© Noah Cole
About
Each year, Ontario Nature member groups organize bird counts in their communities across Ontario as part of holiday traditions. A festive seasonal activity, the annual Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) welcome birders of all skill levels to these free events.
CBCs bring community scientists around the western hemisphere to count as many different species, and individuals of those species as possible over the course of a single day within a 24-kilometre diameter circle.
Join a bird count in your area this holiday season to contribute to bird research in North America.
Common redpoll © Missy Mandel
Christmas Bird Counts
The Christmas Bird Count has been running for 124 years through thick and thin, making them North America’s longest-running wildlife census.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get outside with other nature enthusiasts of all levels to help our feathered friends.
Evening grosbeak © Barry Ferg CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Listings for 2023–24
There is no cost to join a Christmas Bird Count. The counts present participants with the opportunity to connect with nature while collecting important data about Ontario’s birds, and to reap the benefits of both.
Please register with the area’s local contact.
© Elaine Uskoski
More Information
- Ontario Nature Nature Network Christmas Bird Counts (Coming soon)
- Birds Canada Interactive Map
- Audubon Map of Active Bird Count Circles
- Feature article in ON Nature magazine
Peninsula Field Naturalists, Christmas Bird Count © Noah Cole
Impact
The data collected help researchers and conservation groups study the long-term abundance and ranges of birds across North America. Armed with one of the world’s largest sets of wildlife data, groups like Ontario Nature can effectively run and evaluate conservation activities.
Birds Canada oversees Canada’s Christmas Bird Counts along with the National Audubon Society.
Barred owl © Nature Barrie
Contact
For more information about Christmas Bird Counts, please contact Birds Canada at 1-888-448-2473 ext. 198. or CBC@birdscanada.org
For information about Ontario Nature member group counts, please contact the local organizer.
You can also reach John Hassell, Director of Communications and Engagement, at 416-444-8419 ext. 269.
For media inquiries, please contact Lesley Rudy, Nature Network Organizer, at: lesleyr@ontarionature.org.
The National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count email is cbcadmin@audubon.org.
Rouge Park Christmas Bird Count © Noah Cole