Better Data, Better Conservation: A New Guide to Counting Birds

Counting birds may sound simple—just step outside and start tallying. But in reality, it's a complex and essential endeavor at the core of modern wildlife conservation. In How to Count Birds, The Peregrine Fund’s Executive Vice President of Science & Conservation Christopher McClure, PhD, offers a practical guide to designing effective bird monitoring programs that inform real-world management and conservation strategies.

With species disappearing at alarming rates, conservationists desperately need reliable population data to guide their work. Yet outdated methods and poor study designs often waste resources and lead to faulty conclusions. Drawing on his extensive experience in bird conservation, Chris wrote this practical guide to help researchers, students, and birders design better monitoring programs. The book covers everything from basic principles to cutting-edge techniques like acoustic monitoring and occupancy modeling. It explains how to estimate crucial information like survival rates and population sizes while avoiding common mistakes.

Whether protecting falcons or tracking songbirds, scientists now have a comprehensive roadmap for collecting the accurate data needed to save species. Chris’s expertise is helping ensure that passion for birds is matched by the scientific rigor needed to protect them.

Pre-order How to Count Birds now before its February 17 publication date.

--------

Top banner photo: Harlequin Ducks
First body photo: Surfbirds (top), Tawny Eagles (bottom)
Second body photo: Black legged Kittiwakes (top left), Common Murres (top right), multiple Asian vulture species (bottom)