Counting and reporting the birds you see this winter helps scientists better understand bird movement and population health, leading to meaningful, on-the-ground conservation action to protect birds and the places they need. Join these upcoming community science bird counts: Winter Feeder Counts (Nov. 1 – April 30): Do you have a bird feeder or bird habitat visible from a window in your home or at your office? If so, you’re ready to participate in a winter feeder count! Learn how to take part in Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Michigan Feeder Count or Cornell’s International Project FeederWatch. You can join these counts any time before April 30.

Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (Dec. 14 – Jan. 5): Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count is over 120 years old, making it the longest-running community science project in the country. Visit Audubon’s interactive map to find a count near you.

Audubon Great Lakes, in partnership with Michigan Department of Natural Resources, developed the MI Birds program, which aims to increase all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and people.