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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It’s National Walk to Work Day
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Stepping into autumn
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Yosemite National Park turns 132
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Memorial Day
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Siblings that play together…
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A species no longer at risk
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Up in the Highlands
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Twas a night just like tonight
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Beware the Ides of March
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’Chess on ice’
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Travel Sunday: Flamenco in Granada, Andalusia, Spain
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Happy New Year!
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The birthplace of a classic Christmas carol
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A tree amid the Tetons
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Weaverbird nests at Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve
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A day to celebrate teachers
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Winter solstice
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Green sea turtle on World Oceans Day
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Here’s looking at you, teachers
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An improbable tribute for Towel Day
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The fantastic winter fox
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Ravens
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This grizzly has Napping Day down
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Fashion models of the avian world
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It s National Hispanic Heritage Month
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A crane for good luck in today’s big game
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Native American Heritage Month
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Train crossing the Tadami River in Japan
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Flamenco dancers
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Autumn in Piedmont