Christmas Bird Count

Black-capped Chickadee Photo: Julie Clement

Christmas Bird Count Questionnaire

Help us learn more about your participation in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) in Canada!

1. How are you involved in the CBC (select all that apply)? *

Feeder Counter
Field Counter
Area/Zone Leader
Compiler or Event Organizer
Other (please describe)

If you selected "other" please describe.

2. How many CBCs do you participate in on average per year? *

This year will be my first time
1 (but not every year)
1 (every year)
2 to 3 (every year)
4 or more (every year)

3. How many years have you been a participant in the CBC? When and where was your first? *

4. Do you volunteer for any other Birds Canada science programs? (select all that apply) *

Project FeederWatch
eBird Canada
Great Backyard Bird Count
Breeding Bird Atlases
Other (please specify)

If you selected "other" please describe.

5. Tell us what you love about the CBC or your favourite CBC story. We want to know more about who you are and what the CBC means to you. *

Feel free to upload photos to help tell your story.

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Would you like to stay informed from Birds Canada and receive our monthly electronic newsletter? *

Yes, please sign me up.
No, thank you.
I am already subscribed to Birds Canada.

Christmas Bird Count Survey

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) in Canada is a collaborative program managed by Birds Canada in partnership with National Audubon Society. You’re invited to fill out a 5-minute survey with the goal of helping us learn more about how people engage with the CBC.

How important do you feel Citizen Science programs are to bird conservation? *

Extremely important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all
I didn’t know it was important to bird conservation

What is your affiliation with the CBC (select all that apply)? *

Participant
Area leader
Compiler
Other

If "other" please describe

How important do you feel the CBC is to bird science and conservation? *

Extremely important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all
I didn’t know it contributed to bird science and conservation

Why do you participate in the CBC? (select all that apply) *

Contributing directly to conservation science
Introducing new people to birds
Participating in the program’s long history
Seeing many bird species
Learning from my peers and bird experts
Practicing my bird identification skills
Seeing my birding friends
Getting outdoors in nature
Fostering engagement of local communities
The tradition of annual participation
Sharing the experience with my friends and family
Other

If "other" please describe

What have you loved most about the CBC? (select one) *

Contributing directly to conservation science
Introducing new people to birds
Participating in the program’s long history
Seeing many bird species
Learning from my peers and bird experts
Practicing my bird identification skills
Seeing my birding friends
Getting outdoors in nature
Fostering engagement of local communities
The tradition of annual participation
Sharing the experience with my friends and family
Other

If "other" please describe

How important do you feel it is to introduce new people to the CBC as a way of ensuring its continuation for future generations? *

Extremely important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all

How important do you feel it is to introduce new people to the CBC in order to enhance the value of the CBC data set for bird conservation efforts? *

Extremely important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all

To your knowledge, what has kept new people from participating in the Christmas Bird Count (or from continuing participation)? (select all that apply) *

Lack of information regarding how to participate
They didn’t feel welcome
Lack of physical accessibility
They found the word “Christmas” to be off-putting
They felt unqualified to participate based on their bird knowledge
They felt like an outsider
They thought it occurred on Christmas Day
They tried to participate but weren’t allowed to join
Lack of resources or equipment
They felt their bird knowledge wasn’t taken seriously by others
They thought there was a religious component to the program
Other

If "other" please describe

Are you a CBC compiler or area leader? *

How often do new people join your count?

Every year
Every few years
Rarely
Never

How often do new participants become regular annual participants?

Every year
Every few years
Rarely
Never

Do you actively recruit new people to join your count?

Yes
I want to but don’t have the resources or don’t know how
No this hasn’t been a priority

What methods have you used to recruit new people? (select all that apply)

Social media
In-person meetings
Email outreach
Partnering with a local chapter or bird club
Printed flyers and posters
Local media outlets
Word of mouth
Other

If "other" please describe

Which methods have proven most successful to recruit new people? (select one)

Social media
In-person meetings
Email outreach
Partnering with a local chapter or bird club
Printed flyers and posters
Local media outlets
Word of mouth
Other

If "other" please describe

Please share more about why recruiting new people has not been a possibility or priority: (open field)

What tools and resources would you want Birds Canada to supply in order to help you introduce more new people to the program? (select all that apply) *

Provide extra equipment such as binoculars
Make it easier for participants to sign up
Provide downloadable count-specific bird checklists
Host informational webinars for new participants
Provide incentives to serve as a birding mentor to new participants
Other

If "other" please describe