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Here's How To Participate In The Annual Christmas Bird Count In South Florida

Joe Rimkus Jr.
/
Miami Herald
A white pelican stands at Snake Bight in the Everglades

Every year between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, thousands of birders fan out across the country for an annual bird census.

The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 as a response to traditional Christmas bird hunts, according to the Audubon Society. That first count found about 90 species across 25 locations.

This year, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties held their counts on the first day, Dec. 14. The Miami-Dade count didn’t bode well — participants found fewer birds and a decline in good bird habitat.

Read more: South Florida's Fast-Changing Landscape Makes It Harder For Audubon To Count Birds

The counties’ results won’t be finalized until the nationwide count period wraps up in January.

Other South Florida counties are still planning for their counts. Audubon Everglades will survey birds from Delray Beach to West Palm Beach this Saturday, Dec. 28. Interested volunteers should email info@auduboneverglades.org.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area has its count the next day, Dec. 29.

Keys Audubon is bringing up the rear with a Jan. 4 count. The organization wants to hear from interested volunteers by Dec. 30, at keysaudubon@gmail.com or 305-771-5807.

For information about other counts around South Florida and contact information for organizers, check out the Audubon Society 120th Christmas Bird Count Map of Active Circles.

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