Before the 20th century, some North Americans organized ‘Christmas side hunts’ in which participants would choose sides, then compete to bag as many birds as possible. In 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman suggested a bird census instead, and the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was born. The annual count is sponsored by the National Audubon Society. This year, the CBC runs from today through January 5, 2019, giving citizen scientists across North America time to join in, get outside, and spot some birds. The data collected is used to gauge the health of various bird populations–this information is then used to focus conservation efforts on particular species and geographical areas.
Time to count some birds
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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There once was a lighthouse from...
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Greece celebrates its independence
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World Poetry Day
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Making it work—in Norway
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75th anniversary of the Spruce Goose
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Wicker fields in Cañamares, Spain
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World Reef Day
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Oh, the places you’ll go
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Santorini, Greece
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Western Monarch Day
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It s fair season
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Moselle River loop near Kröv, Germany
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A species no longer at risk
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Computer Science EDU Week
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Azaleas blooming on Hwangmaesan Mountain, South Korea
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Grand Teton National Park
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AAPI Heritage Month & Lei Day
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Tokyo welcomes a futuristic new art museum
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Jasper Dark Sky Festival
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’Chess on ice’
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Park of the Monsters, Bomarzo, Italy
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Cousins Day
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World Theatre Day
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Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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Celebrating Helsinki’s birthday at the Kiasma Museum
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Keep your hands inside the ride at all times…
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Big wheels on a big mountain
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Bear Hole Brook, Catskill Mountains, New York
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White Desert National Park, Egypt
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Saksun, Faroe Islands, Denmark