As the holiday season approaches, birdwatchers and nature lovers all over the world are preparing for one of the most cherished traditions of the year: the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This annual event brings together people of all ages to count and record bird species in their local areas. It’s a great way to connect with nature, help scientists track bird populations, and spread a little holiday cheer!
How to Participate in the 2024 CBC?
Getting involved in the Christmas Bird Count is easy! Here’s how you can join in the fun:
1.Find a Count Circle
The CBC is organized into “count circles”, which are 15-mile diameter areas where bird counts take place. To find a count circle near you, visit the Audubon website and use their CBC map to locate one.
2.Register
Once you’ve found a count circle, you can register as a participant through the Audubon website. You may be assigned a specific area to cover or you might join an organized group, depending on your location.
3.Count Birds
On your assigned count day, simply head out to your designated area and start counting birds! Record each species and how many of them you spot. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert — there are plenty of resources available to help you identify birds.
4.Submit Your Data
After your count, submit your findings to the Audubon Society. Your data will be added to the CBC database and contribute to the ongoing study of bird populations.
Join the Feeder Watch
Feeder Watch is a simple, at-home way to participate in the Christmas Bird Count. If you have a bird feeder in your yard, you can count the birds that visit it and report your observations to help track winter bird populations. The data you collect helps scientists monitor trends in bird activity, migration patterns, and the health of bird species during the colder months.
To participate, all you need is a bird feeder in your yard and fill it with bird-friendly food (seeds, suet, etc.). To officially participate in Feeder Watch, you need to register through the National Audubon Society’s website. Typically, you’ll count birds for 15 minutes at a time and record the species and number of birds that visit the feeder. After your observation, submit your bird count data to the CBC website.
Use a Smart Bird Feeder Camera for CBC
What if you could watch birds at your feeder without even having to leave your home? This is where the Smart Bird Feeder Camera comes in! A smart bird feeder camera is a high-tech way to enhance your birdwatching experience. Here’s why you should consider adding one to your Feeder Watch setup:
1.Real-Time Streaming
A smart bird feeder camera allows you to view your bird feeder in real time, capturing every visit, from the largest woodpecker to the tiniest finch. The camera connects to your smartphone or device, giving you the ability to monitor the action anytime, anywhere. You can even set alerts for when birds visit, so you don’t miss a thing.
2.High-Quality Footage
Many smart bird feeder cameras offer HD or even 4K resolution, allowing you to get an up-close view of the birds visiting your feeder. This makes it easier to identify species, observe bird behaviors, and capture those beautiful moments when a new species shows up.
3.Night Vision
Smart bird feeder cameras come with night vision capabilities, allowing you to continue watching even after the sun sets. This feature is perfect for spotting nocturnal birds like owls, or for catching the nighttime visitors that may stop by for a snack.
4.Bird Identification
With AI-powered bird identification, the smart bird feeder camera can recognize different bird species and display their names, so you don’t have to rely on a field guide or app. This is especially helpful for beginners who may not be familiar with all the local species. Or you can use the Merlin app, which is completely free.
