Per the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR website:

For over 30 years, volunteers of all birding experience levels have joined this annual Audubon citizen science project to track and protect bird populations. Last year, 90 volunteers recorded 99 species, including a rare Short-eared Owl—a special sighting as prairie habitats decline across Central Texas.

Join the fun, explore both public and nonpublic areas of the Refuge, and help us continue this incredible legacy of discovery and conservation!

The census area includes all the tracts of the Balcones Canyonlands NWR and the surrounding area. We need many birders of all skill levels to adequately survey the birds in the area to find all expected species and the rate species visiting the area. We would especially like to have some feeder watchers this year, so if you live within the area of the refuge and have bird feeders, please participate.  

People who register to assist with this Christmas Bird Count, using the link provided on the event page, will receive specific, detailed instructions as the date for the event draws nearer.