It's a holiday tradition in New York City dating back to 1900. But it's not the Rockefeller tree, or ice skating or caroling. It's the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, where bird lovers, scientists and anyone who is curious can join in to help track bird populations in and around the area. 

Jessica Wilson is the executive director of NYC Bird Alliance, which runs the count. She joined WNYC's Morning Edition host Michael Hill to talk through how -- and why -- to get out in the cold and help count.