Submitted Photo Chris Stroup,a biological science technician at the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, counts birds at the refuge.

FOXHOLM – The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Foxholm, in collaboration with the National Audubon Society, invites birdwatchers to participate in the longest-running community science survey, the annual Christmas Bird Count, on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 8 a.m.

Chris Stroup, a biological science technician at the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, said the goal of the count is to track population trends with birds in North Dakota to support habitat improvement and management strategies.

The long-term perspective is to protect birds, their habitat, and identify environmental issues for people as well.

Last year more than 1,250 individual birds and 34 species were counted.

“We love it when people come back and say they saw 36 snow buntings or something because having a number alone is not too helpful in terms of population trends and tracking, identifying is what is helpful,” said Stroup.

Stroup said they see everything from owls to songbirds, waterfowl, hawks and eagles.

“We have a very broad selection of birds up here in North Dakota. Sometimes we get surprised because we see some birds that you would have thought migrated out of here long ago but they are still hanging around. And others we have never seen around here at all,” he said.

The refuge then sends the records and data of the bird count to the National Audubon Society where it keeps a massive database.

Stroup said North America, Canada and the United States are the biggest focus of these bird populations.

“We have designated areas we are trying to keep the focus on to help keep the study consistent,” said Stroup.

During the count, bird counters will be doing a 15-mile circle around the headquarters of the refuge office. Within that are designated routes for anyone looking to participate.

“We go out either by foot or by car and we challenge them to count and identify every single bird they can possibly find,” said Stroup.

Birders of all ages are welcome to participate and will be paired based on experience levels.

“If somebody is interested in birding and doesn’t have the foggiest idea how to identify birds but would like to learn, we will pair them with someone to give them some pointers and tips,” said Stroup.

Lunch will be around noon and the data will be collected. Counters are welcome to leave after lunch but the count will continue throughout the rest of the day for a 24-hour period.

“If you have an interest in birding and want to get an idea of what kind of species are out here in North Dakota, you are welcome to show up,” said Stroup.

Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate. To sign up, contact Chris Stroup at 468-5467 or christopher_stroup@fws.gov.

Minot bird count

Those interested in taking part in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count in Minot on Sunday, Dec. 17, are asked to meet at McDonald’s at 711 S. Broadway at 8 a.m. before spreading out to cover a seven-mile radius from the center of Minot. Participants should contact organizer Joe Super ahead of time by calling 701-818-0577 or email at jsuper@mymps.us.

About the bird count

The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge Bird Count uses volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale scientists could never accomplish alone. Data compiled at the refuge will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, continuing a tradition stretching back to 1900.

There are a number of bird counts throughout the year, but Christmastime is the historically traditional period in which the event takes place at the refuge. During this time, the refuge will be observing what kind of local bird populations are in North Dakota after migrations and what kind of birds are staying around locally during winter.

– Source: Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge