The Lancaster County Bird Club will sponsor the Lancaster County Christmas Bird Counts. Citizen scientists may participate in Solanco on Sunday, Dec. 15; in Lancaster on Sunday, Dec. 22; in the Christmas Bird Count for Kids at the Lancaster County Central Park on Dec 22; or in Lititz on Sunday, Dec. 29.

Since 1900, the National Audubon Society has conducted a bird census called the Christmas Bird Count, with much of the legwork done by volunteers. Birders of all skill levels may participate, including backyard bird watchers. The data collected has been used for studying bird population trends, migration patterns, and conservation policy.

The Christmas Birds Count for Kids will be held in collaboration with the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation. It is designed to teach children about birding and volunteering as a citizen scientist. All children are required to register with the Parks Department by calling 717-295-2055, and all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Adults without kids are also welcome. Additional questions about the Christmas Bird Count for Kids may be directed to John Lahr at 717-205-3030 or johnlahr324@gmail.com.

For all the Counts, backyard birders are asked to register with the contact person before the event to determine if their home is within the Count circle. Interested persons will be assigned to a team with leaders who are acquainted with their areas.

For details on the Solanco event, contact Derek Stoner at 484-723-3348 or derekstoner@hotmail.com. For the Lancaster event, the contact is Roger Stoner at 717-393-9030. Information about the Lititz event is available by contacting Ted Nichols at 717-856-3851 or tanicholsii@gmail.com.

To learn more about the Lancaster County Bird Club, visit http://www.lancasterbirdclub.org, http://www.facebook.com/lancasterbirdclub, or www.instagram.com/lancasterbirdclub.