For release: 12 December, 2024
Help Count Birds for Science during the 125th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Joining the longest-running bird census is a way for all of us to help protect wild birds.
Port Rowan, Ontario (Dec 12, 2024) – For the 125th year, Birds Canada and US partner, National Audubon Society are inviting you to the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Over 475 counts are expected to take place across Canada between Dec 14th and January 5th. Thousands of birders and nature enthusiasts will join this tradition that has lasted over twelve decades.
The CBC is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses in the world. Data collected by participants over the years contribute to one of only two large existing pools of information notifying ornithologists and conservation biologists of what conservation action is required to protect birds and the places they need.
“The Christmas Bird Count is an opportunity for everyone to come together and contribute to a 125 year old tradition that helps birds” said Yousif Attia, Canadian Leader for the Christmas Bird Count at Birds Canada. “Look no further than the recently released State of Canada’s Birds Report to see how Christmas Bird Count data are used to answer the question: how are the birds doing?”
Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this fun, Citizen Science project, which provides biologists 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 24 kilometers. 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 from stationary locations instead of following travelling routes.
Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate. To look for a count circle near you go to Birds Canada’s map of CBC circles here. Using the map you can contact the circle compiler to arrange to participate. There is no fee to participate and everyone is welcome. For more information and to find a count near you visit www.birdscanada.org/cbc.
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About Birds Canada and Media Contact in Canada
Birds Canada is the country’s only national charitable organization dedicated to bird conservation. Our mission is to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada. Every day, our thousands of caring donors, 75+ passionate staff, and 74,000+ outstanding volunteers are taking action to help us better understand, appreciate, and conserve birds and their habitats. You can support the CBC in Canada by signing up for our communications and finding us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Jody Allair, Director Communications, Birds Canada, jallair@birdscanada.org. www.birdscanada.org
About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.
