Birdwatchers from Decatur and Seminole Lake area are invited to participate in the annual Audubon Society official Christmas Bird Count, which will be held this year on Thursday, December 28.

This will be the 118th anniversary of the count.

According to information provided by the Audubon Society, the first Christmas Day bird count was held in 1900. It was inspired by ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, who proposed making an effort to count birds rather than hunt them. Conservationists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations.

Data collected allows Audubon researchers and others to study the health and status of bird populations across North America. 

It also helps identify environmental issues that could impact people.

In 2007 the Audubon Society data was used to report a decline had occurred over the past 40 years in the number of favorite American species of birds.

To participate, watchers and counters must conduct their count within a 15-mile designated circle in Decatur County.

You don’t have to be a professional, as birders of all skill levels and ages are welcome.

For more information on where and how to join the count, contact Oscar Dewberry at 246-1890.