The Christmas Bird Count: Citizen Science in Action

Larry Selman

This Western Gull was seen on the Sonoma Valley, California, Christmas Bird Count.

The 110th Christmas Bird Count: Monday, December 14, 2009 to Tuesday, January 5, 2010

From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission - often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations - and to help guide conservation action. 

From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition -- and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation.

• Read Audubon President John Flicker's thank you letter to participants.
• Learn how data from the CBC helps birds.
• View results from this year's count or from previous years
• Explore the CBC Photo Gallery of birds seen during counts.
• Follow Audubon on Twitter.
• Find out about the Audubon Guide Apps - Field Guide to North American Nature for iPhone and iTouch
• Follow Audubon on Facebook.