Christmas Bird Counts conducted in Sheridan, Big Horn and Johnson Counties

The Bighorn Audubon Society has reported that the Christmas Bird Counts began this past weekend.

According to the National Audubon Society, conservation was in its beginning stages during the late 1800s, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a “Christmas Bird Census” that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them. Since that time, the Christmas Bird Count has become an annual tradition and service with thousands of volunteers braving freezing temperatures to count birds throughout the nation.  

Initial reports from the Bighorn Audubon Society account that despite the chilly temperatures causing birds to remain in warmer nests, participants had a fun day counting. According to a Facebook post, reports from Johnson, Big Horn and Sheridan Counties will soon be released. 

The Story and Big Horn Christmas Bird Count is scheduled to begin on Dec. 29.

The BAS reports that among other species observed this weekend in Johnson County, two Wood Ducks, a Snowy Owl, and a White-winged Scoter were identified.