  For questions or to sign up, send an email to St. Sauver at scp@audubon.org can get you more details.

For more information on the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count over the years, check out https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count  or email scp@audubon.org to participate in Lincoln’s CBC.