\u201cLast year we had 138 species, which was really, really good, but weather conditions were ideal,\u201d Rylander said. \u201cSo with the wind and the cold front coming through, I’m sure a lot of the birds are gonna hunker down.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Christmas Bird Count is a yearly census of the bird population in a given area. It runs from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5.<\/p>\n
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Rebekah Rylander, science coordinator for the Rio Grande Joint Venture, talks to the group she is leading during the annual Christmas Bird Count.<\/p>\n
During the count, groups of bird enthusiasts are organized to cover regions within a \u201ccircle\u201d \u2014 an area 15 miles in diameter \u2014 logging all of the bird species they spot. The circles then pool their collective data to give a snapshot of the bird population in a region.<\/p>\n
The count, which occurs nationwide and is open to all, is also the world’s longest-running citizen science project at 126 years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo not only is it a good snapshot for the birds and how the birds are doing in a designated area, it’s also a really amazing way for community to come together and to kind of celebrate the birds in the area,\u201d Rylander said.<\/p>\n
Cindy Hobson was among those braving the elements that morning to take part in San Marcos’ 10th annual count.<\/p>\n
Though she is a certified master naturalist who participated in the inaugural San Marcos Christmas Bird Count, Hobson said she has never been too strong of a birder. However, the welcoming environment to all skill levels made the event a great experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cI used to feel kind of self-conscious to come out on the Audubon count because there’s so many strong birders and professionals that know birds,\u201d Hobson said. \u201dBut then I realized pretty soon that there’s no hierarchy and you’re welcome to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
An Eastern meadowlark perches on a branch.<\/p>\n
A snapshot of human impacts<\/p>\n