A birder consults the “Birding Identification Guide.” Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

News Release

WARSAW – You can join a historic tradition and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts by participating in the longest-running citizen science birding census, the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. The annual event, now in its 126th year, provides valuable data on bird populations and environmental health across North America.

Local Count Details

The Tippecanoe Audubon Society is organizing a local Christmas Bird Count that will take place Saturday, Dec. 27. The count area encompasses a 7.5-mile radius circle in Kosciusko County, centered on Oswego, located north of Warsaw near Lake Tippecanoe. Volunteer teams will be assigned specific sections within this area, conducting observations by foot, vehicle or from the comfort of their homes. While the official count runs from dawn to dusk, volunteers are encouraged to participate for any portion of the day that suits their schedule, as every contribution enhances the overall data collection.

Participation And Preparation

The event welcomes bird enthusiasts of all experience levels, including beginners. New participants will be paired with experienced team leaders who can assist with bird identification. Resources such as mobile apps, field guides and sighting scopes will be available. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own binoculars; however, if needed, equipment can be borrowed through prior arrangement.

Historical Significance And Past Results

This year marks the 51st year of the Tippecanoe Audubon Society’s participation in the Christmas Bird Count. Last year, volunteers collectively identified 70 bird species and counted 7,389 individual birds. Notable species included the bald eagle, sandhill crane, trumpeter swan, belted kingfisher and American kestrel. While the number of species approached a record high, the total number of individual birds was somewhat lower than in previous years. Factors such as habitat loss and environmental changes continue to influence bird populations during winter months.

How To Participate

Participation in the count is free and open to anyone interested in birding and conservation. To ensure proper coordination, interested individuals should contact the event organizer, Dave Hicks, in advance at (260) 982-2471 or via email at [email protected]. Early registration helps facilitate team assignments and equipment arrangements.

Additional Resources

To learn more about upcoming birding events, educational programs and conservation initiatives in north-central Indiana, visit the Tippecanoe Audubon Society’s website at www.tippeaudubon.org. Your participation not only supports scientific research but also fosters community engagement and environmental awareness.