Firelands Audubon
Christmas Bird Count
What is the CBC?
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the longest-running bird community science project. Every year since 1900, around Christmas, birders throughout the Americas (and beyond!) record all birds as they can find on a single day. Learn more about the history from the National Audubon Society.
When does the count happen?
All Christmas Bird Counts are conducted between December 14 to January 5, inclusive dates, each season. Your local count will occur on one day between those dates. Participate in as many counts as you wish!
This year's CBC date is: December 14, 2024
The Firelands Count Circle
How does participation work?
There is a specific methodology to the CBC, and all participants must make arrangements to participate in advance with the circle compiler within an established circle, but anyone can participate.
Each count takes place in an established 15-mile (24-km) wide diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes through the designated diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It's not just a species tally—all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day.
If you are a beginner birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher.
If your home is within the boundaries of a CBC circle, then you can stay at home and report the birds that visit your feeder on count day as long as you have made prior arrangement with the count compiler.
This full day of birding is a wonderful tradition, a great example of citizen science and a lot of fun to participate in.
If you are interested in joining our CBC please send us an email (firelandsaudubon@gmail.com) and we will get you the appropriate information.
2024 Christmas Bird Count results:
The day was sunny and cold, 18 volunteers counted 26,011 birds. A total of 81 species were identified on the 14th and during count week. Turkey Vultures were the surprise finding during count week, so rare bird reports were completed. Prior to this year, no Turkey Vultures were sighted during the count period! A complete list can be found here.
The totals for the 2023 CBC can be found here.