A Census For Bird Lovers Flies Through Oklahoma

Dan Bewley, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma – A census for bird lovers flew through Oklahoma over the weekend. The Christmas bird count was held across the state and bird lovers say it's important to track feathered friends.

Before the sun even came up, members of the Tulsa Audubon Society were fanned out with pencils and paper at the ready.

"We came out to listen to owls. We probably won't see any but we'll probably hear a Bard or Screech," said Jo Lloyd with the Tulsa Audubon Society.

Loyd and friends are one of 11 groups in the Tulsa taking part in the Christmas bird count. They're looking and listening and tracking each one.

"Sometimes bird's range changes, sometimes the population declines," said Loyd.

A few miles away and Tulsan Audubon Society member Jeff Cox also had his eye to the sky tracking different species of birds.

"Robin, Robin...two Robins up there in the tree," said Cox during the count. "Couple of Chickadees, couple of Yellow Shafted Flickers."

The Tulsa Audubon Society is doing their best to track the populations. More than a thousand counts like this will take place in December to mid-January all across the country.

"Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the little pocket of activity because they're out here somewhere," said Cox.

Scientists will use the information to track trends and study the environment. Cox said it's good for everyone to have a large and varied bird population.

"If the bird populations are healthy that's an indication that the environment, in general, is good," said Cox.

For these bird lovers, tracking the birds is more than just helping a scientist do his job, it's also about having fun.

"It just helps enrich our lives the way music appeals to some people, many people like sports. It just adds richness, texture, and color to our lives," said Cox.