Residents invited to join the Christmas Bird Count
Eagle Mountain is gearing up for its annual participation in the Christmas Bird Count.
This nationwide community science program, now in its 124th year, invites volunteers of all skill levels to come together and count birds as part of a coordinated effort across the Western Hemisphere.
“This is our 3rd year officially participating in this program as the Cedar Valley Christmas Bird Count area,” says Eagle Mountain Wildlife Biologist Todd Black. “Cedar Valley’s circle (a 15 mile radius area) includes a big portion of Eagle Mountain City.”
First initiated in 1900 by conservationist Frank Chapman and 26 fellow advocates, the Christmas Bird Count replaced the tradition of hunting birds on Christmas Day with an early-winter bird census.
Today, the CBC is a cornerstone program of the National Audubon Society and extends to over 20 countries, providing valuable data for the study and conservation of bird populations.
In Eagle Mountain, Black will organize participants within a designated 15-mile circle.
Volunteers will follow specific routes to tally every bird they see or hear during the chosen day, contributing to a comprehensive snapshot of bird populations in the area. Residents whose homes fall within the count circle can also participate by reporting birds visiting their feeders, provided they make arrangements with Black in advance.
The event is free to join and open to everyone, including beginner birders. To help newcomers identify species, two recommended apps—Merlin Bird ID and iBird Pro Guide to Birds—offer tools like song recognition and search functions to enhance the experience. New participants will also have the opportunity to pair with experienced birders to learn the ropes.
“It’s a great program and a fun way to get out and enjoy birds and nature,” says Black.
Eagle Mountain’s participation in the CBC highlights the city’s commitment to conservation. The data collected helps track long-term trends in bird populations, providing critical insights into how urban development and environmental changes impact local wildlife.
This information supports conservation policies and strategies to protect the city’s feathered residents, ensuring they remain an integral part of the area’s natural landscape.
This year’s Christmas Bird Count will take place Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. To participate, residents should contact Black directly to arrange their involvement.