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Want to join history's longest-running citizen-science project?

Here's something to tweet about.

The National Audubon Society is hosting its annual Christmas Bird Count from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5.

Its primary goal is to monitor and track the health of bird populations during the winter months. The data helps us learn about species diversity, habitat loss and informs conservation efforts.

The count began on Christmas Day in 1900 when ornithologist Frank Chapman lead 27 volunteers on a mission to tally North America's winter bird population. Their meticulous efforts resulted in the identification of 90 bird species across 25 locations.

It was not a happy time for beautiful birds—they were being killed for their feathers, which were in demand in the flourishing women's hat industry.

The Christmas Bird Count is not only a scientific endeavor but also a community event that brings together birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and people of all ages and skill levels.

Do you want to join the 124th Christmas Bird Count? There's one happening in Sugar Land, for which you'd need to reach out to Adam Wood at birdsondabrain@gmail.com. Another count is taking place in Rosenberg; for details, contact Bayard Nicklow at FortBendCBC@gmail.com.

Find out more here.

Juhi Varma, Fort Bend reporter

juhi.varma@houstonchronicle.com

Growing Fort Bend

Creekland Village will open in the Bridgeland master-planned community in Cypress in spring of 2023.

Photo by: The Howard Hughes Corp.

These massive residential developments will bring thousands of homes to the region.

Big residential developments, including Austin Point in Fort Bend County and Sunterra in Katy, hit milestones across the region in 2023.

Education

Hightower head coach Cornelius Anthony is seen during the second half of a Region III-6A Division 1 semifinal high school football playoff game at NRG Stadium, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Hightower's Anthony named Texans Coach of the Year.

Hightower's Cornelius Anthony has been named the 2023 Houston Texans Coach of the Year.

Openings and Closings

Tiger Nutrition in Katy closed its doors on Dec. 2. The smoothie and juice bar was located in Tiger Square at 6191 Hwy Blvd, Unit 105.

Shout Out

A sweeping hat tip to Dr. Christie Whitbeck, who served as Fort Bend ISD superintendent for nearly three years. Dr. Whitbeck stepped down from her role on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Her achievements include eliminating the $47 million budget deficit, as well as passing the May 2023 bond election and the November 2023 VATRE election. Find the full list here.

One last thing ...

The likelihood of spotting a feral hog around Fort Bend County has increased with the drop in temperatures, writes my colleague Shakari Briggs. The hot summer kept the pigs in the woods, near a water source. But now, they're starting to move around more, they've got more hours at night, says trapper Cole Murphy. Find out more here.