The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a program of the National Audubon Society and is over 100 years old. This community science project is a bird census wherein thousands of volunteers from across the US, Canada, and many other countries in the Western Hemisphere coordinate to systematically count the number of bird species—as well as the individual numbers of each species— seen within a specifically defined geographical area. Each count area is called a "Circle" and is headed by a count compiler or coordinator. Each circle is further divided into many smaller survey locations. The CBC provides an invaluable profile of bird population numbers, avian movements, and associated trends, such as climate pressures and the impact of land use policies on birds and other wildlife. We encourage volunteers to contribute to this critically important field work by joining a circle.
Important notice regarding the 2020 121st Christmas Bird Count
Due to COVID-19, San Diego Audubon will activate a reduced group of experienced participants to do the majority of the counts. We have also canceled our regular in-person compilation and celebration gathering. If you are interested in participating this year, we encourage you to do so by:
1) counting birds anywhere within the count circle (https://arcg.is/1fz0G40), and
2) submitting your results to eBird or emailing them to our compiler, Justyn Stahl directly. Please include your effort - number of hours in the field birding (even from home!) and number of miles walked (0 if stationary).
Please note downloadable pdfs of the forms you need are in the sidebar to the left.
We ask that all participants adhere to the following guidelines:
1) Cancel all in-person compilation gatherings.
2) Social distancing and/or masking are required at all times in the field.
3) Only carpool with existing familiar or social “pod” groups.
4) Activities must comply with all current state and municipal COVID-19 guidelines.
Thanks for understanding.
Please direct any questions regarding this year CBC to Justyn Stahl .
Stay safe and have a happy holiday season. We’ll see you in the field next year!
Explore an interactive map of all of the CBC locations in the United States here.
