The annual Poplar Bluff Christmas Bird Count will take place Monday, Dec. 20, and organizers are seeking volunteers to help with the event.
The count, according to complier Bruce Beck, has been conducted locally for more than 25 years.
Data from the Poplar Bluff count, as well as those across the country, is sent to the National Audubon Society and is used to help understand birds and their environment.
During the count, volunteers will canvas designated sections of a 15-mile diameter circle, encompassing 177 square miles and centered in Poplar Bluff, counting all the birds they see.
“In a 24-hour period, from midnight to midnight, volunteers will try to cover as much of the area as possible, counting the total number of birds by species,” Beck said.
While the count always has experienced birders take part, anyone interested in birds is invited to attend, Beck said.
“Volunteers can count birds on a set route by car or by foot, and also by counting feeder birds at home,” he said.
All volunteers are asked to contact Beck prior to the event, whether they will be traveling in the circle or counting from home.
He can be contacted at 573-776-5305 or by email at beckbugs42@gmail.com.
Those wishing to count away from their homes are asked to meet at 7:30 a.m. Monday morning at Poplar Bluff’s Hardee’s, 101 S. Westwood Blvd.
There, Beck will divide volunteers up into teams and each will be given a map of their count area, a bird checklist and detailed instructions.
Inexperienced birders will be paired with those having more experience, Beck said.
Volunteers are urged to wear proper clothing based on weather conditions and bring along binoculars and/or a spotting scope.