Three Rivers Audubon Society will conduct a Christmas Bird Count Thursday, Dec. 29. The birders will go out in groups and all levels of expertise are encouraged to participate.
“Prior to the 20th Century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas ‘Side Hunt,’” a spokeswoman said in a news release. “They would choose sides and go afield with their guns. The side that brought in the biggest pile of feathered (or furred) creatures won. Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about the declining bird populations.”
On Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the Audubon Society, proposed a Christmas Bird Census to count birds rather than hunt them.
“So began the Christmas Bird Count. Thanks to the inspiration of Chapman and the enthusiasm of 27 dedicated birders, 25 Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. This year marks the 117 Christmas Bird Count,” the spokeswoman said.
To volunteer or for details about the Three Rivers bird count, contact Dr. Rob Doster at calcarius@comcast.net or Claire Holmes at 534-2083.