Current Nature: Nantucket’s Christmas Bird Count Turns 70!

This year, Nantucket’s beloved Christmas Bird Count (CBC) celebrates its 70th year, and you're invited to join the party. On December 29, 2024, help the Linda Loring Nature Foundation mark this milestone by contributing to one of the island’s longest-standing community science projects. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or love the outdoors, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a meaningful event.

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is part of a larger initiative organized by the National Audubon Society that has been ongoing for over a century. Each year, volunteers across the Americas come together to count and record bird species, providing a 24-hour snapshot of bird populations in each region or count circle. Originally known as the Christmas side hunt, the event began as a competition to shoot birds, but bird conservationists shifted the focus to counting them instead.

On Nantucket, the count day is like a treasure hunt for bird sightings. The island is divided into eight sections, each led by a team captain. From sunrise to sunset, participants tally every bird they see, contributing to a master list of species. The day concludes with a compilation meeting hosted at UMass Nantucket Field Station, where we share results, celebrate our sightings, and toast 70 years of success.

Every bird you count adds to a story that spans decades, helping scientists understand how species are faring and what we can do to protect them. Researchers can take all the CBC observations and look more in-depth at each species, such as our Long-tailed ducks and our Snowy Owls, by tracking their population trends. Let’s analyze these two species and examine what the data reveal from the past 70 years.

The Long-tailed Ducks, commonly known as "Old Squaw," were once a prominent sight during the Nantucket Christmas Count, filling the sky with their flights at dusk. In 2002, their numbers peaked at 525,505, but by 2023, they have declined to just 19,124. The reason for this decline remains unclear, though it may be related to climate change. Possible factors include changes in their food sources or the warming of their habitat, which could require them to shift northward. More studies are needed to understand these changes better.

Snowy Owls have not been observed in the last two CBCs; however, we did witness a significant irruption in 2013, during which 33 owls were counted on the island. This dramatic increase in their population led to the creation of Project SNOWstorm, a research initiative focused on tracking the movement of Snowy Owls. We are hopeful that we will see these owls in the upcoming CBC, with reports of Snowy Owls already being spotted on Cape Cod.

How You Can Join the Celebration

Whether you want to explore the island or watch birds from the comfort of your home, there’s a way for everyone to participate:

• Be Part of a Team: Bird alongside others in one of the island’s eight sections.
• Bird for a Few Hours: If a full day isn’t possible, you can help by being assigned to cover a specific property or area for a few hours and reporting your findings.
• Feeder watch from Home: Stay cozy indoors and record the birds visiting your feeder.

How to Get Involved

1. Register by December 20, 2024: Email nantucketbirdcount@gmail.com or call Libby Buck at the Linda Loring Nature Foundation at (508) 325-0873. Visit llnf.org/nantucketchristmascount for more information.
2. Prepare for the Big Day: Pack your birding essentials—binoculars, a notebook, a field guide, and weather-appropriate clothing. Rain, snow, or shine, the count goes on!
3. Join the Celebration: The compilation meeting will be held at the UMass Nantucket Field Station on December 29 at 7 p.m.

The 70th CBC is a celebration of community, nature, and the dedication of those who’ve made this event possible year after year. So, grab your binoculars and your party spirit, and let’s make this year’s count a birthday bash to remember!

Stay tuned for more editions of Current Nature, a bi-weekly column featuring seasonal topics, natural history information, and advice on the outdoors from the staff at the Linda Loring Nature Foundation.