Libby area Audubon Christmas Bird Count set for Dec. 19
Several bald eagles perch in trees Saturday at the Lincoln County Landfill. A county employee said as many as 125 eagles have been counted at the facility in recent days. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
For the 55th year, local bird watchers will participate in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count in the Libby area Thursday, Dec. 19.
The count originated 125 years ago when Dr. Frank Chapman, founder of Bird-Lore which became Audubon Magazine, suggested an alternative to the holiday “side hunt” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds.
Today the Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science network with more than 72,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere.
The data gathered will help scientists monitor the health of both year-round resident and migratory bird populations.
Those interested in participating either as field observers or watching and recording at their own homes, including those with bird feeders, please contact Gene Reckin at 406-291-8482.