Be a Part of the Tradition!

Citizen Science in Action
The count period for the 112th Christmas Bird Count will begin on December 14, 2011. 
From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission - often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations - and to help guide conservation action.
From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition -- and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation.
(From the Audubon website:http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count#)
You can visit Audubon's website for the history of the bird count, bird lists, and more!

How to Get Involved Locally

Manitowish Waters- December 17th
Minocqua- December 29th

We are looking for volunteers to count birds at feeders and field observers to count birds within each of the established survey blocks.  If you live within the area you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your warm home.   It's fun and easy. If you would like to participant in this annual tradition please contact the North Lakeland Discovery at 1-715-543-2085.