Join the Christmas Bird Count and contribute to conservation research

There are plenty of opportunities for birdwatchers to contribute to conservation science this December and January, says Layal Liverpool

By Layal Liverpool

THREE French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree – the lyrics to a festive song, or perhaps an unlikely series of birding observations? You can find out this December and January by heading outside to birdwatch in the name of science.

If you live in North, Central or South America, you could participate in the US National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, which runs from 14 December until 5 January. During this period, volunteers can join bird-counting groups and help to perform censuses of birds in pre-defined, 24-kilometre-diameter circles. You can use the map …