Cedar Waxwing by Tom Sanders

What's the Christmas Bird Count?

Started in 1900, the CBC is the longest running citizen science survey in the world. Seattle Audubon has coordinated the Seattle CBC for 84 years! Up to 200 volunteers survey the count circle (15 miles in diameter) to identify and count anything with feathers and a pulse. There are 14 subareas in the Seattle count circle with each being covered by one or multiple teams. All results are tallied by a count compiler and submitted to National Audubon. This data is incorporated into very important research, like the State Of The Birds report.

Do I need to be an expert birdwatcher to participate?

Experienced birders, neighborhood residents, and newcomers are all welcome. It's a great way to get introduced to birdwatching; new birdwatchers will be surprised to learn that over 120 species are regularly tallied during the all day event. Total novice? Don't worry, all volunteers are assigned to teams led by experienced birdwatchers who are familiar with their areas.

When is it?

The Seattle CBC is usually on the last Saturday in December. CBC starts around dawn (with some teams listening for owls in the predawn darkness) and lasts until late afternoon. On the evening of the count, CBC teams will converge for the compilation potluck. Enjoy homemade soup while we compile the official list for the day. There is always a surprise or two!

What does it cost?

A required $5 participation fee covers the cost of compilation of data at the national level. If you don't pay, National Audubon will still charge Seattle Audubon for every participant. We appreciate you bringing cash with you on the day of the count.

What should I bring on the day of the count?

Dress for the weather! Surveyors will go out, rain or shine or snow. Layers are strongly encouraged with a waterproof jacket and/or pants. Warm hats, socks and gloves are a must. Some subareas require more walking, others more driving, so please wear appropriate footwear. Fluids, snacks and a sack lunch are also important. Binoculars will not be provided so please bring your own. Don't forget to bring $5 per participant.

CBC Potluck

Volunteers can join other counters at the CBC potluck to listen to the preliminary species tally over a bowl of warm soup. Due to event rental cost increases, the 2011 CBC potluck will be at a NEW location: Solid Ground in Wallingford (1501 N 45th St.). On-street parking is available but may be limited.

Other Resources

Other Christmas Bird Counts in Washington State (36 total taking place all over the state, Dec 14 through Jan 5)

National Audubon Christmas Bird Count (learn more about the history and run a custom analysis of the CBC data!)

Past Media Coverage

"Seattle bird lovers stroll out for Christmas count" Emily Heffter, Seattle Times, December 31, 2011.

"Christmas Bird Count is bird-watchers' annual delight" Lynda V. Mapes, Seattle Times, December 21, 2009.

"Birders scan treetops and underbrush in an annual count that began 108 years ago" Craig Welch, Seattle Times, Sunday December 30, 2007.

Search Seattle Times archives for "Christmas Bird Count"

"Two Mourning Doves: The Christmas Bird Count" Weekday with Steve Scher on KUOW. Aired December 26, 2007 at 10am.

Questions? Media inquiries?

Contact Adam Sedgley, Science Manager at 206-523-8243 x21 or adams@seattleaudubon.org

2011 CBC: THANK YOU!

We were blessed with beautiful weather and some great birds. Preliminary tally at the potluck totaled 124 species, including Common Redpoll, White-throated Sparrow, Townsend's Solitaire and Long-tailed Duck. Read the full summary prepared by Seattle CBC compiler, Matt Bartels!