You don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to take part in the 124th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count but there’s a chance you’ll become one. The event runs from December 14th to January 5th and takes place nationwide as a way to gather important data about birds across the nation. This program is of special importance to local DWR Conservation Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby as she has been a participant in the survey since she was young. “These annual counts are incredibly important because we use the data to assess the overall health of bird populations and to implement any conservation actions that may be needed for species survival,” shares Kieffer-Selby. “Recent studies have shown that over 3 billion birds have been lost in North America in the last 50 years, which is why collecting this data is so important. Birds are indicators of what’s happening in an environment. The data we gather about our local birds provides valuable information for conservation efforts worldwide.” A local event is happening at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in Randlett on December 16th at 8am. Volunteers are needed and are asked to register in advance on Eventbrite.
