Developed from a tradition of going on a Christmas hunt. Concerned by potential declines in bird populations, in 1900 ornithologist Frank Chapman proposed new tradition of counting birds instead. The annual count provides a rich source of data on how bird populations are doing. Even if there isn't an Audubon society near you with an official count, anyone can do their own christmas bird count using platforms like eBird, iNaturalist, or iSpot (in the UK).
Guided walks in the local area are suitable for everyone, welcoming to beginners
Planned routes, focus on birds but content can be more varied depending on walk leader and participant interest
Organized trips to farther locations looking for rarer birds or to see seasonal behaviour better suited to more experienced birdwatchers
Reducing conflict between participants
Conflict is generally avoided by being clear about walk content and offering a range of different types to trip so potential participants can self select what they will be most comfortable with.
Bird hide infrastructure is much less common in the Tahoma/Washington state area. This has the effect of making birdwatching more mobile. Hides can act as points in the landscape where people congregate, potentially producing conflict between people with different ways of interacting with the environment.
Feeding birds
Consider the potential impacts of putting out bird feeders.
Depending on your local environment, feeders probably play a small part in birds' diet
Feeders can act as points of significant congregation, increasing chances of pathogens spreading and may attract predators
Feeders and spilled food can attract potential pests like rats and mice
Using the rural landscape to produce food for urban bird populations is likely to have impact on rural bird populations, but this is not well studied
The enjoyment and connection with nature provided by watching birds is valuable
Consider alternative ways of increasing foraging opportunities for birds
Plant trees and shrubs which are evergreen or hold berries through winter to provide natural foraging opportunities.
Leave dried seed heads intact
Leave fallen leaves where they are, providing shelter for soil invertebrates which birds can forage for through winter
Related reading
Review of potential impacts of supplementary bird feeding on bird populations. It is likely that this action is having an impact on natural selection as it affects almost every aspect of bird ecology. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment via JSTOR
UK garden bird feeders are associated with increases in the populations of species which use feeders. Nature communications
Impacts of feeders on bird populations may have an impact far beyond urban environments. Increased food consumption by blue tits is associated with population increases, while other species may be being outcompeted. Proceedings of the Royal Society
Supplemental food is associated with overall improved health in wild birds visiting feeders. There is some increase in infectious diseases, but it is likely that this can be mitigated by regular cleaning of feeders. Conservation Physiology
Bird feeders and their impact on overwintering blackcaps in the UK and breeding success in Central Europe. British Trust for Ornithology factsheet
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