The Audubon Christmas Bird Count, or CBC, began on Christmas Day in 1900 as an alternative to the current tradition at the time: a Christmas bird hunt. Instead of shooting them, enthusiasts began trying to count as many birds as possible. Information collected ever since on the many different bird species found in North America has been vital to scientists in assessing the health of and trends in bird populations. Over half of the 588 North American bird species are in trouble from loss of habitat, climate change, and many other factors. The CBC is an excellent example of the importance of Community Science. By signing up to participate in a local count, you can help identify what actions need to be taken to protect birds and their habitats.

Christmas Bird Counts take place annually all over North America between December 14 and January 5, and here in Washington State for example, there were 40 held in 2020. Pilchuck Audubon Society sponsors two CBCs in Snohomish County. The Edmonds/South County count will be on December 18 and the Everett/Marysville count will be on January 1. To learn more about our local counts and to sign up, please visit: https://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/christmas-bird-count

Elaine Chuang is an avid participant in Community Science efforts across our region, volunteering at the drop of a hat with birding and environmental education programs such as Seattle Parks and Recreation, Pilchuck Audubon, Seattle Audubon, the Washington Ornithological Society, Puget Sound Bird Observatory and the Woodland Park Zoo. She is a graduate of Seattle Audubon's Master Birder Class (2019).

Brian Zinke is the Executive Director for the Pilchuck Audubon Society. He's a certified Associate Wildlife Biologist®, and has worked to conserve several endangered species in Washington, Wyoming, and Kansas.

Pilchuck Audubon: All About Christmas Bird Counts with Elaine Chuang & Brian Zinke