The National Audubon Society’s 113th Christmas Bird Count will take place from December 14, through January 5, 2013. The longest running Citizen Science survey in the world, Christmas Bird Count provides critical data on population trends. Tens of thousands of participants know that it is also a lot of fun.

Since the Christmas Bird Count began over a century ago, it has relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteer citizen scientists. In other words, it all starts with you. Midcoast Maine Audubon bird count compilers for the Damariscotta/Pemaquid and Bunker Hill count circles, Dennis McKenna and John Weinrich, will be at Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center December 12 at 10:30 a.m. 

McKenna and Weinrich will discuss how community members can become involved in this year’s Christmas Bird Count and show workshop participants how to identify the winter birds that land on the birdfeeders in everyone’s backyard as well as those who linger in the woods and fields throughout our local count circles.  

Information on where to meet for a field party, clothes to wear, materials to bring, feeder watches, checklists, local bird count dates (December 15 and 18), times, reporting and other useful information will also be provided December 12. 

The count takes place within Count Circles, which focus on specific geographical areas. Each circle is led by a Count Compiler. Therefore, if you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, then you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeder once you have arranged to do so with the Count Compiler.

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations – and to help guide conservation action. Show you care about our regions feathered friends. Learn how you, the members of your families, and your friends can become a part of the Christmas Bird Count tradition by registering for the December 12 bird count information session. Advanced registration required.  To register, call 207-563-1363 by December 11.