I left the house early, with just my young son in tow. The year was 2013, well before the pandemic, and coffee was brewing for the relatives still a-snooze in a home strewn with toys and wrapping paper. It felt good to escape the holiday cocoon for an outdoor adventure. For my son and I, even 10 years later, the Christmas Bird Count remains a greatly anticipated break from the holiday frenzy and a precious time to reconnect: both with each other and with nature.  

Although some folks hear the words “Christmas Bird Count” and visualize an arduous dawn to dusk marathon, such is not the case. Although there are some die-hard birders up early to count owls and out late to hike that extra two miles, most participants are like me, fitting the event into a packed holiday schedule and finding it a peaceful and meaningful break. 

 The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) program began 125 years ago as an alternative to the “Christmas Side Hunt,” a bird shooting competition. Instead of killing the birds, we count them (yes, every single one) thereby contributing to a staggeringly large data set showing bird numbers by location across time. These data provide an invaluable snapshot of wintering bird distribution and abundance across time and are analyzed by Audubon’s scientists to provide population trend data. See some results here.  CBC’s occur once annually, between mid December and early January, and focus volunteer effort on a 15 mile diameter circle. There are about 2100 CBC circles in the western hemisphere—and there’s sure to be one near you.  

Not a birder? No worries! Each count circle is managed by a compiler that you RSVP with beforehand. This individual will team you up with experienced folks that will appreciate having an extra set of eyes. This is a great way to meet new friends and to learn birds in a low-key way. Also, you can get a little exercise (and escape house guests—shh!) 

My son and I had a regular route on the Carefree CBC north of Phoenix, AZ. Each year we hiked up a road along a lovely little creek, seeing deer, ground squirrels, and of course birds. At lunch our team would meet up with another group to pass on our data then be free to go. On years I didn’t bring my son, I’d start earlier and stay later…and I eventually became the compiler of the Carefree count, making it my goal to invite five new people to participate each year.  It was gratifying to see many of the “newbies” become regulars, and then new compilers!  There is something profoundly grounding about returning to the same place at the same time each year, like an unsung (and less burdensome) holiday tradition, and that as well as the comradery keeps folks coming back.  

Curious about CBC’s? Check out the Arizona and New Mexico schedules and find a count date and location convenient for you. Contact the listed compiler to sign up and enjoy a new experience.  

 As an aside, my son (now 21) still surprises me with “remember that time on the CBC” recollections and now has his own pair of binoculars. Consider bringing someone along; there’s no greater gift than sharing a love of being outdoors.