Since 1900, the National Audubon Society has conducted a bird census called the Christmas Bird Count with much of the leg work done by volunteers. All levels of birders, including backyard watchers, can help with the citizen science effort. The data collected has been used for studying bird population trends, migration patterns, and conservation policy.

Locally, there will be four opportunities to participate in the count. Interested persons are assigned to a team with leaders who are acquainted with their areas. Backyard birders are asked to register with the contact person before the count to determine if their home is within the count circle.

The Count for Kids will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, in collaboration with Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation at Lancaster County Central Park, 1 Nature's Way, Lancaster. It is designed to teach children about birding and volunteering as a citizen scientist. All children are required to register by calling 717-295-2055 and must be accompanied by an adult. For details, contact John Lahr at 717-284-3497 or johnlahr324@gmail.com.

In addition to the Count for Kids, counts will take place on Sunday, Dec. 19, in southern Lancaster County; on Sunday, Dec. 26, in Lititz; and on Sunday, Jan. 2, in Lancaster. For details about the counts, contact Bob Schutsky at 717-548-3303 or info@birdtreks.com for southern Lancaster County, Ted Nichols at 717-856-3851 or tanicholsii@gmail.com for Lititz, and Roger Stone at 717-393-9030 for Lancaster.

To learn more about the Lancaster County Bird Club, visit http://www.lancasterbirdclub.org or http://www.facebook.com/lancasterbirdclub.