Christmas Bird Count

What is the Christmas Bird Count? 

On Christmas Day of 1900, Frank Chapman and 26 other conservationists initiated the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) as a way of promoting conservation by counting, rather than hunting, birds. Some counts have been running every year since then and the CBC now happens in over 20 countries in the western hemisphere!  Read about the history here.  Now a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society, with over 125 years of community science involvement, it is an early-winter bird census, where thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and many countries in the Western Hemisphere go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds. 

The Merrimack Valley Bird Club has led the Andover CBC since 1990.

Where are the Circles located and how do I get involved? 

Click here for a map view of the circles expected to be included in the 125th CBC.  Each circle can be clicked to see Compiler contact information and how to reach them.  Most Compilers have assembled their teams by the beginning of December and so need to hear from you by then. 

When does the Christmas Bird Count happen?

All Christmas Bird Counts are conducted between December 14 to January 5, inclusive, every year.  Each circle compiler will choose a single calendar day within those dates and the CBC birding is done on only one calendar day for each circle.  Andover Circle is typically the first valid Saturday in December.

Is participation in the CBC free? 

Yes, participation is free. However, you will need to provide your own transportation, binoculars and weather appropriate clothing.  

How does participation work?

There is a specific methodology to the CBC, and all participants must make arrangements to participate in advance with the circle compiler but the CBC is open to all!

Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a Count Compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all, or part of that day. It's not just a species tally—all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the Circle that day. 

If your home is within the boundaries of the Andover CBC circle, then you can stay at home and report the birds that visit your feeder on count day as long as you have made prior arrangement with the count compiler.

What is the role of a Participant?

As a CBC participant, you should coordinate with your local compiler in advance of the count date. Next, follow the instructions from the compiler and learn what data to collect. Go out on count day to your assigned location and document your observations. Finally submit your data to your Compiler in a timely manner.