From December 14, 2016- January 5, 2017, birdwatchers in the Western Hemisphere can collect data for the National Audubon Society during its 117th Christmas Bird Count.
This is designed not only to help count birds, but to bring awareness to these creatures and strive to show that we need to work to protect them. This count is considered one of the oldest wildlife counts in the world.
This Christmas Bird Count tradition was started back in 1900 by Frank M. Chapman. He thought it would be best to help count birds for conservation efforts, rather than shoot them for a competition.
Those who participate will count and identify the types of birds seen. Last year, over 58,878 birds were counted. While this may seem like a remarkable number, it was discovered during this count that some species, such as the northern bobwhite, are declining in their populations. The Audubon Society lists other declining bird population on their website, such Bald Eagles, Canada Warbler, and Red Knot.
More information about the Christmas Bird Count can be found here: http://www.audubon.org/join-christmas-bird-count