It is the 113th Christmas Bird Count!

Grab your warm jackets and binoculars and help dedicated volunteers record a snapshot of winter bird distribution in North America.

The first survey, conducted on Christmas Day in 1900, was organized by Frank Chapman of the fledgling Audubon Society. Audubon chapters across the continent have continued this tradition yearly.

This one-day early winter survey provides data that scientists use to identify areas and habitats that are important to birds in the winter. Audubon scientists also used data from Christmas Bird Counts to identify 177 birds, including the American Robin, who are wintering farther north in response to warming temperatures.

This year the Christmas Bird Count will be conducted between December 14 and January 5.

For information on how to participate or just to see some fun facts about the Christmas Bird Count in Montana see the Montana Audubon website.