What started as a bird slaughter has grown into something far more pleasant: the National Audubon Society’s valuable Christmas Bird Count when volunteers fan out in groups to see what’s flying about.

Audubon needs to sign up volunteer bird spotters groups throughout Florida to gather data that helps biologists protect birds and the environment in which they live.

Audubon’s Sally Stein is organizing volunteers into teams in Southwest Florida.

“The Christmas Bird Count is a lot of fun to participate in,” said Sally Stein, organizer of the bird count in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary area. “If you're trying to learn what birds you have in your backyard or in the area, it's a great chance to get out and learn what they are with other people. You don't have to be an expert to participate.”

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