Spots are still open for Sunday’s Mathews Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which also includes portions of Ware Neck in Gloucester. This is the 118th year of the event, which stretches across North America to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.

This New Year’s Eve day event starts before dawn, when a couple of the groups get out into the field to listen for owls and woodcocks, according to organizer Joyce McKelvey. At dusk, participants will meet at a home in Cobbs Creek to turn in their data for a tally of the day’s results with warm soups, fresh salads and greens. 

“This year’s count, which falls on New Year’s Eve, was challenging because of being a holiday and the need to replace several longtime participants,” McKelvey said. “Whether one is a novice or an experienced birder, a spot can be found with advance notice.”

She said two of this year’s sectors, Ware Neck and West Mobja...