This event is part of Environment for the Americas Bird Book Club

Counting birds is about much more than numbers—it’s about understanding what’s happening in the world around us. Join Environment for the Americas for our September Bird Book Club as we explore How to Count Birds: A Guide to Monitoring Avian Populations with conservation biologist and author Chris JW McClure.

In this timely and practical book, McClure pulls back the curtain on bird monitoring, revealing why how we count birds matters just as much as how many we see. As bird populations change at unprecedented rates, accurate data is essential for guiding conservation decisions—but flawed methods can lead us astray. How to Count Birds shows how thoughtful study design, collaboration, and modern tools can make every observation count.

Drawing on real-world examples, McClure explains the principles behind effective monitoring—from estimating population trends and breeding success to understanding the limits of traditional counting methods. He also explores emerging techniques like acoustic monitoring and occupancy modeling, offering a hopeful look at how bird conservation is evolving.

This conversation will dive into the science behind bird counts, the role of birders and citizen scientists, and how careful observation can directly support conservation efforts.

Perfect for birders of all levels, students, conservation professionals, and anyone curious about how data helps protect birds. Come ready to ask questions, share experiences, and see bird counting in a whole new way.