For the 49th year, local bird watchers will participate in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count in the Libby area on Saturday, Dec. 15.

This effort mobilizes over 72,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the western hemisphere to help scientists monitor the health of bird populations.

Those interested in participating either as field observers or watching and recording at their own homes — especially those with bird feeders — please contact Gene Reckin at 291-8482 or 293-9344.