By Dallin Saurey

REXBURG—Hunters in the 19th century would gather on opposite sides of their fields and count how many birds they could shoot in a day. Conservationists noticed that the bird population was declining. Conservation officer Frank M. Chapman proposed a new holiday tradition. It became a Christmas bird census that would include counting a variety of live birds during the holiday, instead of shooting them.

The first Christmas bird counts were in Toronto and Ontario, Canada and Pacific Grove, California.

Each November, birders get a wonderful opportunity to take part in the Christmas bird count organized by the Audubon Society. The Christmas bird count runs from November to January. Many volunteers brave rain, snow, and wind to count as many species as possible in a day. Their observations include the health of the birds, population, and any current needs to help guide conservation of bird populations.

Furthermore, the Snake River Audubon and other organizations count bird populations in bird watching checklists or Cornell e-bird lists, throughout the year. In the long term, this will help responsible individuals and agencies protect the beauty, songs, and habitats of our birds.

I started bird watching in 2009. I had learned about birds for my internship at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. So, when I started doing Christmas bird counts with people who had more experience, I learned how to be a better bird watcher. Snake River Audubon Society greeted me with open arms. They taught me how to find birds more quickly.

Before I got married it was my tradition to do a Christmas bird count. You don’t need to know a lot about bird watching, but you must be willing to learn from others. You get to go bird watching as long as you want! Contact the Audubon Society in your area today.

Kathleen Struthers said, “The Idaho Falls Christmas Bird Count will be on Saturday, December 18. We don’t have a central meeting place on count day. The various teams arrange their meeting places. We will have a planning meeting on Thursday, December 16, via Zoom. Anyone wanting to receive an invitation to the meeting can contact me at kit619@centurylink.net.”

Another contact in the Snake River Audubon Society extends a warm welcome. Monday, December 27 is Rexburg’s Christmas bird count.

“I’d like them to email me if they’re interested,” says Darren Clark. “I need to know beforehand, rather than just have them show up.”

Please contact Clark by email at riversilt@gmail.com if you’re interested in participating.