The Christmas Bird Count is an annual bird census organized by the National Audubon Society to assess the health of bird populations. Volunteers from across North America take part in the effort each year between December 14 and January 5. The data collected by CBC participants over more than a century allow researchers, conservation biologists, and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. This article provides information on how you can take part in the Christmas Bird Count.
What is the Christmas Bird Count?
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an annual bird census organized by the National Audubon Society. It takes place each year between December 14 and January 5 across North America. The CBC began in 1900 as an alternative activity to the Christmas “side hunt,” where people would split into teams and compete to see who could shoot the most birds and small mammals on Christmas Day. Conservationist Frank Chapman suggested counting birds instead of hunting them, and the CBC was born.
Now over 100 years old, the CBC mobilizes over 70,000 volunteers each year to count birds within specified areas called “circles.” Each circle is 15 miles in diameter, and volunteers tally all birds seen or heard within their circle during a 24-hour period on one calendar day during the CBC period. The data are compiled into one of the longest running databases in ornithology, representing over a century of uninterrupted data on bird populations.
Why is the Christmas Bird Count important?
The CBC provides critical data on bird populations across North America. The long-running nature of the count allows researchers to analyze trends in bird numbers and distributions over time. This helps identify species that may be declining or increasing and informs conservation efforts.
Some key things the CBC data allow researchers to study include:
- How bird populations change over time, including range shifts from climate change or habitat loss
- The impact of environmental threats like pesticide use and habitat degradation on birds
- The effectiveness of conservation actions and policies
- Wintering and migratory patterns of different bird species
The count provides vital baseline data to assess the long-term health and status of both common and rare bird species. Having over a hundred years of data allows researchers to study population trends and how threats like climate change may be impacting birds.
How does the Christmas Bird Count work?
The Christmas Bird Count is coordinated by the National Audubon Society. They divide North America into over 2,500 count circles, each 15 miles in diameter. Every count circle is organized by a local Audubon chapter or bird club, which recruits volunteers to count birds within their circle on one day during the CBC period (December 14 to January 5).
On count day, volunteers will disperse through their circle to count birds. Some people do traveling counts by car, while others do stationary counts by staking out a specific location. Many circles also have feeder watches where people report birds visiting their feeders. At the end of the day, all volunteers gather to compile their results and submit them to Audubon.
Audubon scientists compile the count data from all circles to get a snapshot of bird numbers and distributions across the continent for that winter period. The data are used by researchers and conservation groups to assess long-term bird population trends.
How can I participate in the Christmas Bird Count?
Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is free and open to birders of all skill levels. Here are some steps to take part:
- Find a local count circle – Use Audubon’s CBC circle finder to find counts near you. Contact the circle compiler in advance to learn meetup details.
- Join a count team – Many count circles have existing teams that welcome new volunteers. Teams often focus on covering a specific area.
- Sign up as an individual – You can participate on your own even if you can’t join a team. Let the compiler know you can help.
- Help at the compilation meeting – At the end of the count day, volunteers gather to compile results. You can help tally numbers.
- Act as a feeder watcher – Some circles have people report birds visiting their feeders. No need to leave home!
First time participants can contact their circle compiler to learn more about the process. Compile a bird identification guide and binoculars to bring on the count day. Experienced birders also mentor newer participants.
How do you perform a bird count?
These tips will help you effectively count and identify birds on count day:
- Bring binoculars and a field guide – Binoculars let you accurately ID birds. Guides help with tricky identifications.
- Dress for the weather – Bring warm layers, rain gear, walking shoes, etc. You’ll be outside for long periods.
- Travel slowly and stop often – Counting while driving or walking fast will cause you to miss birds.
- Pay attention to song and calls – Listening for birds is as important as looking.
- Take notes – Tally species and numbers seen. Jot down locations and time.
- Be patient at feeders – Some birds will take time to return. Watch patiently.
Move slowly and methodically while counting. Stop frequently to scan and listen. Take time at promising spots like feeders, lakesides, and forests. Keep track of all birds seen and take careful notes on totals and any rare or unusual species. Staying patient and focused will produce the best results on count day.
How do you identify birds accurately?
Properly identifying birds is key to producing useful data from the Christmas Bird Count. Here are some tips to identify birds accurately in the field:
- Use a field guide – Guides have bird illustrations and key ID tips. Check guides when stumped.
- Study size and shape – Note key markers like bill size/shape, overall proportions, tail length, etc.
- Look at plumage patterns – Check for unique markings like wingbars, eye rings, stripes, etc.
- Listen for sounds – Calls and songs provide huge clues. Learn common sounds beforehand.
- Note behavior – How does it move or feed? Does it flock or stay solitary?
- Consult other birders – Have an experienced birder verify difficult identifications.
Focus on key characteristics like shape, plumage, and sound when identifying species in the field. Over time, you will become familiar with the common local species. Do not hesitate to ask other birders for help identifying tricky birds during the count.
What key gear should you bring?
Having the right gear will make your Christmas Bird Count more effective and enjoyable. Key things to bring include:
- Binoculars – Bring binoculars that suit your needs and budget. Larger objective lenses offer brighter images.
- Field guide – Carry a portable field guide that covers species in your count area.
- Notepad and pen/pencil – Record species, numbers, locations, time, etc.
- Birding app (optional) – Apps like Merlin Bird ID can be handy for identifications.
- Camera (optional) – Photograph tricky birds to study later.
- Spotting scope (optional) – Useful for studying distant waterfowl and shorebirds.
Dress for the weather in layers. Bring snacks, water, cell phone, rain/wind protection, walking shoes, etc. Preparing properly will help you stay comfortable and focused on counting throughout the day.
What are some bird identification tips for beginners?
Here are some useful bird identification tips for newcomers to birding:
- Learn the common backyard birds first. Knowing the regulars will build confidence.
- Study field guide photos to become familiar with plumage patterns.
- Note key field marks like wingbars, eye rings, crown markings, bill shape, etc.
- Listen to bird call recordings to start recognizing songs.
- Watch bird behavior like feeding, flight pattern, flocking, etc.
- Start birding with experienced birders who can teach you tricks.
- Invest in binoculars and use them whenever possible to study details.
- Take photos of unfamiliar birds and consult guides to learn.
With practice over time, identification skills will steadily improve. Patiently studying field guides, tuning your ears to sounds, and going in the field with seasoned birders will help build your abilities. Don’t get frustrated, birding has a learning curve but gets easier and more rewarding as you gain experience.
What are some beginner-friendly ways to contribute?
There are several beginner-friendly ways to meaningfully contribute to the Christmas Bird Count, including:
- Volunteer as a feeder watcher from home
- Assist an experienced birder as part of a team
- Help set up field scopes or audio lures at hotspots
- Aid with compiling/tallying results at the end-of-day meeting
- Provide a vehicle for birders to survey larger areas
- Research and scout areas beforehand to share local bird info
- Participate for part of the day rather than the full 24 hours
- Photograph birds to study and confirm identities afterward
Newer birders should advise compilers they are beginners so they can be matched to activities suiting their skill level. Volunteering for support roles allows you to learn while still making valuable contributions to the count.
What species can you expect to see on a count?
The species observed on a Christmas Bird Count will vary considerably depending on the geographic location. However, some birds commonly seen include:
Backyard and Feeder Birds | Waterfowl | Raptors |
---|---|---|
Chickadees | Mallards | Red-tailed Hawks |
Titmouse | Canada Geese | Bald Eagles |
Finches | Long-tailed Ducks | American Kestrels |
Cardinals | Hooded Mergansers | Northern Harriers |
Doves | Buffleheads | Sharp-shinned Hawks |
Songbirds | Shorebirds | Other Species |
---|---|---|
Juncos | Sandpipers | Woodpeckers |
Bluebirds | Killdeer | Crows |
Waxwings | Plovers | Gulls |
Woodpeckers | Dunlins | Herons |
Nuthatches | Yellowlegs | Grebes |
Rare species like migrants, vagrants, hybrids, etc. are also possible finds. Examples include Eurasian Wigeons, Little Gulls, Northern Wheatears, and Common Redpolls. The variety of species makes the CBC fun and exciting!
What are some important birding ethics to know?
When participating in birding activities like the Christmas Bird Count, it is important to follow ethical birding practices that minimize disturbance, including:
- Observe birds from a distance using optics; do not approach closely.
- Limit use of audio lures/recordings which can disrupt natural behavior.
- Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements when near birds.
- Do not enter nesting areas or habitats like rookeries.
- Stay on designated paths to avoid trampling vegetation.
- Avoid stressing birds or exposing them by pointing them out.
- Photograph with care by getting shots quickly and moving on.
- Do not use flash photography or advanced equipment like drones.
Following Leave No Trace principles by minimizing impact, keeping disturbance low, and leaving areas as they were found shows respect for birds and their habitats.
Conclusion
Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a fun and fulfilling way to contribute to citizen science while enjoying winter birding. Counts provide vital data to researchers while getting people outdoors appreciating nature. With preparation and proper gear, birders of all skill levels can take part and make meaningful contributions. Following some basic guidelines helps ensure counts are successful. If you have an interest in birds, consider taking part in your local Christmas Bird Count this year!