Out On A Limb, photo by Beth Crawford 65.

The Great Lakes Echo tipped us off to the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. :

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations – and to help guide conservation action.

From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition — and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation.

In years past, the Christmas Bird Count has helped the Society document species health and develop plans. Click to learn how to get involved!

See Beth’s photo of a pine siskin, a common finch, bigger and in her beautiful winter slideshow.

Many more Michigan birds on Michigan in Pictures.