Volunteer birders in Galveston joined thousands across the hemisphere in the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, documenting more than 180 species locally and contributing to a long-running dataset used to track bird population trends.
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Equipped with binoculars and notebooks, bird enthusiasts in Galveston dedicated a December day to quietly navigating marshes and wooded areas, recording their bird sightings for the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count. This nationwide citizen science initiative aims to monitor bird species and assess long-term population trends.
At the eastern tip of Galveston Island, the task demanded both patience and keen hearing. Judy Rowen, accompanied by four fellow birders, made their way cautiously through the underbrush and alongside waterways, attuned to the calls around them and vigilant for any signs of movement in the tree lines. Although Rowen did not encounter the group, they had successfully identified over 60 species during their count, including the wood duck that she was eager to see that afternoon.
The tallies contributed to the annual Christmas Bird Count, taking place from December 14 to January 5 each year. Across the United States, Canada, and various regions of the Western Hemisphere, volunteers participate in a systematic count organized into circles with a diameter of 15 miles. Each volunteer dedicates an entire day to surveying birds within a designated circle. The information is subsequently gathered to present an overview of winter bird populations and to examine long-term trends.
“Citizen science has become increasingly significant, particularly recently,” stated Sarah Belles, an avian ecologist for the American Bird Conservancy based in the Gulf Coast. “The current shortage of scientists means we lack the manpower to ensure comprehensive outreach, and this presents an opportunity for communities to play a crucial role in addressing these gaps.”
Several teams took part in the Galveston circle. At the conclusion of the 24-hour counting period, the combined efforts of all groups yielded a total of 183 distinct species, as reported by Lalise Mason, executive director of Scenic Galveston.
“One hundred eighty-three is a significant figure for the Galveston Christmas Bird Count,” Mason remarked, highlighting that this total surpasses those of previous years.
The tally featured several unusual winter observations, such as a painted bunting, a species typically found along the Gulf Coast during the summer months. Upon the sighting of rare birds, Rowen’s group took a moment to verify their identification, drawing on their expertise, the distinct calls of the birds, and resources like the Merlin Bird ID app.
“It captivates your mind significantly as you must observe numerous details of a bird,” remarked Lisa Hardcastle, another participant.
For Rowen, the experience offered conclusions that went beyond mere data collection. “It’s the most intentional practice I engage in,” she remarked.
On January 5, birders will gather once again to finalize their counts for the west end of Galveston, contributing another valuable set of observations to the international database.
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