All skill levels and ages are welcome...don't fret if you are a beginning birder as this is a perfect opportunity to learn more about our local birds while participating in this free citizen science event. During the Christmas Bird Count volunteers tally as many species and number of individual birds as they can from sunup to sundown.
Considered the longest running Citizen Science survey in the world and led by the National Audubon Society, Christmas Bird Count data provides critical data on bird population trends. We are fortunate to boast three count circles in our area: Tillamook Bay CBC, Lincoln City CBC, and Yaquina Bay CBC.
Tillamook Bay CBC
Saturday, December 18th
The Tillamook Bay CBC is one of the oldest counts in the State. Last year, having to cancel due to Covid guidelines, interrupted a 56 consecutive year streak. The count circle stretches from Netarts north to Rockaway Beach and east to include the Kilchis and much more (see map). If you love bird watching in this rich coastal habitat, contact us! You will be assigned to a team of field counters with a specific area to cover. All experience levels are welcome!
Field counters need to dress for Oregon coast weather. Mud boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring your own optical equipment. You will also want to bring a lunch or something to snack on throughout the day, plus plenty of water. (Most sector leaders do not stop for lunch.)
If that sounds too strenuous, or you just don't have the full day to spend, you can participate as a backyard/feeder counter if you live in the Tillamook bay area.
WANT TO HELP?
Participation is FREE, but you do need to pre-register. Please contact Kathy Krall at krallfamily@comcast.net to be put on a team or to receive instructions on backyard counting. This count is sponsored by the Audubon Society of Lincoln City.
Lincoln City CBC
Sunday, December 19th
The Lincoln City count circle, like all others, is 15 miles in diameter. We've divided ours into seven sectors (see map). This is a relatively new count, less than ten years old. Our circle covers lakes, forests, streams, meadows, and ocean.
Field counters need to dress for Oregon coast weather. Mud boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring your own optical equipment. You will also want to bring a lunch or something to snack on throughout the day, plus plenty of water. (Most sector leaders do not stop for lunch.)
If that sounds too strenuous, or you just don't have the full day to spend, you can participate as a backyard/feeder counter if you live in the Lincoln City area (see map). We will provide a checklist and guidelines.
WANT TO HELP?
Participation is FREE, but you do need to pre-register. Contact us at aslc@lincolncityaudubon.org to be put on a team or to receive instructions on backyard counting. This count is sponsored by the Audubon Society of Lincoln City.
Yaquina Bay CBC
Wednesday, December 29th
The 49th Annual Yaquina Bay Christmas Bird Count covers a diverse area from Newport to Toledo and south to Seal Rock (see map). We need your help to serve on a field team or to conduct a feeder count.
WANT TO HELP?
Participation is FREE, but you do need to pre-register. Contact CBC coordinators Kai Frueh at Kaifrueh2@gmail.com or Hendrik & Oscar at hhactitis@gmail.com.
Christmas Bird Count - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Christmas Bird Count (CBC)?
It is an early-winter bird census, where thousands of volunteers across many countries in the Western Hemisphere count birds over a 24-hour period on one calendar day.
What is a Count Circle?
It is a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle in which birds are surveyed each year on count day.
Where can I count?
If your home is within the boundaries of one of the count circles (see map), you can stay at home and report the birds at your feeders, in your yard, or flying overhead on count day. If you want to join a team in the field, you need to register with the CBC coordinators using the contact information provided on ourcalendarpage.
When can I count?
Any time from midnight to midnight on the date of the count in your area.
What equipment or tools do I need?
A pair of binoculars, a checklist of local birds, and a good bird book. Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America is one example. In Lincoln City, a simple checklist will be emailed to you prior to count day.
How do I report?
It’s easy! If you are counting in your backyard, we will provide you with a simple checklist that you can fill out and email to the CBC coordinator listing each species (e.g., Chestnut-backed Chickadee), how many you saw and your time (see “My count” and “My time” below). If you are with a team in the field, your team lead will have a checklist for the team.
My count:
Look for the maximum number of each species visible (or within earshot) at any one time. For instance, if you see 5 chickadees on your feeder at once, and a few minutes later a single chickadee flies by after the 5 are gone, don’t add another to your count.
My time:
Report how long you spend counting birds. If you count on-and-off during the day, keep a tally of time spent so you have an accurate total at the end of the day.