After a year hiatus, the West Palm Beach Christmas Bird Count resumes Sunday, January 2. The CBC, since its beginning in 1900, has become a holiday season tradition. National Audubon calls it “the nation’s longest running community science bird project.” Conducting the West Palm count since 1956, we are able to see long-term trends in our local bird species, both positive and negative.

Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, divided up into territories and assigned to count teams. Our West Palm circle stretches from West Palm Beach to Delray Beach, and includes a portion of the coastline, as well as a small part of Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. The counters are seasoned, skilled birders, as well as those with less experience, who usually help by keeping the lists.

2019 saw the second highest number of participants in the history of our local count — 120. Our counters logged a very respectable 149 species. We also made important inroads gaining access to more gated communities within our circle with good bird habitat.

Following the January 2 count, we’ll conduct our compilation via Zoom the same evening at 7:30. If you feel you can help the effort, counting or accessing your community, contact compiler Chuck Weber at cweber4aves@comcast.net.

Here are National Audubon’s COVID protocols: https://www.audubon.org/news/christmas-bird-count- compiler-announcements

Here’s a map of all count circles — you can zoom in to find and explore our circle: https://audubon. maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=ac275eeb01434cedb1c5dcd0fd3fc7b4