The groundwork to determine how many birds are flying around Door County and the whole Western Hemisphere is being conducted in the area. The National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count started on December 14th and will continue until January 5th. Member Dan Scheiman, the visitor engagement specialist at The Ridges Sanctuary, and other volunteers participated earlier this month in Ephraim and came away with some exciting observations. Scheiman was pleased to find a few species that are not often recorded, like the white-winged scoter and the winter wren. The bird count showed that the bird ranges are changing as the climate changes; notably, the numbers of Canadian geese in the area are higher because they don’t need to migrate south. Scheiman explains the best way to start birdwatching.

Scheiman notes that because birds are so active, colorful, and can sing, it makes observing them very easy. Other community bird science programs include e-Bird and the Great Backyard Bird Count, held every February. 

(photo courtesy of National Audubon Society)