Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Century Long Tradition of Keeping the Ledger for North Carolina Birds

The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running wildlife census in the world. Every year in mid-December through early-January, each individual count takes place in a 15-mile-wide circle and is led by a compiler responsible for organizing volunteers and submitting observations to Audubon. In the 56 circles in North Carolina, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day—not just the species but total numbers to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population.

Each year, North Carolina ranks in the top-performing states participating in the global community science event. North Carolina will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, contributing to a vast community science network that continues a tradition stretching back more than 100 years.

For a recap of last year's North Carolina count, see this writeup. A full summary of results in the US, Canada, and beyond is available here.

2017-2018 Christmas Bird Count Information

118th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Count

118th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Get all the details you need to be part of the 118th Audubon Christmas Bird Count!

Read more

North Carolina’s Bird Lover Winter Tradition Still Contributing To Science
Christmas Bird Count

North Carolina’s Bird Lovers Contribute to 118th Nationwide Science Survey

Audubon North Carolina invites birdwatchers to participate in the longest-running citizen science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Between December 14 and January 5, hundreds of bird-loving volunteers will participate in counts across North Carolina.

Read more

Past CBC News

116 Years and Growing
Birding And Bird Watching

116 Years and Growing

Help count birds for citizen science during the 116th Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

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Christmas Bird Count Returns to Yancey County After 60 Years
Community Science

Christmas Bird Count Returns to Yancey County After 60 Years

Learn how local birders revived the annual tradition of the Christmas Bird Count in Yancey County.

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Black Mountain News: Audubon Christmas Bird Count underway for the 116th time
In The News

Black Mountain News: Audubon Christmas Bird Count underway for the 116 time

Both the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and the Backyard Bird Count contribute to our understanding of birds and how to protect them nationwide.

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Asheville Citizen-Times: WNC takes flight with Christmas Bird Count
In The News

Citizen Times: WNC takes flight with Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas Bird Count has begun and Audubon needs everyone's help to gain as much knowledge about the birds as possible. Follow or participate in this free citizen science project that has progressively grown throughout the years.

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Winston-Salem Journal: Christmas Bird Count is fun, plays vital role
In The News

Winston-Salem Journal: Christmas Bird Count is fun, plays vital role

Even though Christmas is over, there is more fun to be had with the Christmas Bird Count. Join your local Audubon Chapter in Winston-Salem to bird watch and enjoy the outdoors.

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Charlotte Observer: Christmas Bird Count ends with exciting sights
In The News

Charlotte Observer: Christmas Bird Count ends with exciting sights

Read a recap of the Audubon CBC in Charlotte by Taylor Piephoff.

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News & Updates

Audubon Invites Volunteers to Join the 124th Christmas Bird Count
Community Science

Audubon Invites Volunteers to Join the 124th Christmas Bird Count

The longest-running bird census provides important data for scientists and conservationists worldwide.

Audubon Invites Volunteers to Join the 123rd Christmas Bird Count
Community Science

Audubon Invites Volunteers to Join the 123rd Christmas Bird Count

The longest-running bird census provides important data for scientists and conservationists worldwide.

Audubon Invites Volunteers to Join the 122nd Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Count

Audubon Invites Volunteers to Join the 122nd Christmas Bird Count

The longest-running bird census provides important data for scientists and conservationists worldwide.

118th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Count

118th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Get all the details you need to be part of the 118th Audubon Christmas Bird Count!

North Carolina’s Bird Lover Winter Tradition Still Contributing To Science
Christmas Bird Count

North Carolina’s Bird Lovers Contribute to 118th Nationwide Science Survey

Audubon North Carolina invites birdwatchers to participate in the longest-running citizen science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Between December 14 and January 5, hundreds of bird-loving volunteers will participate in counts across North Carolina.

How you can help, right now