The nationwide Christmas Bird Census (CBC) is a holiday tradition that counts birds. Its roots extend back to the turn of the previous century beginning on Christmas Day 1900.
The primary objective of the Christmas Bird Count is to monitor the status and distribution of bird populations across the Western Hemisphere. When the Christmas Bird Census data is combined with that of other surveys such as the North American Breeding Bird Survey, a clearer picture of how bird populations throughout the Americas have changed in time and space over the past hundred years develops.
Data helps reveal the impact of diseases such as, in years past, the West Nile virus. Since birds are overall indicators of the health of our environment, the Count can also tell us a great deal about ourselves and our impact on local flora and fauna.
It is once again time for the annual Tri-County Rochester Christmas Bird Count. This particular count, during the North American event, covers a 15 mile circle where the counties of Marshall, Kosciusko, and Fulton Counties meet.
Residents are invited to come participate in the count at Potawatomi Wildlife Park. This year continues the goal of creating a list of birds found specifically on Potawatomi Wildlife Park. Inexperienced birders are encouraged to come and participate as well. They will have identification cheat sheets and you will be paired with more experienced watchers.
Contact Michael Stephan, Executive Director of Potawatomi Wildlife Park if you are interested in participating in this count on Saturday January 5th. 574-498-6550 or park@getintonature.com.
The event is Free and includes published annual report.
