Bird watchers will kick off the New Year in fields and near bird feeders counting the bird population.

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania has picked Jan. 2 as the date for its annual South Butler Christmas Bird Count.

Counters will take to the woods to spot and count birds while others will stay inside to count the species and numbers congregating at their bird feeders.

The South Butler Christmas Bird Count is conducted within a circular area centered around Callery and running west to Zelienople, south to Cranberry Township, east to the Route 228 corridor and north to Connoquenessing Township.

Chris Kubiak, director of education for the society, said he has 45 people confirmed to participate in the bird count next month. “What we really need are feeder counters,” he said, people willing to count and note the species showing up at the bird feeders in their yard from the comfort of their homes.

People interested in participating in the bird count should email ckubiak@aswp.org or call him at 412-963-6100.

Kubiak said Mary Alice Koeneke and Glenn Koppel helped him in his count last year and he helped with the Bartramian Audubon Society's count.

“They're going to help again this year. There's a lot of cross-pollination,” he said.

Kubiak said those wanting to take part in the bird count should meet at Succop Nature Park, 185 Airport Road, Penn Township, at 8 a.m. Jan. 2.

“It will be social distanced. We will be taking all safety precautions,” said Kubiak. “If you've been cooped up over the holidays and want to get out, come count birds.”

Scientists rely on the data gathered during bird counts across the country to detect and measure changes in the environment and bird populations throughout North America.

Kubiak said this year watchers will be keeping an eye for “eruptive” species, birds that are generally not seen in the county.

For example, there have been recent sightings of the evening grosbeak, a bird that hasn't been present in Butler County in 30 years.