A quiet forest on a calm day in December. You pause, tilt your ear to the sky, hold perfectly still. Off in the distance, a distinctive dry, rapid chut-chut-chut-chut. Scanning the trees you look for the culprit: a white-winged crossbill.

If only participating in the Gravenhurst-Bracebridge Christmas Bird Count were always so picturesque. In Muskoka, area counters have contended with mountains of snow, sub-zero temps and the buzz-roar of snowblowers.

But find the birds they do, and for 30 years this event and its enthusiastic, nature-loving participants have helped make a difference for science and bird conservation.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count has been running for 110 years, and sees participation the continent over. In 1980 Muskoka naturalists Bob Bowles and Al Sinclair started a Christmas Bird Count in this region, with help from numerous friends.

The Audubon Bird Count, billed as the longest-running wildlife census that assesses the health of bird populations, is a Christmas tradition for many families. Whether feeder-watching or heading out into the wilderness in early morning darkness armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists, every effort is appreciated.

And the information gathered is invaluable, helping researchers and conservation biologists get a picture of bird populations and how they have changed. The data can also point to environmental threats, give information on the effect of climate change on bird species, and can be used to track the expansion or decline of species across the continent.

Another offshoot of the Muskoka Christmas Bird Count was the birth of the Muskoka Field Naturalists. A not-for-profit group dedicated to studying, conserving and enjoying nature, they meets the first Thursday of each month.

The Muskoka Field Naturalists continue to host the bird count and this year’s event happens on Sunday, Dec. 20. It starts at 8 a.m. and those interested in helping out — no, you don’t have to be a group member to join the count — should meet at the Bracebridge post office parking lot.

Last year 28 Muskoka observers in 10 groups covered a 24 km diameter circle between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. They counted 3303 birds of 35 species, a rise from the 10 year average of 2668 birds and 34.5 species.

Nuthatches, chickadees, woodpeckers and blue jays aplenty were spotted. On the more unique side, a Glaucous Gull, nine Bohemian Waxwings, a white-throated sparrow and two Bald Eagles were also counted.

For more information on the Muskoka Field Naturalists visit muskokafieldnaturalists.com.