The History and Impact of the Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is one of the longest-running citizen science projects in the world. Organized annually by the National Audubon Society, it began in 1900 as an alternative to a traditional holiday hunting tradition known as the “Christmas Side Hunt.” During the Side Hunt, teams of people competed to kill the most birds and other wildlife on Christmas Day.

The Origin of the Christmas Bird Count

The CBC was initiated by Frank Chapman, a noted ornithologist and early conservationist. Chapman recognized the negative impact of the Side Hunt on bird populations and proposed a new activity focused on conservation rather than killing. He invited individuals across North America to go out into the field and count birds instead of hunting them. The first Christmas Bird Count was held on December 25, 1900, with 27 participants conducting counts at 25 locations in the United States and Canada. During this first count, they recorded 18,500 birds of 90 different species.

How It Grew Over Time

Early Years: The CBC started as a small grassroots effort but quickly gained popularity among bird enthusiasts and conservationists.
1920s-1930s: The annual event began to be recognized for its scientific value, offering crucial data on bird populations.
Mid-20th Century: Technological advancements, including field guides and binoculars, made birdwatching more accessible and improved the accuracy of the counts.
Today: The Christmas Bird Count is a global effort, with tens of thousands of volunteers participating across the Western Hemisphere. Counts take place between December 14 and January 5 each year.

Its Scientific Importance

The data collected during the CBC is invaluable for ornithology and conservation. It provides a long-term dataset on bird populations, migration patterns, and trends, helping scientists monitor the health of ecosystems and the effects of climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental pressures. This information has been used in many landmark conservation studies and policies.

Fun Facts

Participation is free, and anyone can join, regardless of their birding experience.
Each “count circle” is a designated 15-mile diameter area, with participants working in teams to record bird species and numbers.
The CBC has helped document significant trends, such as the range expansion of certain species and the decline of others.

The Christmas Bird Count continues to foster a sense of community among birdwatchers while contributing to the broader goal of wildlife conservation.

A Guide to Citizen Science in Action

The Christmas Bird Count is a unique and organized effort that relies on the collaboration of volunteers across the Western Hemisphere. Unlike casual birdwatching, the CBC follows a specific methodology to ensure consistent and reliable data collection. Each count takes place within a designated “count circle,” which is a 15-mile diameter area. A local count coordinator organizes the volunteers, assigns them specific sectors within the circle, and ensures no overlap in coverage. These circles are carefully mapped out to provide long-term continuity for tracking bird populations.

Counts typically occur on one selected day during the CBC period, which runs from December 14 to January 5 each year. On the chosen day, participants venture out to survey their assigned areas, recording every bird they see or hear. Observations include noting the species, numbers, and even behavioral patterns of birds. Some volunteers are seasoned birders who can identify species by sight and sound, while others might be newcomers paired with experienced mentors. Participants can count from various locations, including backyards, parks, forests, wetlands, and urban areas, depending on their circle’s geography.

The CBC accommodates volunteers of all skill levels and physical abilities. For those unable to venture out into the field, there’s an option to conduct feeder counts from the comfort of home. These counts involve monitoring bird feeders and recording the species and numbers of visitors throughout the day. This inclusivity ensures that anyone who wants to participate can contribute to the effort.

At the end of the day, the volunteers report their data back to the local coordinator, who compiles the results for the entire circle. These findings are then submitted to the Audubon Society, the organization that oversees the Christmas Bird Count. Audubon aggregates the data from thousands of circles across the hemisphere, creating a comprehensive database that tracks bird populations and trends over time. This collaborative effort not only advances scientific research but also fosters a sense of community among bird lovers who share a passion for conservation.

How to Participate

Participating in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a great way to contribute to citizen science and enjoy a day of birdwatching! Here are some key facts about how to join:

1. Timing

The CBC occurs annually between December 14 and January 5. Participants can choose a specific day within this period to join a count in their area.

2. Location

The CBC is organized in predefined areas called count circles, each with a 15-mile diameter. Every circle is led by a volunteer compiler who coordinates the count in that area.
You can find and join a count circle near you by contacting the local compiler or through the Audubon Society’s CBC map or website.

3. Who Can Participate?

All skill levels are welcome! You don’t need to be an expert birder to join. Beginners are often paired with experienced participants.
Both individuals and families can participate, making it a great group activity.

4. What Do Participants Do?

Participants spend the day counting all the birds they see or hear in their assigned section of the count circle.
The goal is to identify species and record their numbers.
For those unable to join a field count, feeder watchers can also participate by counting birds from their own backyard or local feeder within a count circle.

5. Equipment You’ll Need

Binoculars: Essential for spotting and identifying birds.
Notebook or Bird Checklist: To record species and numbers.
Field Guide or Birding App: Helps with species identification.
Weather-appropriate clothing: Be prepared for winter conditions in your area.
Snacks and Water: Counts often last several hours, so stay hydrated and energized!

6. How to Sign Up

Visit the National Audubon Society’s CBC page to locate a count circle near you.
Contact the compiler listed for the circle to register and receive details about meeting times, locations, and assigned areas.
Participation is free, though donations to the Audubon Society are encouraged to support the program.

7. Benefits of Participation

Help contribute to over a century of vital bird population data.
Meet like-minded bird enthusiasts and learn from experienced birders.
Spend a day outdoors enjoying nature during the holiday season.

By joining the Christmas Bird Count, you’ll not only enjoy a rewarding birdwatching experience but also play a crucial role in bird conservation effort

PixCam Recommended Items for the CBC

If you are participating in the Christmas Bird Count for the first time and need a few items to help with the event here are a few PixCams recommended items: