The annual Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds conducted across three continents. The all-volunteer effort, which is scheduled between mid-December and early January, takes a snapshot of bird populations to monitor their status and distribution across the Western Hemisphere. It was started in 1900 by Frank Chapman, an officer in a fledgling organization called The Audubon Society, as an alternative to a holiday hunting tradition whose goal was to shoot the greatest number of birds. We hope you can participate. This is a good way to get out in the field with experienced birders and see areas that you can't visit any other time. Novices are paired with seasoned birders, so anyone can participate. A few hours of your time make a big difference. Be part of a long-standing holiday program that ultimately helps protect our extraordinary birds!

2008-2009 Texas Christmas Bird Counts
Last Year's Texas Counts

Useful Links

Christmas Bird Count: Resource Center on Audubon web site
Current Results: Data for the 108th (2007-2008) Count on the Audubon web site
Historical Results: Data for past CBCs on the Audubon web site
How to Start a New Count: Applications need to be received by late summer (Audubon web site)
Resources for Compilers (Audubon web site)
Techniques on How to Conduct a CBC (Patuxent Wildlife Research Center web site)
The Importance of Counting Birds by Robert McFarlane, HAS Houston Bird Survey Coordinator

CBCs Traditionally Held in Texas
** Currently not active - compiler needed