Citizen scientists looking for birds at the Furnace Creek Ranch during the 2016 Christmas Bird Count/ NPS.

Death Valley National Park invites the public to a fun day outdoors counting birds this Friday, December 21. All skill levels are welcome for this opportunity to meet new people and learn about birds while contributing to a citizen-science effort continuing for over a hundred years.

Citizen scientists will fan out across America to count birds throughout the holiday season. One of the longest running citizen science events in the world, the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count (CBC) began in 1900. It provides reliable data that help demonstrate the importance of natural lands to birds.

The data collected by CBC participants over the past century documents 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. Results from past counts can be viewed at http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count.

The Death Valley National Park Christmas Bird Count will begin at 7 a.m. at Furnace Creek Golf Course parking lot in the Oasis at Death Valley. No experience is necessary! This is a great opportunity to learn about birds in the area, get identification tips, and meet others interested in birding. Participants should dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Participants should 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 Carol Fields at 760-786-3252 or e-mail the park.