A December tradition returns next week for bird enthusiasts.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting the Christmas Bird Count in the Jamaica Circle at Springbrook State Park. Birdwatchers of all skill levels are invited to join in this long-running citizen science project where the National Audubon Society tries to find as many bird species as they can within a 15-mile circle. This search is done on foot and by vehicle. Those wanting to take part in the count at 7 a.m. Friday December 14th will meet at the Springbrook State Park Office just inside the park entrance. Other birders can join later in the day as the group will have lunch and compare notes at PJ’s Drive-In in Panora at 11:30 a.m. The count will then continue through the afternoon and participants can return to the park office at 5 p.m. for compilation of bird numbers and chili.

This is the 119th year of the National Audubon Society’s survey to track the health of bird populations. Volunteers can expect to see a plethora of species from Eastern Bluebirds to Bald Eagles. To sign up for the free event contact Anne Riordan at anne.riordan@dnr.iowa.gov or 641-295-6028.