You can help wildlife conservation and enjoy a wildlife-viewing experience by participating in one or more annual Arizona Christmas Bird Counts in December and early January.
The count program is a bird population survey that has been coordinated annually by the National Audubon Society since 1900. For each count this year, volunteers (including those from the Arizona Game and Fish Department) will take to the field for one calendar day between Dec. 14, 2011 and Jan. 3, 2012, to record every bird species and every individual bird sighted within a designated 15-mile diameter area. There are more than 30 counting events scheduled in different parts of the state during that time period.
The data collected will be added to an extensive database that enables monitoring of winter bird populations across North America and helps in assessing the overall health of the environment.
Participants are typically assigned to teams based on their bird identification skill level and endurance. Many counts hold a compilation dinner at the end of the day where results are tabulated and stories shared. A $5 participation fee defrays a portion of the cost of tabulating and publishing the overall count results.
Volunteer help is needed on most of these counts. To find a list of counts and areas, click on the list below. For information, contact the coordinator listed for the date or location.
- Click here for a list of when and where the counts will be held [PDF, 33kb]
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