Special Program: It’s the most wonderful time of the year — Christmas Bird Count Season!

Join Ted Nichols, president of the Lancaster County Bird Club, to explore the fascinating history of the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), the world’s longest-running citizen science survey, which began in 1900 as a new tradition to replace Christmas “side hunts,” where participants competed to see how many birds they could kill. This year marks the 126th CBC, and the Lititz Christmas Bird Count—covering Middle Creek and the surrounding area—is one of the oldest in the nation, dating back to 1905, even before Middle Creek existed. Discover how this cherished event brings bird enthusiasts together to celebrate conservation and community. Learn about the CBC’s origins, its influence on birding in Lancaster County and beyond, and how bird occurrences in this area have evolved dramatically since the first count was conducted. This special lecture will be held inside the Visitor Center at Middle Creek! Note: A field trip will complement this lecture and be held on Dec. 27 at 10:30 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center, check out our events calendar entry for full details on that offering!

Speaker Bio: Ted Nichols II has been the compiler for the Lititz Christmas Bird Count since 2017 and, since 2022, president of the Lancaster County Bird Club, a local 400+ member nonprofit organization promoting birding and conservation. A public affairs professional with nearly 20 years of federal government experience, he currently works as a civilian at Naval Supply Systems Command in Mechanicsburg and recently retired from the military after 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Ted also previously led the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg and founded the Cherry Springs Star Party back in 2004.