For one day every December, as landscapes grow barren and the last remaining leaves cling to their branches, something remarkable happens across Hamilton County. Before most people have enjoyed their first cup of coffee, teams of bundled-up birders (some seasoned experts, some wide-eyed beginners) are already navigating off-trail, scanning treetops and listening for faint calls in the crisp morning air.
On Dec. 6, Great Parks will host its 53rd annual Winter Bird Count, a community science tradition that has become, presumably, one of the longest-running projects of its kind in the country. “It’s been going continuously since 1972,” says Alex Golden, a nature interpreter with Great Parks and the lead organizer of this year’s count. “A science project lasting for more than five decades is extraordinary.”
For comparison, the longest-running organized bird count in the United States, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, celebrated its 125th year in 2024. The next oldest community count Alex could find began in 1966. “So, ours is right there with those,” she says. “It’s pretty special.”
Unlike many long-running monitoring projects run primarily by scientists and researchers, community science projects thrive because anyone can take part. “That’s what makes the Winter Bird Count unique,” Alex explains. “Volunteers and interested birders from the public are essential. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Each year, the count spans every Great Parks destination – parks, conservation areas, forests, wetlands, prairies and everything in between. Volunteers are divided into teams, with at least one moderately to highly experienced birder leading each. The official timeframe for the count is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but some early risers start much earlier. “There are always a few groups that head out around 4:30 in the morning because they want owls on their list,” Alex says. “They usually spot them, too. Birders are just a different breed.”
Community science plays a crucial role in Great Parks’ conservation efforts. “It helps measure biodiversity across our parks and gives us a baseline to spot changes in the future,” Alex explains. “Our natural resources team uses the data for land management – understanding which areas are hot spots, tracking migration patterns and monitoring threatened species or invasives. Because we have such an extensive record, we can support true long-term, longitudinal research.”
This year’s recruitment for off-trail volunteers wrapped up in August, but there are still many ways for additional members of the public to take part. Throughout the day, Great Parks nature interpreters will lead public bird walks across the county. Pre-registration on GreatParks.org helps staff prepare, but walk-ups are welcome for anyone who wakes up that morning with a sudden urge to go birding.
“Public hikes are a great place to start if you’re a beginner,” Alex says. “There’s no pressure to know everything. In fact, you won’t. None of us knows everything. Even long-time birders get stumped by uncommon species.”
Alex also encourages new birders to try one of Great Parks’ Birding 101 programs offered throughout the year, or simply join a public hike and absorb what they can. “On any nature walk, take a few quiet moments to listen,” she says. “If you’re out and about around 8 a.m., the ‘dawn chorus’ will let you know exactly who’s around.”
The Winter Bird Count concludes with an end-of-day celebration at Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve in Colerain Township. For the first time in its history, this year’s count will be logged digitally using eBird, with decades of historical data included. During the celebration, a live projection will display incoming sightings in real time. Educational stations will cover community science and birding basics, with one of Great Parks’ avian animal ambassadors, Curly the black vulture, making an appearance.
Alex will also offer a sign-up form for any attendees interested in becoming a recurring volunteer next year. “This is a huge, park-wide effort,” she says. “Staff organize it, but volunteers make it possible. We simply couldn’t cover this much ground in one day without them.”
In a season when things feel quieter than usual, Great Parks’ Winter Bird Count is a reminder that Hamilton County’s greenspaces are still full of life. With a bit of curiosity (and maybe a warm pair of gloves), all are welcome to take part in this long-standing community tradition.
Insights for this column were provided by Alex Golden, Nature Interpreter with Great Parks and lead organizer of the 2025 Winter Bird Count. Look for Flying Wild monthly on CityBeat’s website.