The annual Christmas Bird Count will come to Death Valley (pictured) and Theodore Roosevelt national parks on Saturday/NPS

'Tis the season for counting birds in the national parks, and both Death Valley and Theodore Roosevelt national parks will be offering outings next Saturday to tally birds in their parks.

One of the longest running citizen science events in the world, the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count began in 1900. It provides reliable data that help demonstrate the importance of national parks to birds.

 This year the annual Christmas Bird Count for Death Valley National Park will take place on Saturday, December 16. Birders and non-birders alike can experience the diversity of habitats and species found in the Death Valley/Furnace Creek area. The public is invited to participate in this count and all skill levels are welcome. For beginners, this is a great opportunity to learn about birds in the area, get identification tips and meet others interested in birding in desert environments.

The bird count will begin at 7 a.m. at the Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Ranch) Golf Course parking lot. Participants should wear shoes, dress in layers, and bring a hat, sunscreen, water and food. Binoculars are recommended. Participants do not need to commit to the entire day, but must be there at 7 a.m. For more information, contact Josh Hoines 760-786-3253 or [email protected].

At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, volunteer birders wishing to participate should meet at the South Unit Visitor Center at 8 a.m. MST. Before going out into the field, participants will be assigned to teams that will survey areas by driving and walking to record bird sightings. Participants arriving later in the day should stop by the visitor center for guidance and maps.

“You don’t have to be an expert to take part in the Christmas Bird Count,” said Chief of Interpretation Eileen Andes. “Beginners can team up with more experienced birders to learn birding basics and everyone can try to add to their life lists. Birding is a great outdoor family activity that people of all ages can enjoy for a lifetime.”

The area covered by the count encompasses a 7½ mile radius around Medora, North Dakota; this will be the 40th year for the Medora Area Count. Over 65 different species have been sighted during these counts, including many that can only be found in the area during the winter.

Birders should bring binoculars and field guides and should dress appropriately for the weather. Hot drinks will be offered at the visitor center.

The data collected by CBC participants over the past century allow researchers, conservation biologists, and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. When combined with other bird surveys, it provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed over the past hundred years.

The long-term perspective made possible by the Christmas Bird Count is vital for conservationists. It helps guide strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. Each year, the CBC mobilizes more than 70,000 volunteers in more than 2,400 locations. When compiled, the results will be posted at http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count.

The Christmas Bird Count is also a fun day to be outdoors, learn about local and migratory bird species, and meet new people.