The Audubon Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 when Dr. Frank Chapman, suggested an alternative to the holiday “side hunt,” in which teams had competed to see who could shoot the most birds. Instead, he set up a competition to count and compile records of birds. It has now become the longest-running citizen science survey.
Your active participation adds to this rich and important data collection, and this tradition occurs from December 14 to January 5 every year. There is no fee to participate, and counts are open to birders of all skill levels and Audubon’s free Bird Guide app makes it even easier to learn more.
For more information and to find where else you can join a Christmas Bird Count, visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.