What families often overlook is the opportunity to take advantage of nature. Whether your troupe is a nuclear family, an extended family, a grandparent and grandchild, or a group of friends, birding is a rewarding activity. You find yourself in a relaxed setting that differs from your daily, digital world.

Even better is to create a daily routine of going outside every day to observe changes in flora and fauna, for a leisurely walk, or volunteer as a citizen scientist with the Central Westchester Audubon Society-sponsored Christmas Bird Count.

The data collected provides a wealth of information to researchers studying winter bird populations across North America and is an invaluable resource for conservation.

This year, Audubon will be stationed at the Marshlands Conservancy in Rye on Saturday, December 23 from 7:30-4. All are welcome to join this free event. For additional information, call the Count Compiler, Michael Bochnik, at 237-9331 or visit http://hras.org/bwcbc.html.

— photo of Native Belted Kingfisher by Jay Mahoney