The editors of Nature put in a good word for the Christmas Bird Count as an exemplar of citizen science.
Volunteer science is a win–win situation for all concerned. Scientists get to take on projects that would not be feasible for even the largest research group, while helping to increase the public’s understanding of, and support for, science.
But let’s not forget the Great Backyard Bird Count, which takes place in the more focused time period of Presidents’ Day weekend, and about which I posted last year. This year the looking and counting happens February 13 through 16.