Join the fun of participating in the 125th Christmas Bird Count in your area to learn more about the variety of birds observed on hand during early winter (Belted Kingfisher photo by Paul Konrad).

This weekend teams of birders will begin conducting the Christmas Bird Count, Audubon’s 125th early-winter bird census, with hundreds of individual area counts taking place on a selected day between December 14th to January 5th. Thousands of birders will participate in Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) across the United States and Canada, with volunteers identifying and counting the birds on their “count day” in their “count circle.” Birders of all skill levels get involved and everyone is welcome to join the excitement generated during CBCs held throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.

To get started, contact the “Circle Compiler” for the CBC you wish to join ahead of time to get all the information about how to participate. Whatever skill level you are as a birder, you can be helpful and your participation will be rewarding. For example, if you are a beginning birder, the Compiler will pair you with an experienced birder who will help you become a better birder while participating in the Christmas Bird Count.

In fact, if you live inside the Count Circle, you can identify and count the birds in your yard or feeding station on count day if you contact the Circle Compiler in advance. You can find out where the nearest count circle is for you to participate and get the email contact information for the Circle Compiler by zooming in on the map and clicking on the colored circle nearest your location at National Audubon Society

Find more information about the Christmas Bird Count and how you can participate at Join the Christmas Bird Count | Audubon and Canadian birders can access the Birds Canada website for more information about how to participate at Christmas Bird Count - Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada

Many birders are interested in seeing the annual summaries of CBCs conducted other years in the United States at Annual Summaries of the Christmas Bird Count, 1901-Present | Audubon and Canada at Christmas Bird Count - Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada