What is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count?
What is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count?
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a census of birds in the Western Hemisphere, performed annually in the early Northern-hemisphere winter by volunteer birdwatchers and administered by the National Audubon Society.
How many Christmas bird counts are there?
Twenty-seven birders conducted counts at 25 sites, tallying about 89 bird species. Since then, the CBC has come a long way. It’s continued annually since the inaugural event, growing in volunteers and census sites. The 120th CBC took place from December 14, 2019, to January 5, 2020.
How do I participate in the Christmas Bird Count?
How can I Join the Christmas Bird Count? The primary organizer of the Christmas Bird Count is the National Audubon Society, and to get involved in a local Christmas Bird Count, you should contact your local chapter. From there, the team will get you connected with a nearby Compiler who organizes each Circle.
When did the Audubon Christmas Bird Count start?
1900
Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the then-nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a “Christmas Bird Census” that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.
How do you count birds?
Most bird counting is really easy—you just identify what you see, and add the numbers together as you go. However, every now and then you’ll be fortunate to run into a big flock of birds, multiple flocks, or big groups of mixed species.
Why are bird counts important?
Comparing bird counts, photographs and other data on an annual basis provides insight into species’ health, how disease is spread, changing trends in migration and distribution, and much more. Furthermore, the fluctuation of bird populations shows important implications for both small- and large-scale ecosystems.
How do you do a bird count?
Why is the Christmas Bird Count important?
It can be used to track long-term trends in bird populations. Analysis of more than a century’s worth of data can reveal the decline of some species, and the recovery of others, providing a deeper understanding of conservation measures that can help birds.
How long does a Christmas Bird Count last?
The Christmas Bird Count occurs December 14 to January 5 every year. Sign up to receive information and results about all of Audubon’s community science programs through American Birds, our newsletter by email. Click here for a map view of the circles expected to be included in the 122nd CBC.
Why was the Christmas Bird counted?
The first count began on Christmas Day in 1900, when Frank Chapman, an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, proposed it as an alternative to hunting birds on Christmas.
How do you count birds for a Birdwatch?
Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.
How do bird counts work?