Local birdwatchers head outside for annual Christmas count

By Sara Wiercinski

Kansas City area naturalists, birders and lovers of the outdoors participated in the Christmas Bird Count on December 27 and 28 at three different metro sites.

Teams of around 20 people counted birds in Harrisonville and Unity Village in Lee’s Summit. Another team worked in Trimble, Missouri (north of Smithville).

This is Sara Scheil’s 19th year counting birds.

“We saw a huge amount of robins flying from tree to shrub looking for berries,” said Scheil. “Some bald eagles, which is impressive. Quite a few blackbirds too (Redwinged blackbirds, grackels)–they congregate in the winter and form murmurations in the sky. It’s a miraculous thing to watch.”

The Christmas Bird Count is in its 126th year. The first event was in 1900 when ornithologist Frank M. Chapman organized a Christmas bird census to replace the traditional hunt. At the time, women’s hat fashion used exotic plumage which threatened certain bird species.

Today, birds face declining habitat and food sources due to human development. Scheil says bird counts decrease year after year. “A lot of our native birds need open grass- and scrub-land, exactly what is being replaced with suburban houses and retail stores.”

The Audubon Society arranges the citizen science event each year. Last year, 2,693 groups counted more than 44 million birds, both in the field and at bird feeders.

“This isn’t just about the data, though the science is incredibly important,” said Cooper Farr, Community Science Manager for the National Audubon Society. “It’s about community, connection to nature, and the simple joy of watching birds.”

Counts are always open to beginners. “A count is a wonderful way to learn quickly,” said Scheil. “Sit beside someone who knows a lot and ask questions. Usually birders are patient people and will be flattered to be asked for guidance.”

The next birding citizen science movement is the Great Great Backyard Bird Count from February 13-16, 2026. Stay tuned for local events.

Learn more at www.audubon.org/community-science