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Science Friday

What Scientists Have Learned From 125 Years Of Bird Counts

Jan 6, 2025
Brooke Bateman, Senior Director of Climate and Community Science at the National Audubon Society, and Janet Ng, a wildlife biologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, dive into the fascinating world of bird counts. They highlight the 125-year legacy of the Christmas Bird Count, exploring how this community-driven science initiative helps track bird populations and their reactions to climate change. The duo discusses alarming trends like species range shifts and population declines, while emphasizing the vital role of local birdwatchers in conservation efforts.
18:22

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Quick takeaways

  • The Christmas Bird Count has evolved from 27 participants in 1900 to over 80,000 volunteers today, highlighting community engagement in birdwatching and conservation.
  • Data from the Christmas Bird Count reveals significant shifts in bird populations, such as the migration changes of Western Grebes due to climate change.

Deep dives

History of the Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 when Frank Chapman proposed an alternate tradition to the holiday hunting practices, encouraging individuals to conduct a bird census instead. Initially, 27 birdwatchers participated across 25 locations, but the event has evolved significantly over the years. Today, more than 80,000 volunteers participate across the Western Hemisphere, marking the count as the longest-running community science program in the world. This shift from hunting to counting birds has allowed scientists to gather valuable data about bird populations and behaviors, fostering a deeper connection between the public and nature.

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