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Ridges Sanctuary Sponsors Christmas Bird Count

Volunteer bird enthusiasts all over the country are gearing up for the annual Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor coordinates two local bird counts, the Ephraim and Northern Door Counts, which are scheduled for Saturday, December 19. This unique program is open to anyone who wishes to view and count birds seen on that day, either in the field or at their home bird feeders.

There is no need to be an expert birder to participate. You don’t even need to walk outside your door! Many Christmas Birders tally species at their bird feeder, from the warm comfort of their homes. Others will travel afield, searching Door County’s shorelines, roadsides and forests. Past Christmas Bird Counts in northern Door County have revealed both common and unusual birds, everything from frolicking Black-capped Chickadees to Snowy Owls.

Over 100 years ago, the Christmas Bird Count was started as a way to collect data on numbers and species of birds all across the United States. Birders record the species and numbers of birds they see during a given time period, and the data is analyzed to determine population trends, migration patterns, and the spread of exotic species such as the House Sparrow. For example, Christmas Bird Count records has been used to document the steady northward spread of the Cardinal over the past 25 years, and the cyclical southern invasions of species like the Evening Grosbeak.

New counters are always welcome! For additional information on the Christmas Bird Count, contact The Ridges Sanctuary at 920.829.2802, or email [email protected].