This Weekend, Join The National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count In Prospect Park

Looking for something to do with the family this weekend? Take part in a tradition over 100 years old at the Prospect Park Christmas Bird Count.

The Christmas Bird Count is part of a nationwide bird census running from December 14 to January 5 that relies on volunteers armed with binoculars, bird guides, and checklists to help track local bird populations. Prospect Park’s Audubon Center hosts the event during three sessions this weekend: Saturday, December 14, 12pm and 3pm; and Sunday, December 15, 3pm.

The event offers an opportunity to engage with nature, but it also does immense work toward conservation. The National Audubon Society uses the data to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action.

Last year across New York state, 253 species were reported. In Brooklyn an American White Pelican was spotted, which is pretty unusual, and 113 Tree Swallows were counted, which was a far greater number than the usual lingering single birds.

Meet with local coordinator at the Audubon Center at the Boathouse, located inside the Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance.

Photo by Frank Ripp, courtesy Nation Audubon Society