Northern Harrier.
Northern Harrier.
Community Science

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Join one of the world’s longest-running community science projects
Northern Harrier. Photo: Christopher Ciccone/Audubon Photography Awards
Northern Harrier. Photo: Christopher Ciccone/Audubon Photography Awards
Community Science

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Join one of the world’s longest-running community science projects

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses in the world. Since 1900, volunteer birdwatchers across the western hemisphere have surveyed birds every year between December 14 and January 4. After more than a century, our efforts have produced a tremendous amount of data that is invaluable for understanding and conserving bird populations.

Since the Christmas Bird Count began it has relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteers like you. Participation is free and open to birders of all skill levels (beginners are able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher).

To participate, volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. If you’d like to sign up for a count, find a circle near you and get in touch to the coordinator!

Join the Count!

Participate in the Christmas Bird Count

Find a count near you and join this fun community science project.

News and Stories

Notable Changes in Northern Utah's Bird Populations
Christmas Bird Count

Notable Changes in Northern Utah's Bird Populations

Bridgerland Audubon Society finds surprising species during the 68th Christmas Bird Count in Logan, Utah.

Hundreds of Miles, Dozens of Hours, and 4,432 Birds
Christmas Bird Count

Hundreds of Miles, Dozens of Hours, and 4,432 Birds

Dedicated volunteers gathered vital information on bird populations in Pagosa Springs, Colorado during the 123rd Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

An Exciting Christmas Bird Count for the Mountain Chickadee World Champs
Christmas Bird Count

An Exciting Christmas Bird Count for the Mountain Chickadee World Champs

Evergreen Audubon has likely kept their champion title, and found a new visitor along the way!

Surprise Appearances and Concerning No-Shows in Northern Wyoming
Christmas Bird Count

Surprise Appearances and Concerning No-Shows in Northern Wyoming

While several uncommon bird species were recorded during Bighorn Audubon Society's 2022 Christmas Bird Counts, some historically frequent species were notably absent.

Changes in Casper’s Bird Populations
Christmas Bird Count

Changes in Casper’s Bird Populations

Seventy-four years of Christmas Bird Count data reveal which species are increasing and which are declining.

Tiger Audubon Returns to the Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Count

Tiger Audubon Returns to the Christmas Bird Count

Colorado College students reconnect over their first Christmas Bird Count since the pandemic.

The Adventures of Southern Utah’s Christmas Bird Counts
Christmas Bird Count

The Adventures of Southern Utah’s Christmas Bird Counts

Volunteers’ epic searches document shifting bird populations.

A Dipper Party, Rare Waxwings, and Other Treats
Christmas Bird Count

A Dipper Party, Rare Waxwings, and Other Treats

The 2022 Fort Collins Christmas Bird Count yielded exciting finds for one of its crews.

Change Marks Bridgerland Audubon’s 67th Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Count

Change Marks Bridgerland Audubon’s 67th Christmas Bird Count

A member of the chapter in Logan, Utah, shares their 2022 count results and how local bird populations and habitats have changed.

Camaraderie and Counting for Science
Christmas Bird Count

Camaraderie and Counting for Science

Roaring Fork Audubon's 47th Christmas Bird Count highlights the community in community science.

Learn about birds and get involved.