"Christmas Bird Count 2012," Bird News by Vern Laux
Credit Hilary Wood / Audobon.org
Count every bird and every species - that's the goal of the annual tradition known as the Christmas Bird Count. Bird News's Vern Laux admits it's not humanly possible - but it is an endeavor, he says, that produces meaningful statistics, as well as much joy.
The Audubon's 113th annual Christmas Bird Count officially gets underway tomorrow, December 14th, and runs through January 5th. For ornithologist Vern Laux, it's a whirlwind few weeks, but also an anticipated holiday tradition and a chance to catch up with friends. Of course, it's also an invaluable source of data that scientists use to study everything from evolution to climate change. There are counts all over Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. Find a Christmas Bird Count near you ... then tell us what you saw!