(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.)

The refuge’s Christmas Bird Count will be held on Tuesday, December 21 (first day of Winter) at the Oak Savanna Learning Center. A nation-wide activity organized by the National Audubon Society, the Christmas Bird Count is held from December 14 to January 5 annually, with tens of thousands of volunteers participating in this citizen science project. This year marks the 122nd year of the survey of winter bird species and participation now ranges from Alaska to Antarctica. Sherburne’s refuge volunteers will survey within a 7.5-mile radius from the intersection of Sherburne Co. Rd. 9 and Co. Rd. 5.

Although additional volunteers are not needed for this year’s count, the refuge could still use help! Those who live within fifteen miles of the count area are encouraged to clean and fill bird feeders at least three days before the count. Additionally, please be aware that vehicles may be driving slowly through neighborhoods with binoculars. Don’t be concerned! The observers are only interested in the species and numbers of birds on the property.

Reports from participating groups all across the country are tallied by Audubon and other birding organizations, including the Minnesota Ornithologist’s Union. The final tally provides valuable information on the number of bird species present during that 23-day time frame. This data is also used to track long-term trends in bird populations and distribution, both declines in populations and increases in species like bald eagles.

Local data for the refuge is used to track changes in bird populations over time. Additionally, it can be pooled with other areas to detect population patterns over a larger area. Dating back to 1966, the Minnesota Ornithologist’s Union has records for the Sherburne Refuge count. This important count would not be possible without a dedicated group of refuge volunteers!