Evening Grosbeak - Damian FaganThe Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the National Audubon Society represents the longest running citizen-science project in North America. Each year between mid-December and early January, birdwatchers can participate in a citizen science project called the Christmas Bird Count. Often called the "CBC," this activity provides a snapshot of winter bird populations across North America, as well as portions of Central and South America.
First known as the "Christmas Bird Census," this count started in 1900. Organized by Frank Chapman of the then fledgling National Audubon Society, this Christmas Day event focused on counting, not shooting, birds. At the beginning of the 20th century, conservationists were becoming alarmed at the unregulated killing of birds for food markets and the millinery industry. During the Christmas holidays some people participated in a Christmas "Side Hunt," so called because the groups chose sides and spent the day bagging birds and animals. The biggest pile of feathers and fur won. The Christmas Bird Census offered a new, nonconsumptive way to enjoy birds and wildlife.
The National Audubon Society (NAS) sponsors the Christmas Bird Count, but local chapters of NAS or other birding groups organize their area's particular count. Often one or two people serve as the count compilers, organizing teams of birdwatchers and assigning them areas within the count circle. The compilers also gather all the data and submit the information to National Audubon. Everyone is invited to participate, and novice birdwatchers are often paired up with more experienced birders. The $5 cost to participate helps with the printing of the final results of all the counts. The frequently asked questions page on the Audubon website provides information about joining a count.
During the 2009-2010 count, which marked the CBC's 100th anniversary, over 2,150 counts were conducted, and over 60,000 birders participated. Counts occurred in all 50 states and Canadian provinces, as well as in other countries.
For birders that cannot get out into the field to view birds, they can still participate by watching birds at their outdoor feeders. Feeder watchers record the different species and highest numbers observed at a given time. Watching bird feeders is a great way for birders to join in the fun of the CBC even if they are limited to indoor activities.
One group of birds that requires some special attention during the CBC are owls. Although these nocturnal birds may be observed during the day at roost sites, there is often a team or two for each count that goes out in the pre-dawn darkness to search for owls. There is something magical about hearing an owl's hoots in the dark.
The count period for the 2011-2012 Christmas Bird Count is December 14 to January 5. Though the first official count day is December 17, the three days prior and three days after the count day form what is called "count week." Birds observed during these days before and after the count day are applied only towards the CBC's species total. The count week allows for sightings of individuals birds or passing flocks to be counted towards the total, but that were missed on the official count day. Many CBCs are scheduled for different days during the count period to provide opportunities for birders to participate in one or more counts.
Copyright Damian Fagan. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Damian Fagan - I am a freelance writer and photographer living in the Pacific Northwest, although I lived in Utah for over 20 years. I've written ...
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