Last year there was a low count, but a new record for tufted titmouse. There had been snow and so many birds were lying low that the Christmas Bird Count was even called lackluster by normal standards. That still meant sightings of over 28,000 birds and 121 different species.

This year, the weather looks more promising and so all bets are off as to the number of birds to be seen and the types of species. Just this past week a rare sighting of a Pacific loon took place. Who knows what is in store for Jan. 2 when the official count takes place on the Island.

For those not in the know, the Christmas Bird Count is an annual event to take stock of the bird populations. The first count was conducted in 1900 with 27 bird watchers in 25 areas around the United States and Canada. The first Vineyard count took place in 1960. Nowadays the event stretches “from above the Arctic Circle to the waters of the Drake Passage off Tierra del Fuego,” according to the National Audubon Society.

The idea is to gather bird data from all over the world during a couple of weeks. The information is then used by scientists to study the world of birds including their migration patterns, which in recent years have varied considerably due to global warming.

To participate one can join a birding group or be part of the citizen watch by keeping an eye on your local feeder and reporting the tally to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary between 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 2.

For more information and to take part in any capacity, email Luanne Johnson at biodiversityworks@gmail.com.