Annual Winter (Christmas) Bird Count
By Sarah Schmidt
What is the Winter Bird Count (WBC)?
What began on Christmas Day in 1900 as an alternative to competitive bird hunting has become one of the world's longest-running community science projects. The WBC is an annual bird census in which more than 85,000 volunteers across the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands count every bird they see or hear in a designated circle within a 24-hour period. There are approximately 2,700 locally organized designated circles for these counts which take place for one day between December 14 and January 5. Each circle is 15 miles/24 kilometers wide. Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day following established protocols to ensure consistent data collection, which helps provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population. Volunteers join counting groups that are assigned to specific areas within the circle boundaries, and volunteers may also participate by watching their feeders if they fall into a designated circle.
Why It Matters
Every bird counted contributes to our understanding of how bird populations are changing and what actions we need to take to protect them. Bird count data sets don’t just sit in a database—they drive real-world conservation action and policy decisions, including the following:
Population Trend Detection
Climate Change Documentation
Species-Specific Conservation
Public Decision-Making
Green Mountain Bird Alliance’s role
The 2026-2027 season will mark the 127th year of this annual event and the 79th year that Green Mountain Bird Alliance (GMBA) has participated. The Burlington Circle, one of over 20 15-mile-wide circles in the State of Vermont, is organized by the GMBA. The count for this circle will be taking place on Sunday, December 20, 2026. The circle is split into many sectors and participants count within the sector from early morning until late afternoon. Inexperienced participants will be matched with more experienced birders, which provides for a more inclusive experience and will ideally lead to stronger participation and development of future sector leaders. Sector leaders gather participant data and submit the observations to a compiler for the circle who then submits the information to the National Audubon Society. Feeder counting is permitted if your home is within the boundaries of the counting circle.
Those interested in participating must arrange with the coordinator or sector leader in advance. To sign up for the Burlington count and be connected with a sector leader, please contact: Sarah Schmidt, BurlingtonWBC@gmail.com.
For additional information regarding the count, to sign up for a different count circle, or to sign up for National Audubon’s ‘Christmas Bird Count 101’ webinar on November 17, 2026 to learn more, please go to: https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count
From world-class birders to those beginning to watch birds at a backyard feeder, all are welcome to join the WBC. Curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of birds are all you need to participate! We look forward to your participation in this very important event!