Audubon’s 124th Christmas Bird Count will be held from Dec 14, 2023, to January 5, 2024!

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an annual event conducted by the National Audubon Society and other birding organizations across the Americas. Frank Chapman and 26 other conservationists initiated the Christmas Bird Count as a way of promoting conservation by counting, rather than hunting, birds on Christmas Day of 1900. It typically takes place from mid-December to early January. The CBC is one of the longest-running citizen science projects, dating back to 1900.

During the CBC, birdwatchers, both novice and experienced, gather to count and identify bird species within designated 15-mile diameter circles. These circles remain constant from year to year, allowing for a long-term data collection. The primary goal is to provide a snapshot of bird populations and distribution during the winter months.

Key features of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count include:

1. Community involvement: The CBC engages bird enthusiast, local communities, and families in a collaborative effort to document bird species in specified areas.
2. Scientific Research: The data collected contributes to scientific research, helping scientists monitor bird population trends, track migration patterns, and assess the health of bird species over time.
3. Conservation Impact: The information gathered through the CBC aids in making informed decisions. It highlights areas where conservation efforts are needed and helps prioritize initiatives to protect bird habitats.
4. Educational Opportunities: The CBC serves as an educational platform, offering birdwatching enthusiast and the general public the chance to learn more about birds, their behaviors, and their role in ecosystems.
5. Global Participation: While originating in North America, the CBC has expanded globally, with similar bird counts occurring in other parts of the world during the same timeframe.

By participating in or supporting the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, individuals contribute valuable data to ongoing ornithological studies and contribute to the broader understanding and conservation of bird species.

To join one of our four local bird count circles for this year’s 124th annual Christmas Bird Count, contact one or more of the circle compilers:

 Augusta County

Compiler: Allen Larner
Email: lanersky [at] mindspring.com
Count Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023

Waynesboro

Compiler: Crista Cabe
Email: cristacabe [at] gmail.com
Count Date: Saturday, December 30, 2023

The Waynesboro Count includes territory in Augusta and Nelson Counties and spans sections of the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Rockfish Valley.

Anyone who likes to hike in the winter can be virtually guaranteed a stretch of the Appalachian Trail as long as the Blue Ridge Parkway has not been closed due to inclement weather. Birds may be scarcer on the ridgetop than in the valleys, but it can still make for a most enjoyable day. – from the Christmas Bird Count circles Map

Rockingham County

Compiler: William “Bill” Benish
Email: wcbenish [at] gmail.com
Count Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

“We are fortunate to again have excellent field party leaders lined up. Some parties are full, and a few leaders may need assistance. My hope is that we can accommodate everyone who signs up expressing interest in joining. As we continue to match leaders with as many participants as possible, please contact me if you want to be on a list in case any spaces remain or become open. Some years we’ve had to postpone due to the weather, which can change availability for people around holiday times.

If you live within the boundary of our circle, please let me know if you may be able to contribute by watching birds at your home. There is always room for Feeder Watchers. It is important for you to contact me in advance in order for us to incorporate your count data.” – Bill Benish, Rockingham County circle compiler

Big Flat Mountain

Compiler: George Barlow
Email: gbarlow [at] tnc.org

Historically, the count has primarily been a walking count. Many years have had only walking miles, no miles by auto. It is desired that this be continued for consistency’s sake and in the spirit of mountain birding. Road access is very limited, but walking routes from road and trail access points can be worked out. Please contact the compiler for this. The area is predominately forested. Being a mountainous area, it is generally cold, often windy, and birds can be few in number and diversity. From the outset, the count was intended to draw a comparison between birdlife in the mountains and that of surrounding lower elevations. – from the Christmas Bird Count circles Map

For more information, visit http://www.christmasbirdcount.org or https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

– Rob Beaton, Cohort 8, November 2023