Every year the National Audubon Society sponsors several regional and national “bird count” days. The next big event is scheduled for December 14. It’s the famous “Christmas Bird Count.” On these “bird count” days both professional ornithologists and back yard bird watchers intentionally observe, count, and identify the birds they see in their locale. Though not strictly a “scientific” survey, these “what’s-in-my-back-yard” observations help scientists to get a general idea of what is happening with various bird populations. The shifts in population numbers, and the sightings of, or absence of, various species gives researchers an early “heads up” about the dynamics in bird populations and the possible environmental issues that might be affecting their success or stressing their survival.…