Cedar City, Utah— Binoculars will be out in full force for the annual Christmas Bird Count, a tradition that helps scientists better understand the bird population while providing holiday fun for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers for the past century.
Spots in southern Utah include Cedar City, Bryce Canyon, Kanab and other spots between December 14 and January 5, 2012. This year the society has dropped the $5 fee to participate, so watchers can participate for free. Counters join circles in their area to watch for unique feathered friends and record the findings.
The bird count is a national event sponsored by the Audubon Society that gathers thousands of citizen scientists to contribute to the longest wildlife census related to bird health and population. Past reports have helped to curb hunting of certain species encouragement of preservation of wildlife in areas across the United States.
Anyone interested can find a watch circle through the National Audubon Society. Watchers are instructed to sign up in order for their counts to be recorded within the correct area of the circle.
Cedar City’s abundant cliffs, rock outcroppings, lakes and reservoirs provide diverse habitats for numerous birding prospects in south west Utah. Southern Utah is home to bald eagles, California condors and other rare and majestic birds. The city is also the base for the Southwest Wildlife Foundation, which cares for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife including baby owls, grebes and other birds that are in need of help.
