Counting birds for a purpose

BERLIN HEIGHTS — On Dec. 20, birders and nature enthusiasts across the greater Sandusky area participated in the Firelands Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count. Data collected by participants contributes to one of only two large existing pools of information, notifying ornithologists and conservation biologists of what conservation action is required to protect birds and the places they need. Continuing a count tradition Amid its 126th year, the National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses in the world. It relies on individual counts, such as in the Firelands region, to keep this tradition going. Individual counts take place within a 15-mile-wide circle and are led by a compiler responsible for safely organizing volunteers and submitting observations directly to the local audubon. Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day — not just the species but the total numbers — to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population. For the Firelands chapter, in 2025, more than 25 volunteers counted 20,000-plus individual birds across 85 species in its circle. This circle covers Sandusky south of the mall, most of Norwalk, all of Huron and all of Berlin Heights. After verification from the Ohio Christmas Bird Count editor, all data collected is then submitted to the National Audubon Society. "The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a great tradition and opportunity for everyone to be a part of more than 12 decades of community science in the name of protecting birds," said Dr. Brooke Bateman, senior director of climate and community science for the national audubon. "Your Christmas Bird Count observations help scientists discover trends about bird species that inform conservation," Bateman added, specifically thanking the individual counts and volunteers who give up their time to complete this all-important task. "Ever since the first count in 1900, participating in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count has been a fun and meaningful way to spend time outdoors for anyone and everyone." Observing a new species A year ago, volunteers observed turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in Norwalk during the count. This was the first time this species had been observed in the Firelands circle, which was started in 1971 by the Firelands Audubon Society, firelandsaudubon.com. Normally, turkey vultures would head south for the winter, however, warmer winters and an increase in carrion in the form of roadkill have allowed this species to spend more time here in the winter. This year, black vulture (Coragyps atratus) was a new species observed during count week, Dec. 16-23. One was observed flying on Dec. 23 near Edison Woods MetroPark in Berlin Heights. Underscoring the importance When combined with other surveys, like the Breeding Bird Survey, the audubon's Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists: It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitats and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. For example, in 2019, Science journal published a study using decades of Audubon Christmas Bird Count data and other datasets to describe a grim picture: a steady loss of nearly 3 billion North American birds since 1970. Over the years, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles. This data is also used to measure how birds are already responding to climate change. A 2022 audubon study used 90 years of Christmas Bird Count data to show how birds have shifted amid a century of major environmental changes. By tracking how bird ranges have moved over time, conservation efforts can be prioritized in areas that are important for birds today and in a climate-altered future. With two-thirds of North American bird species at increasing risk of extinction by the end of this century, Audubon Christmas Bird Count data is more important than ever for effective conservation. Getting involved Although the 2025 Firelands Christmas Bird Count has ended, interested volunteers can sign up for next year's count, which will begin on Dec. 19 Please contact the Firelands Audubon Society at firelandsaudubon@gmail.com to participate. Meanwhile the National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. The audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, the audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. People can learn more at audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by searching for @audubonsociety.