The Relationship Between Christmas and Birds: A 126 Year Commitment to Citizen Science

By Dori Edwards

Did you know that there is a 126 year relationship between Birds and Christmas? 

Although Birds have been associated with the holiday for an even longer time, cue the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song, we are talking about the Christmas Bird Count! The CBC is a citizen science effort that not only has us see Birds such as Doves, Swans, and Geese, but as a collective can result in witnessing over 40 million birds of over 2,500 different species (we promise we’ll get to what we mean). 

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So what exactly is the Christmas Bird Count? 

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Prior to the turn of the 20th century, many hunters participated in a tradition known as the “side hunt.” This “side hunt” was a competition to see who could hunt the most furry and feathered animals. Around the same time as this unfortunate ritual, the noticeable decrease in animal populations was encouraging an increase in conservationists and humans concerned about the preservation of the natural world. One such human was ornithologist and member of the National Audubon Society, Frank Chapman. In the year 1900, he decided to celebrate December 25th a little differently. 

Or, a lot differently. 

Alongside 26 other committed observers, scientists, citizens, and friends of nature, he established the “Christmas Bird Census.” This new, more compassionate tradition was to count birds during the holidays, instead of hunting them. Across the nation, 25 groups participated in the first ever Christmas Bird Census, including one just two hours south in the city of Pueblo, Colorado.

Over the years, this act of resistance and festive celebration of nature has become an essential function in bird conservation. What began as a series of small pockets of change is now a whole web of inspired advocates taking action for the betterment of the planet. Each year, on a select day during the holiday season, thousands of people commit to observing Birds and recording their findings. This data collected by communities and individuals, just like you, provides invaluable information to the Audubon Society about the status and health of bird populations. It, too, elucidates critical insight on climate change and biodiversity, which has given counsel for reports created by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency. 

This data amassed by citizen scientists not only illuminates the aforementioned trends of the planet, but it supports scientists in finding solutions to national, international, and global conservation issues. Unfortunately, it has continued to give us the same prognosis- Birds are under threat and we need to make a change. 

But there is hope, as there always is! Every year, the Christmas Bird Count sees more and more individuals and communities becoming involved. We know this because last year, the 125th Christmas Bird Count, saw a record-breaking number of participants. From the United States, to Canada, to the Caribbean, Latin America, and Pacific Islands, 83,109 people gathered between December 14th and January 5th to count birds. 

These thousands of people were dispersed amongst 2,693 counts, or circles, which are organized by location. Among all of these circles (the highest number of circles to date), 44,259,423 Birds of 2,503 species were observed across North America, including the Birds seen here in the greater Denver area. 

Although this number may seem somewhat unimaginable, it is in fact alarmingly low. Each year we are seeing an increase in observers, who are seeing a decreased number of birds. 

But, like we said before, there is always hope. Not only are more people participating in what is now known as the Christmas Bird Count, but more and more people at younger and younger ages are considering themselves Birders. 

In an article published earlier this year by the National Audubon Society, they cited a November 2024 report by US Fish and Wildlife service that estimated there are 96 million Birders in the US who cumulatively spent more than 107 billion dollars in 2022. This includes people who take trips to see birds, who bought binoculars for local walks, or who bought feeders, Bird-friendly plants, or bird baths for their own yards and balconies! They found that this economic power supported over 1.4 millions jobs.

The article goes on to say that what this shows is that the growing collective of birders has expansive economic and political power. When spending consciously, among other decisions, Birders as a whole can create a huge impact for conservation and local communities. 

Let's say that again- Birders together have immense political and economic power and can create benevolent, widespread change for conservation, communities, and the planet. 

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So, empowered by this knowledge, what can we do? 

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No action is too small. Change is created by an individual and, resultant, collective commitment to coexistence, equality, and healing. The more that people take inspired, conscious action, the more that it inspires and creates awareness for those around them, catalyzing  a cascade and propagation of mobilization. 

As we move towards the 126th anniversary of the Christmas Bird Count, look to your local area to get involved. You can join any of the day counts, or even observe from your backyard bird feeder. To find a date and join a count, visit this map here. Once there, zoom in and find a circle near you (green and yellow mean there is still space), hover your mouse over the circle and email the compiler that is listed for that circle. 

If you would like to join us, the Denver Audubon, our January 1st Denver Urban count covers a circle with a 15-mile diameter that includes the Platte River from North City limits to Mississippi, west to Buckley Field & Rocky Mtn. Arsenal. For birders of all levels, follow the link here to find a location near you and join us in this celebration of nature!

Whether you consider yourself a bird expert or bird curious, your presence matters. Every human that observes Birds during this count is an essential source of information that supports ours and the National Audubon’s mission- to protect Birds and their habitats while improving the health of the planet and humanity. Every human that decides to give what they can to conservation organizations is participating in an act of advocacy and making a profound statement about what matters to us.

We believe in preserving the profound wonder, connection, and joy that remind us of our interconnectedness with the planet, and sometimes there’s just no better way than to witness the festive spirit that is a feathered being. So, let’s go birding! 

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