For the 122nd year, the National Audubon Society organizes the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The longest-running bird census provides essential data for scientists and conservationists worldwide.
No matter your experience level, you can join the local count, which takes place on December 26.
Each count covers a 15-mile-wide circle. A compiler leads the count and is responsible for safely organizing volunteers and submitting observations directly to Audubon.
Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day. Not just the species but total numbers to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population.
Join the Orient Christmas Bird Count
The Orient Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 26, covers the North Fork from Peconic eastward to Orient Point. It includes Shelter Island and parts of the South Fork, such as Jessup’s Neck, North Haven, and Cedar Point County Park.
Beginners and feeder watchers are welcome to participate. There is no fee, and you may work the entire day or any portion of it.
John Sepenoski is the compiler. To register:
- Send him an email.
- Include your skill level and time available.
- If you want to be a feeder watcher, include your location too.
Sector leaders will contact you with details of your assignments. These COVID-19 restrictions will be in place:
- Social distancing and/or masking are required at all times in the field
- Carpooling may only occur within existing familiar or social “pod” groups
- Activities must comply with all current state and municipal COVID-19 guidelines
122nd Audubon Christmas Bird Count
You’ll join tens of thousands of bird-loving volunteers across the Western Hemisphere to collect data when you sign up. And Audubon’s free Bird Guide app makes it even easier to learn more about the birds you’re observing.
Volunteers provide one of only two large existing pools of information notifying ornithologists and conservation biologists about the action required to protect birds and the places they need.
“The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a great tradition and opportunity for everyone to participate in more than 12 decades of ongoing community science,” said Geoff LeBaron, Audubon CBC director since 1987.
“Adding your observations helps scientists and conservationists discover trends that make our work more impactful. Participating in the Audubon CBC is a fun and meaningful way to spend a winter for anyone and everyone.”
When combined with other surveys, the CBC shows 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, the nonprofit says.
“It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people,” Audubon said in a news release.
Last year, the 121st Audubon CBC included 2,459 count circles worldwide. In total, 72,815 observers tallied more than 44 million birds representing 2,355 different species. That’s around one-quarter of the world’s known avifauna.
To observe the trends of any particular species over the last twelve decades, take a look here.
About the National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. It operates throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners reach millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite them in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world where people and wildlife thrive.
Learn more about the nonprofit conservation organization at www.audubon.org.
