Bird watching is much more than just a fun pastime. The National Audubon Society and numerous scientific organizations depend on information provided by birders, especially now, during the annual Christmas Bird Count. Tens of thousands of people participate in this event, reporting their bird tallies throughout the United States and southern Canada.

This information is crucial because birds are good indicators of the overall environment because they react quickly to environmental change. Data from the CBC have been instrumental in shaping overall conservation efforts, regionally and nationally.

Your participation is needed and requested Saturday, when the Natchez Christmas Bird Count takes place.

Even if you are a birding beginner, you can help tally the species and estimated numbers of birds within the greater Natchez-Vidalia region. This includes a 15-mile radius, ranging from the south end of Lake St. John, Hole in the Wall Plantation and Thornburg Lake south to the site of the former International Paper Company and Trinity baseball field. The circle runs from Selma and the Natchez Airport in the east across the river to Whitehall Lake and Grassy Lake in the west.

Lots of volunteers are needed. If you have a bird feeder in your backyard, you can watch and report the birds using it Saturday. If you’re adventurous, join us as we go in the field seeing and reporting our finds. Beginners are welcome and can join experienced birders.

We begin around 7 or 8 a.m., and spend much or most of the day tallying.

Fun continues as we gather for a warm dinner and compile our list.

Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars and bird ID books (if you have any — if not, someone in your group will). Bring water, hot beverage and snacks for your comfort.

The century-old Christmas Bird Count is considered the world’s most significant citizen-based conservation effort. Please be part of it.

For more details, please contact Bill or Dottie McGehee, 601-446-7012 or Beverly Aldridge, 601-446-7576.

Karen Dardick has been participating in the Christmas Bird Count since moving to Natchez in 2005.