The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society will host the annual Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 20 and are seeking volunteers to take part.

The event is a part of the National Audubon Society’s 126th Christmas Bird Count, which will take place between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5.

Volunteers do not need to be an expert birder in order to participate. Individuals are needed who can help drive, spot birds, record data and tally numbers.

The home base for the event will be SCCF’s headquarters, at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. Participants can pick up data sheets and refreshments — coffee, juice and donuts — when it is convenient for them, as early as 6:30 a.m. Teams will reconvene throughout the day to tally data.

To volunteer or for more information, visit https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-community-science/event/865416/.

BIRD FEEDER WATCH OPTION

Those who live within the circle boundaries but cannot get out into the field can still contribute as a Bird Feeder Watcher. They will spend at least 30 minutes watching their feeder(s) at home on the count day and submit their sightings. The SCCF noted that Bird Feeder Watchers are essential for capturing data on common backyard species. Plus, it is a great option for families or those new to birding. For questions, contact SanCapCBC@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

The National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count takes place annually, with counts held across North America, Central America and parts of South America. The first count was held in 1900, when some birders opted to count birds instead of shoot them, as was the previous Christmas tradition. The Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count — always held on the first Saturday of the count window — dates back to 1961, though some informal counts were held prior.

For more information about counts take place outside of Sanibel and Captiva, visit https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count/join-christmas-bird-count.

To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email