Inspired by artist John J. Audubon's attempt to reign in the unnecessary shooting of birds for fashion and fortune, people began counting rather than collecting birds. For more than 100 years bird watchers, environmentalists, nature enthusiasts and the curious have been conducting an annual bird census on a designated day.

Here on Staten Island, our Christmas Bird Count has grown to incorporate fourteen distinct territories with teams of participants roaming their territory to count each bird they identify. At the conclusion of the day we gather to report out and tally our totals.

If you are interested in participating and would like more information, call Cliff Hagen at (718) 313-8591.