Christmas Bird Count
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the longest running Citizen Science Wildlife survey in the world with the first count in 1899. Each year, tens of thousands of participants collect and submit bird data to the National Audubon Society for use in assessing the health of bird populations and for guiding conservation efforts. It is vital in the study of bird population trends.
Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society joined the national efforts in December 1953, the same year YVAS became a chapter. This annual event includes recording the number of birds and bird species seen within a designated route in the Billings vicinity. After a no-host breakfast at a local diner (optional), YVAS birders head out on their routes to identify and count species. Results are tallied up at the end of the day.
If you are interested in being a part of the longest running wildlife census on record, watch for details in the November/December Flyer. There is always a need for more birders of all abilities to help count and record. This is a great time for beginning birders to learn the winter species in the Billings area. For more information, contact Jerry Dalton at 406-656-3656 or at daltonlj@centurylink.net.
Results of previous Christmas Bird Counts and species lists can be found at the following links: