Started in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is North America’s longest-running Citizen Science project. People in more than 2000 locations throughout the Western Hemisphere participate in the CBC each year.
The information collected by thousands of CBC volunteer participants forms one of the world’s largest sets of wildlife survey data. The results are used by conservation biologists, environmental planners, and naturalists to assess the population trends and distribution of birds.
The CBC in each Count Circle is planned on a day between December 14 and January 5. Effort for each circle is organized by a Compiler, who is a fellow volunteer (or team of volunteers) at the local level, often supported by a birding club or naturalist organization.
Want to be part of the Christmas Bird Count? Click the green buttons below!
Step 1. Let us know by signing up
It’s free to participate! Sign up for the monthly Birds Canada enews to keep informed.
Step 2. Find a Count Circle and Compiler near you
Use this map to see if you live in or near a CBC Count Circle. Click on that circle to see the date and your local Compiler’s email.
Step 3. Count birds in a portion of your circle, or from home!
Send an email to your Compiler who can help you decide how best to participate, whether that’s counting birds in a designated area in the field or from the comfort of your home! The following resources should serve as a helpful guide for getting started.
Field Counters travel and cover a portion of the Count Circle on their own or in a small party, counting all birds they find.
Photo: Jason Leathem
Feeder Counters record all the birds visiting their feeders or yard from a stationary position.
Black-capped Chickadee Photo: Kerrie Wilcox
Resources for Compilers:
Before the Count
If you wish to create a new Count Circle and be a Compiler for a new Count in a geographic location not yet covered on this map, please complete and submit the New Count Circle Application Form found here.
After the Count
For more information, or data entry support, contact:
The Christmas Bird Count is delivered in Canada by Birds Canada, in partnership with National Audubon Society.
