The 113th Christmas Bird Count begins in the Americas on Friday & runs through 5 January 2013. This is important business & it burns holiday calories, too. (This is an important motivator for GG's editor:). Read here & if you won't be able to commit to this or don't live in North America, the Great Backyard Bird Count is in February. ciao-cheep-meow/xoxo
"From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers
throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a
family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and
scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on
an annual mission - often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the
desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature
has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during
the Holiday season." ~ Audubon Society
(photograph by Michael Taylor)