Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Counts contribute to citizen science and are open to everyone.
© Noah Cole
About
Each year, Ontario Nature member groups organize bird counts in their communities across Ontario as part of their holiday traditions. A festive holiday tradition for 120 years, the annual Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) welcome birders of all skill levels.
CBCs bring citizen scientists around the world to count as many different species, and individuals of those species as possible over the course of a single day.
Join a bird count in your area this holiday season to contribute to bird research in North America.
Barred owl © Nature Barrie
2020-2021 Christmas Bird Counts
The 121st Christmas Bird Count will operate differently this year to ensure everyone has a safe experience.
Depending on which count you’d like to attend, local restrictions under the COVID-19 guidelines will affect participation, while others may be cancelled. Visit Audubon’s Map of Active Bird Count Circles to find contact information of an organizer near you to learn more about their local operations.
Read Ontario Nature’s COVID-19 precautions for events.
Evening grosbeak © Barry Ferg CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Listings
Many of our Nature Network member groups run Christmas Bird Counts.
Pine grosbeak © Bill McDonald
Impact
The data collected help researchers and conservation organizations study the long-term abundance and ranges of birds across North America. Armed with this information, groups like Ontario Nature can effectively run and evaluate conservation activities.
There is no cost to join a Christmas Bird Count. Please register with the area’s local contact.
Birds Canada oversees Canada’s Christmas Bird Counts along with the National Audubon Society.
Common redpoll © Missy Mandel
Contact
For more information, please contact Lisa Richardson, nature network and communications coordinator, at lisar@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419 ext. 222.
Brereton Field Naturalists Christmas Bird Count