Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is one of the longest running citizen science efforts in the United States. It began as a replacement for Christmas bird hunt competitions. Instead of bagging birds, birders tally everything seen and heard within an assigned area. The over one hundred years of December data has been used to study bird population decline and species shifts. Be a part of a fun and significant bird count event!

Below is information on local counts
To formally participate in a count contact the circle coordinator and get assigned an area allowing organizers to ensure total coverage.

Schlitz Audubon organizes a circle in the northern half of Milwaukee County on Saturday, December 16. Contact Norma Gonzalez (robnz54@gmail.com) for Feeder Watchers and Zoe Finney (zfinney@schlitzaudubon.org) for Field Observers. If there are questions about the count circles, contact Zoe

Wehr Nature Center coordinates a Christmas Bird Count covering the southern portion of Milwaukee County on Sunday Dec 17 from 9-4. Contact Carol Howard for information and an assignment in the southern circle, carol.howard@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Eastern Ozaukee County-Riveredge Nature Center is calling for volunteers as well:
New and experienced birders are needed to count birds in the field within a 15 mile circle around Riveredge (see attached map). If you live in the area, backyard feeder counters are needed as well. Help for all or part of the day! Email Mary Holleback at mholleback@riveredge.us or call me @ 262-416-1224 to sign up.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Christmas Bird Count

Looking for a circle elsewhere? Audubon can help. Find CBC circles, https://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count