If your New Year’s resolution is to get outside more, or learn more about the natural world, the Bird Alliance of Oregon is ready for you.

The organization, founded in 1902 as a chapter of the Audubon Society but now known as the Bird Alliance of Oregon since February of last year , has held an outdoor bird count every year around Christmastime since 1926. The centennial Christmas Bird Count is slated for Jan. 3.

According to the Bird Alliance, the count was started as an alternative to Christmas Day bird hunts. Now, hundreds of similar events are held throughout the Western hemisphere. Portland’s count typically takes place during the last Saturday inside the survey window of Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, says Bird Alliance spokesperson Ali Berman.

The bird count has become a massive feat

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