It's Almost Time! Christmas Bird Count 2024 is December 21st

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What is the Christmas Bird Count?

  

The first Christmas Bird Count was held on Christmas Day in 1900, with 27 participants in 25 locations, as an alternative to the Side Hunt that was traditional at that time. This new idea was to count, rather than shoot, the birds seen. Last year, over 79,000 birders in the US and around the world tallied 43 MILLION birds for the Christmas Bird Count!

 

This is the longest ongoing community science project in the world — as we count every bird heard or seen in our count circle. It's a fine tradition that is enjoyable as well as useful by providing data for various scientific projects and studies. Learn more!

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What can I expect?

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The Christmas Bird Count runs from dawn to dusk on the third Saturday of the month. This year, that's December 21st. Come prepared. Check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather. Wear shoes suitable for varying weather conditions and terrains and bring snacks, binoculars, and a water bottle. At the end of the day, join your fellow birders for a Christmas Bird Count Tally Dinner at the Tacoma Nature Center. Donations are appreciated to help cover the cost of the rental.

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How can I get involved?

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Contact one of our 8 Area Coordinators, listed below. Refer to the map to determine what survey area you're in. If you don't live in a survey area or aren't sure what area you're in, contact the General Coordinator to be placed in a survey group. Join the count for the whole day, or for whatever amount of time you can commit to--just let your area coordinator know your availability ahead of time.