Countdown to the bird count

This month’s webinar installment of the popular Wild Neighbors Speaker Series gets festive with Tyler Miloy’s “The History of the Christmas Bird Count.” Miloy, a naturalist and longtime birder, has compiled the results of Austin’s Christmas Bird Count over the past six years. He’ll relate some of the fascinating history behind the annual count (e.g., it started as a bird hunt, not a count) along with several little-known facts about the event. Register here for the webinar on Friday, Dec. 16, noon-1 p.m. Speaking of bird counts, Austin’s actual, in-person Christmas Bird Count, conducted by Travis Audubon Society, is coming up and everyone is invited to participate. You don’t have to be a birder or have any experience. This year’s count will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17. Find registration info for the bird count here.