Hi, you're listening to Cultivate
Curiosity, a.
Podcast that inspires the next generation
to stay curious.
Cultivate Curiosity is brought to you by
the Emerald Coast Science Center, a
nonprofit.
Interactive science museum and STEAM
educational facility in Fort Walton Beach,
Florida.
This podcast is perfect for anyone curious
about the world we live in, because
you never know what we'll talk about
next.
Hey everyone, my name is Jacie and
I'm the Social Media Coordinator here at
the Emerald Coast Science Center.
In today's episode of Cultivate Curiosity,
we're exploring the importance of the
Audubon Christmas Bird Count, how you can
get involved, and some of the incredible
bird species you might spot right here
in northwest Florida.
So the Audubon Christmas Bird Count has
been a cherished tradition for over a
century, bringing together bird
enthusiasts and nature lovers to celebrate
and protect the beauty and nature of
our avian friends.
First launched in 1900, the bird count
is held annually from December 14 to
January 5 and is a citizen science
initiative and and the longest running
citizen science project in the world,
offering invaluable insights into bird
populations and their changing patterns
over time.
So why do we do the Christmas
Bird Count?
The bird count serves a dual purpose,
fostering community involvement in bird
conservation and providing crucial data
for ornithological research.
Each year, participants across the Western
Hemisphere take to their local parks,
forests, and backyards to count as many
birds as possible within designated areas.
This data helps scientists understand
trends in bird populations, identify
species at risk, and measure the impact
of climate change and habitat loss.
Beyond data collection, the bird count
also plays a key role in influencing
environmental policies and prioritizing
habitat protection efforts.
Simply put, your observations can
contribute to a global effort to protect
birds and the ecosystems they inhabit.
So let's talk about trends in bird
populations.
In recent years, the Christmas Bird Count
has revealed several fascinating trends.
For example, many species are shifting
their ranges northward due to rising
temperatures, while others are appearing
in areas they've never been seen before.
Some birds, like the bald eagle and
the wood duck, have shown remarkable
recoveries thanks to conservation efforts.
However, the data also highlights the
challenges many species face, including
declines in grassland and migratory bird
populations.
Each year's count adds to this invaluable
data set, painting a clearer picture of
the state of our feathered friends.
This data doesn't just sit in a
database it actively supports conservation
initiatives.
For instance, trends revealed through the
bird count have been instrumental in
shaping environmental policies and
directing resources toward habitat
protection.
By understanding which species are
thriving and which are struggling,
organizations can advocate for preserving
vital ecosystems and and mitigating
Threats to bird populations now let's talk
about some birds you can spot in
Northwest Florida.
Northwest Florida is a bird lovers
paradise, especially during the winter
months.
During the Christmas bird count, you might
spot native species like the red
shouldered hawk, the northern cardinal,
and the charismatic Carolina wren.
Migratory visitors such as the cedar
waxwing, American robin, and the yellow
rumped warbler add even more excitement to
your birding adventure.
Coastal areas may yield sightings of
shorebirds like the snowy plover and the
black skimmer.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or a
beginner, there's always something new to
discover.
Beyond these common sightings, Northos is
also known for its occasional rarities.
Keep your eyes peeled for species like
the painted bunting or the elusive red
cockaded woodpecker, which can sometimes
make an appearance during the season.
These unexpected finds add an extra thrill
to the bird count.
So now that we've talked about the
bird count, let's talk about how you
can participate.
Getting involved in the bird count is
easy and rewarding.
All you need to do is sign
up for a local count circle through
the Audubon website or your nearest
birding organization.
From there, you'll be assigned to a
group or given an area to survey.
One local circle you can join is
the Choctawhatchee Bay Circle.
This circle covers Fort Owen Beach,
Niceville, Destin, Shalimar, Cinco Bayou,
portions of the Eglin Air Force Base
Reservation, which you will need some
access to get onto the Okaloosa County
Landfill, the Harbini Pritchett County
Water Treatment Facility, Okaloosa island,
and other burning hotspots.
So be sure to contact Jim Anderton,
who will be compiling the data for
this circle.
You can reach out to him via
email or text.
His information is on the website, which
we'll have linked in our description for
you.
Here are some tips to help you
locate and identified birds during your
count.
So first thing, start early.
Many birds are most active in the
morning, so aim to begin your count
shortly after sunrise.
Bring the right gear.
Binoculars, a notebook and a bird field
guide or a bird identification app are
essential tools for a successful count.
Use your ears.
Bird calls and songs are often easier
to detect than movement, especially in
wooded areas.
Focus on key habitats.
Check areas like trees, bushes, water
sources, and open fields where birds are
likely to gather.
Look for movement.
Keep an eye out for sudden movements
or fluttering, which can indicate a bird's
presence and, of course, record your
details.
Take notes of a bird's size, shape,
color patterns and behaviors to help with
identification later.
For those new to birding, consider pairing
up with an experienced birder or joining
a guided group within your circle.
Many seasoned participants are happy to
share their knowledge and help you spot
and identify birds you might otherwise
miss.
The Bird Count is an excellent activity
to enjoy alone with friends or with
family.
It's a fantastic way to connect with
nature, learn more about your local
wildlife, and contribute to an important
scientific cause.
Plus, it's a wonderful excuse to get
outside and enjoy the crisp winter air
during the holiday season.
As we wrap up this episode, we
hope you'll consider joining the Audubon
Christmas Bird Count this year.
It's a meaningful way to celebrate the
holidays, connect with loved ones, and
support bird conservation efforts.
From all of us at the Amoco
Science center, we wish you a joyful
holiday season and a happy New Year
when be back with more exciting episodes
in 2025.
Until then, happy birding!
Thanks for listening to this week's
episode of Cultivate Curiosity.
If you have any questions, feel free
to email us at socialmedia@ecscience.org
Tune in for our next episode in
two weeks.