Pre-register to determine the areas to bird for the count.

Whether you are a first-time birdwatcher or an experienced pro, your help is needed during the 121st annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This will be the 110th anniversary of the Indianapolis CBC, which was first held in December 1910.

Nationwide, more than 2,000 CBCs are conducted during the holiday season. National Audubon Society and other organizations use the data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation actions. General information about the National Audubon Society and the Annual Christmas Bird Count can be found at www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count.

The Indianapolis CBC, sponsored by ABAS, takes place within a 15-mile-diameter circle covering the northeast side of Indianapolis, with the center point being in Fort Harrison State Park.

If you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. Participants need to drive separately to locations, where masks and or maintain a social distance while birding. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of the count circle, you can stay home and report the birds that visit your bird feeders.

The most exciting news is that CBC is a free program. To participate, please register prior to December 16 so that birding teams and count plans can be made in advance of the count. Register to participate by calling John Schaust at (317) 208-4021 or emailing schaust@gmail.com.

This year there will be no meeting to go over totals. When you register with John Schaust, he will let you know how to submit your observations and totals.