Volunteers gathering at Bradford Woods Reserve for Audubon's annual bird count

For the seventh consecutive year, the Bradford Woods Conservancy is seeking nature lovers interested in participating in the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count on Jan. 2.

A small team of conservancy members and volunteers is scheduled to be in the Bradford Woods Reserve at 10 a.m. “looking, listening and recording what we find,” said Ward Allebach, president of the conservancy, which has organized a bird count in the borough for the past six years.

No birding experience is necessary to participate in the count, which will be led by conservancy member Ray Morris, a certified master naturalist.

“In Bradford Woods, this effort will help us to document our long-term patterns in bird populations, which is directly related to the health of our woods,” Allebach said, adding that the count also is used to track invasive bird species.

“It’s also a great excuse to get outside for a couple of hours, get a little closer to nature, and give back to the community by participating in the nation’s longest-running citizen science event.”

This is the 121st year the Audubon Society has conducted its Christmas Bird Count.

If enough people volunteer for the count, the group will split up and look for birds along Lake Loop Trail.

Covid-19 safety protocols will be in effect during the count. The size of the groups will be limited to five people who must remain 6 feet apart and wear masks at all times.

People who can’t make it to the count but want to participate are invited to count the birds at their home feeders and record the varieties and number that visit.

To participate, contact Allebach at: allebach@consolidated.net.