Each year, birders across the country and beyond get together to celebrate a tradition that is over 100 years old.  The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was started as an alternative to a day of hunting in which as people competed to see who could kill the most game animals, including birds.  Instead, 27 birders across the country went out and identified and counted birds.  The idea spread, and now there are Christmas Bird Counts across the hemisphere, and tens of thousands of birders participate.  The season begins December 14 and runs through January 5 each year.  One day within that period is designated as "count day" within each CBC circle.  Any bird seen the day of the count, between 12:01 am to midnight can be counted within that circle.  Usually participants are assigned an area so that different people aren't counting the same birds.  Anyone can participate in a count.  Usually beginning birders are teamed up with someone more experienced.  If you happen to live within a count circle you can also count birds at your feeder that day.  There are several counts in Central Iowa.  Check the IOU web site <http://www.iowabirds.org/birds/CBC.asp> for locations, dates, and who to contact about participating.  It can sometimes be a challenge, but it is always fun!