Help Count Birds for Science during Audubon's 124th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Join thousands of participants in part of the world's longest-running wildlife census, which contributes valuable data to bird population research.
You do not need to be an "expert" to participate in the Christmas bird Counts. Join us this year! The Marmora CBC will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023. All levels of birding experience are welcome; more eyes and ears means better counts. Call or Send us an email if you are interested.
Cedar Waxwings found during the 2021 Marmora CBC. Photo copyright: Jason Nargiz
The National Audubon Society invites birdwatchers to participate in the longest-running community science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). On December 14, 2023, birders and nature enthusiasts in Marmora will take part in this tradition, many rising before dawn to participate.
Highlights from 2021's Marmora CBC include a birdbath full of Cedar Waxwings, two Common Ravens, a Tree Swallow, Pine Siskins, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Oystercatchers, a Black-crowned Night-Heron, Marbled Godwits, and a Purple Finch. A total of 98 species were seen in 2021 on the Marmora CBC.
This year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count will mobilize nearly 80,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,600 locations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone. Data compiled in Matamoras will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, contributing to a vast community science network that continues a tradition stretching back 120 years.
Highlights from 2021's Marmora CBC include a birdbath full of Cedar Waxwings, two Common Ravens, a Tree Swallow, Pine Siskins, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Oystercatchers, a Black-crowned Night-Heron, Marbled Godwits, and a Purple Finch. A total of 98 species were seen in 2021 on the Marmora CBC.
This year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count will mobilize nearly 80,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,600 locations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone. Data compiled in Matamoras will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, contributing to a vast community science network that continues a tradition stretching back 120 years.
Marmora CBC Circle (click on image for detailed map).
“The Christmas Bird Count is a great tradition and opportunity for everyone to be a part of 123 years of ongoing community science,” said Geoff LeBaron, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count director, who first started leading the community science effort in 1987. “Adding your observations to twelve decades of data helps scientists and conservationists discover trends that make our work more impactful. Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a fun and meaningful way to spend a winter for anyone and everyone.”
When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. Christmas Bird Count data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.
Birders of all ages are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide community science project, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. At least ten volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the process, count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting every bird they see. In most count circles, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a free community science project organized by the National Audubon Society. 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 a count near you visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.
Atlantic Audubon started the Marmora CBC in 1974, the same year that the AAS was founded. We also participate in the Oceanville CBC.
When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. Christmas Bird Count data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.
Birders of all ages are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide community science project, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. At least ten volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the process, count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting every bird they see. In most count circles, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a free community science project organized by the National Audubon Society. 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 a count near you visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.
Atlantic Audubon started the Marmora CBC in 1974, the same year that the AAS was founded. We also participate in the Oceanville CBC.
Christmas Bird Counts in the Area
Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate. To sign up for the local count, please use the contact information below.
Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate. To sign up for the local count, please use the contact information below.
- Marmora
- Thursday, December 14, 2023
- Contact: Josh Gant, AAS; [email protected]; 609-800-4778
- Oceanville
- Saturday, December 16, 2023
- Contact: Kyle Chelius; [email protected]
- Tuckerton
- Saturday, December 16, 2023
- Contact: Morry Kapitan, Southern Ocean Birding Group; [email protected]