The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is set for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 5, and is open to birders of all ages and skill levels.

Participants should meet at the visitor center, where volunteer birders will be divided into groups to count birds on the refuge. An experienced birder will help guide each group. At noon, there will be a free hot lunch provided by the Friends of Neal Smith NWR, and groups will share their results of birds sighted on the refuge. 

After lunch, those who wish to will spend a few more hours birding off-refuge sites within the count circle, which is a 15-mile diameter circle centered on Vandalia.