It’s time for the Audubon Society’s 101st annual Christmas Bird Count. More than 45,000 people participate each year in this all-day census of early-winter bird populations. The results of their efforts are compiled into the longest running database in ornithology, representing close to one hundred years of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas. Simply put, the Christmas Bird Count, or "CBC" is citizen science in action.

The data from 99 years (and counting) of Christmas Bird Counts yield valuable insights into the shifting patterns, distributions, and population trends of bird species during the count period.

From beginning birder to seasoned ornithologist, all are welcome to participate on any Christmas Bird Count. In virtually all instances, groups of participants are out together in the field, and novice observers are always paired with those who are well-versed in the ways of the Count. Beginner's luck often holds true during any field experience, and for Christmas Bird Counts, it's the more eyes and ears the merrier.

Beginning with this 101st Christmas Bird Count, the inclusive dates of the official Count period will remain December 14th through January 5th of each season. Individual Count Compilers are of course still free to choose their day within that period. This will help for planning in the years ahead, and often will include an extra weekend for Counts to be held.

The Compiler, or organizer, of a Count is the person who coordinates and combines all observers into field parties to produce the best coverage within the circle. To get in touch with your nearest Compiler, contact your local Audubon chapter, bird club, or nature center. Or contact the National Audubon Society at:
Christmas Bird Count
National Audubon Society,
700 Broadway,
New York, NY 10003

Bird Studies Canada is now the Audubon Society’s official Canadian partner in the Christmas Bird Count. From this year forward, they will handle communications with Canadian Compilers and participants, and the editing of Canadian CBC data, through their offices in Port Rowan, Ontario. The data collected on Canadian CBC's will still reside in the BirdSource database, and can be accessed through the BirdSource website.

You can find CBC areas in Canada by going to Bird Studies Canada’s Christmas Bird Count web page at http://www.bsc-eoc.org/national/cbcmain.html .

There is a fee for participation in the CBC. It is $15 in my area, but I do not know whether it is the same throughout the US, or what the fee is in Canada. This year, for the first time, participants under 18 can count for free.

If you wish to census birds at your feeder and you do not live within a Christmas Bird Count circle, you still can get involved with Project FeederWatch

As long as there are birds to be counted, the Christmas Bird Count will go on being the most popular, fun, and rewarding bird census the world over!