An inside look at the annual Hilton Head Audubon Christmas bird count

For the birds

Story by Bailey Gilliam

If you’re an avid birder or just someone who enjoys the outdoors, the Hilton Head Audubon Christmas Bird Count is an excellent way to check off last year’s resolution to get involved with local wildlife conservation efforts. Set for Monday, Dec.16, this annual event is part of a longstanding tradition that takes place across the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere. The Hilton Head count, however, stands out for its size, community involvement and the vital data it contributes to understanding bird populations.

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a citizen-science initiative that occurs each winter. Since its inception in 1900, it has become one of the most important tools for tracking bird populations and movements across the globe.

Short-billed Dowitcher — The conservation of the short-billed dowitcher, a migratory shorebird found across the United States, is vital due to habitat loss and environmental changes. These birds rely on coastal wetlands, estuaries and mudflats for feeding and breeding, many of which are under threat from development and climate change. ©Meryl Lorenzo

“These observations help scientists document bird population trends over time,” said local participant Alan Biggs. “Bird populations are influenced by many human activities, including development, deforestation and climate change. A good example of the latter is the 2021 report out of Clemson University using CBC data that showed populations of 16 common duck species that winter in the Southeastern U.S. have shifted northward over the past 50 years due to temperature changes attributed to climate warming. But there are many good reasons to participate in the CBC: you’re contributing to bird conservation, you’re getting fresh air, you’re exploring perhaps someplace you’ve never been before, you’re learning about birds from your group members, and you’ll be meeting new people who also like birds.”

Volunteers like Biggs help by counting birds in designated areas known as “count circles.” The Hilton Head count circle includes Hilton Head Island and nearby regions like Pinckney Island, Daufuskie Island and parts of Bluffton including Palmetto Bluff and Colleton River Club. The count operates from midnight to midnight, and volunteers spend the day recording every bird they can see or hear.

The barred owl, known for its haunting calls and striking appearance, plays a vital role in forest ecosystems. However, its habitats are increasingly threatened by deforestation, urbanization and climate change, which disrupt the old-growth forests and wetland environments it depends on. ©Robert Strickland

The 15-mile diameter count circle is divided into specific areas, each led by a team captain. Participants are assigned to these teams, which might be on golf courses, in neighborhoods or even on boats in coastal waters. Each team has a captain, birders of various levels and experience, photographers and record keepers. The teams identify and count birds in their area, sometimes for as long as four hours or more. In addition to the field teams, there are feeder watchers, or local residents who track the birds visiting their backyard feeders.

This is a great way for those who can’t make it out into the field to still contribute to the count. Feeder watchers record the highest number of each species they see at any given time during the day, and they do this in half-hour increments. A huge part of the event’s success comes from the support of the local community.

The wood duck, with its dazzling plumage and striking appearance, is one of North America’s most iconic waterfowl. However, habitat destruction, such as the loss of wetlands and wooded swamps, poses a significant threat to their survival. ©Alan Peterson

“We have a lot of local support,” said event organizer Susan Murphy. “Hilton Head Audubon sponsors our count, and over 300 birders participate, rain or shine. Local golf courses provide carts and access to their courses. Boaters are birding out on the waterways. Pinckney Island volunteers transport birders in vans. The Hilton provides top-floor access for a count over the ocean. The Outside Foundation provides one of the boats and several guides. It is a busy and rewarding day!”

The Hilton Head Christmas Bird Count is a wonderful way to spend a day in nature, meet fellow birders and contribute to an important cause. By participating, you’re not only helping to track the health of bird populations in the region but also contributing to a global effort to understand and protect bird species for future generations. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend a day in December, consider signing up and making a difference this holiday season.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) — Great Blue Heron

Calling all birders

Sign up for the 2024 Hilton Head Audubon Christmas Bird Count, happening on December 16. Register online at hiltonheadaudubon.org. Birders of all levels are welcome. Join as a recorder, spotter or photographer alongside a seasoned team. Prefer to stay cozy? Participate from home as a Feeder Watcher, and contribute to this important conservation effort right from your backyard.