The Fort Hood Adaptive and Integrative Management Team (AIM Team) hosted its 10th annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) community outreach event on Dec. 17, 2025, welcoming families, veterans, biologists and community members to explore the installation’s diverse natural habitats.
Held in partnership with Wild Birds Unlimited–Temple, the event is part of the nationwide Audubon Christmas Bird Count, one of the world’s longest-running wildlife surveys. Now in its 126th year, the CBC provides scientists with long-term data used to track bird population trends, migration patterns and the impacts of habitat loss.
“Having data collected over such a long period of time is extremely valuable,” said Laney Rather-Weymouth, a pollinator biologist with the AIM Team. “Information from this national survey is used by organizations such as Audubon, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, as well as by individual researchers.”
For many participants, the event has become a meaningful tradition. Vicki Dean, a Department of Defense civilian, said her family looks forward to the CBC each year.
“The Christmas Bird Count has become a holiday tradition for my family,” Dean said. “The girls were very excited when I told them we were doing it again this year.”
Dean noted the event offers a rare chance to see bird species not typically found in residential areas, while learning from experienced birders. She also emphasized the value of spending time outdoors.
“It’s important to give people opportunities to step away from the busyness of life and constant technology,” she said. “Fort Hood is close to the city, but once you’re out on the land, it feels like a completely different world.”
Army veteran and repeat participant Danny Welch said the event blends education, recreation and public service.
“I enjoy spending time with the AIM biologists,” Welch said. “They have a tremendous amount of knowledge and are always willing to share it.”
One of the highlights for Welch this year was watching two northern harriers hunting in the same field at the same time.
“They’re one of my favorite raptors, and seeing them hunting so close together was thrilling,” he said.
Welch described the CBC as an easy and enjoyable way for people of all ages to contribute to conservation.
“It’s a fun, organized way to get outside, learn something new and take part in citizen science,” he said.
He added that citizen science plays an important role in environmental protection by expanding the reach of professional research.
Rather-Weymouth said outreach-focused events like this help the public better understand the ecological value of Fort Hood.
“Many people don’t realize how much important habitat exists on the installation,” she said. “Walking through the landscape and experiencing it firsthand can be a powerful experience.”
Participants were treated to several notable sightings, including a merlin falcon perched near a dam, allowing close observation of a bird of prey rarely seen up close.
“It stayed in place long enough for everyone to get a great look through their binoculars,” Rather-Weymouth said.
She also shared simple ways Soldiers and families can support bird populations throughout the year, such as turning off exterior lights during migration seasons, keeping bird feeders clean and planting native plants.
By the end of the day, participants had identified 32 bird species and counted 126 individual birds.
The AIM Team hopes the experience encourages continued interest in nature and conservation.
“I hope it inspires curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world,” Rather-Weymouth said, “and motivates people to keep learning and finding ways to help protect our environment.”
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