A History Of Christmas Bird Counts

The annual Christmas Bird Count is by far the oldest citizen science project in the world, having begun in Massachusetts in 1900. Tens of thousands of volunteers venture out into the cold at Christmas time to count birds in the same 15 mile diameter circle each year. The results have informed scientific investigations and conservation efforts throughout the hemisphere. The oldest Utah count was in Provo in 1904; the St. George count began in 1962, and the Silver Reef count in 1999. Our speaker, Bryan Dixon, will review the beginnings of the CBC and share data on local past counts. As always, a successful CBC needs the eyeballs of experienced as well as novice birders, so come hear about where it started and how you can help.