Each year our local birding groups organize several Christmas Bird Counts. Below are the dates for each planned CBC events with contact information for the count coordinator. CBC counts are for new birders and experienced birders alike, and are a great way to discover new areas to explore.
- Saturday, December 17 – San Diego – Justyn Stahl (justyn.stahl@gmail.com)
- Sunday, December 18 – Borrego Springs – Shannon McNeil (shannon.mcneil@parks.ca.gov)
- Monday, December 19 – Lake Henshaw – Chris Staurovsky (1stlbirdman@gmail.com)
- Friday, December 23 – Escondido – Jim Beckman (jbeckman@dslextreme.com) & Ken Weaver (gnatcatcher@sbcglobal.net)
- Tuesday, December 27 – Rancho Santa Fe – Robert Patton (rpatton@san.rr.com)
- Friday, December 30 – Oceanside – Jane Mygatt (jane.mygatt@gmail.com) & Patti Langen (patti.langenzoo@gmail.com)
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a census of birds in the Western Hemisphere, performed annually in the early Northern-hemisphere winter by volunteer birdwatchers and administered by the National Audubon Society. The purpose is to provide population data for use in science, especially conservation biology, though many people participate for recreation. The CBC is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world.
Each individual count is performed in a “count circle” with a diameter of 15 miles (24.14 kilometres). At least ten volunteers, including a compiler to manage things, count in each circle. They break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting every bird they see. In most count circles, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes.
Counts can be held on any day from December 14 to January 5 inclusive.