Be an Audubon citizen scientist

Would you like to participate in the science of birds and their habitats? Citizen science projects around the world provide opportunities for everyday citizens to contribute to the advancement of environmental science, including the study of bird ecology. Volunteers who collect data for these large-scale programs provide enormous amounts of information that would be impossible for professionals to gather on their own.

The longest-running citizen science program in the world is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, held annually since 1900. Observations from the count have been used by scientists and conservationists to track long-term bird population trends, detect shifts in bird ranges and develop conservation strategies. For example, results have shown steep declines in grassland bird populations such as the eastern meadowlark and short-eared owl. In response, grassland habitat protection and restoration initiatives are being implemented in many states.

Last year, the local Christmas Bird Count took place on one of the coldest days of the season. Despite low temperatures and high winds, more than 300 volunteers participated, identifying about 20,000 birds — including 140 species — around Hilton Head and Bluffton. Those results will be added to Audubon’s data set to help identify migratory patterns and assess population numbers. Before 2017, black-bellied whistling ducks were not reported in the area; last year, more than 400 were counted.

For those who missed the Christmas Bird Count or would like another opportunity to participate, the Great Backyard Bird Count is scheduled for Feb. 13-16. Sponsored by National Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, the annual event was the first citizen science project to collect bird observations online and display results in near real time during the four-day count. The top three species identified in the United States last year were the northern cardinal, dark-eyed junco and house finch.

Participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count is simple. Volunteers watch birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more of the four days and identify all birds seen or heard during that time.

Observations may be made in a backyard, local park or wildlife refuge. Participants enter their sightings using the Great Backyard Bird Count website, the Merlin Bird ID app, the eBird Mobile app or the eBird website. Instructions are available at birdcount.org.

Merlin and eBird are citizen-based observation networks managed by Cornell University. Hilton Head Audubon offers classes for novice birders interested in learning how to use these tools. A Merlin class is scheduled for Feb. 17, followed by an eBird class on Feb. 19, with a practice field trip planned for Feb. 24.

Registration is available at hiltonheadaudubon.org. Using eBird provides another way for residents to participate as citizen scientists.

Ken Adams is a retired professor of ecology, State University of New York and a board member of Hilton Head Audubon.