Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges will be hosting their 10th Annual Christmas Bird Count on Thursday, December 19th. This public event is administered by the National Audubon Society and is the longest running citizen science bird project in the U.S. This year marks the 125th year of the Christmas Bird Count.

People interested in participating do not need to be experienced birders. This event can serve as a learning experience for new birders and those individuals will be paired up with Refuge staff or experienced volunteers.

Participants should meet at the Rydell NWR Visitor Center at 8:00am for coffee and a brief meeting. Bring binoculars and a bird book if you have them. If not, we’ll have some on hand for your use. Counting will take place within a 15-mile diameter circle that stretches from Erskine west to the center of Glacial Ridge NWR.

Participants can count from a vehicle or on foot, depending on their preference and the weather conditions that day. Refuge staff will host a potluck lunch back at the Visitor Center at noon. After a hearty lunch, folks can “call it a day”, or can go back out and continue to search for birds.

Please RSVP no later than December 16th to Wildlife Biologist, Ben Walker at 218-230-5563 or benjamin_walker@fws.gov. Ben can also help if you have questions about the count or need more information.