Audubon Society’s 124th Christmas Bird Count
The longest-running bird census by volunteers, scientists and conservationists in the world.
In its 124th consecutive year, the National Audubon Society is orchestrating the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). From December 14 to January 5, numerous bird enthusiasts will join forces as volunteers, conducting counts throughout the Western Hemisphere. The extensive data amassed over twelve decades by these dedicated participants constitutes one of the only two expansive repositories guiding ornithologists and conservation biologists in determining necessary conservation measures for the protection of birds and their habitats.
As one of the world's longest-standing wildlife censuses, each individual count transpires within a 15-mile-wide circle, led by a compiler entrusted with safely organizing volunteers and directly submitting observations to Audubon. Participants within each circle meticulously record all birds sighted or heard on the designated day, not just by species but also by total numbers, offering a comprehensive assessment of the health of that specific population. Adherence to state and local COVID-19 guidelines is mandatory.
Geoff LeBaron, Audubon CBC director since 1987, emphasizes the significance of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count as a venerable tradition and an opportunity for everyone to partake in over 12 decades of continuous community science. He encourages individuals to contribute their observations, as this collective effort aids scientists and conservationists in identifying trends that enhance the impact of their work. Participation in the Audubon CBC provides a enjoyable and meaningful way to spend the winter for individuals of all backgrounds.
When integrated with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, the Audubon CBC paints a comprehensive picture of how bird populations across the continent have evolved temporally and spatially over the past century. This long-term perspective proves crucial for conservationists, informing strategies to safeguard birds, their habitats, and identifying environmental issues with repercussions for both avian species and people. A noteworthy example is a 2019 study published in Science, which utilized decades of Audubon CBC data and other datasets to reveal a disconcerting reality: a continual loss of nearly three billion North American birds since 1970. Over the years, Audubon CBC data have contributed to over 300 peer-reviewed articles.