Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Bird Count
Volunteers participate in the Christmas Bird Count. Photo: Skyler Ballard / Audubon
The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900, when ornithologist Frank Chapman launched the first "Christmas Bird Census" as a conservation alternative to the "Christmas Side Hunt," a tradition of shooting as many birds and mammals as possible. The first count had 27 observers finding 90 species. Today, nearly 80,000 participants across the western hemisphere record over 2,600 species annually.
Join The 127th Christmas Bird Count
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"}" data-trix-content-type="undefined" class="attachment attachment--content"> Every year, NYC Bird Alliance organizes the Manhattan Christmas Bird Count, welcoming hundreds of New Yorkers to count as many birds as possible, contribute to community science, and engage with birds and nature. The 127th Christmas Bird Count in Manhattan will take place on Sunday, December 20, 2026.
How It Works
- Register for a count location (park or neighborhood) below.
- On your assigned date and time, join your experienced count leader and fellow birders.
- Look for as many birds as possible, sharing any sightings with your count leader.
Your sightings provide critical data on bird populations, shaping conservation policies. All birders and skill levels welcome!
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Manhattan Count Circle (12/20)
Join NYC Bird Alliance at one of our 20+ count locations! Birders of all skill levels are welcome.
NYC Bird Alliance coordinates counts for the New Jersey Lower-Hudson count circle, which includes all of Manhattan and parts of New Jersey.
NYC Bird Alliance coordinates counts for the New Jersey Lower-Hudson count circle, which includes all of Manhattan and parts of New Jersey.
Great Blue Heron, 2025 Christmas Bird Count. Photo: Andrea Trigueros
Join Other Counts Nearby
Brooklyn
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Click here to learn more and register with Brooklyn Bird Club.
Click here to learn more and register with Brooklyn Bird Club.
Staten Island
Hudson and Bergen County, NJ
Queens
Sunday, December 20, 2026
Click here to learn more and register with Queens County Bird Club.
Click here to learn more and register with Queens County Bird Club.
Bronx & Westchester
Sunday, December 27, 2026
Click here to learn more and register with Hudson River Audubon Society.
Click here to learn more and register with Hudson River Audubon Society.
What's the Purpose of the Counts?
Over 125 years of Christmas Bird Count data provides critical insight into long-term bird population health:
- Count data has contributed to major reports on North American bird decline, highlighting threats and driving bird-friendly policies nationwide.
- The Count feeds Audubon's Bird Migration Explorer, an interactive platform tracking the migratory journeys of over 450 species and the challenges they face.
- Participating is a great way to start birding while contributing to scientific knowledge. Many counts—especially NYC Bird Alliance events—welcome everyone, from seasoned ornithologists to complete beginners. If you can see or hear any birds, you can help!
History of the Christmas Bird Count
In 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman launched the first "Christmas Bird Census" as a conservation alternative to the "Christmas Side Hunt," a tradition of shooting as many birds and mammals as possible. That first year, 27 observers conducted 25 counts across North America, finding 90 species.
Read more about the history of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, and see compiled nationwide data, on the National Audubon website.
Count Records
Results from Previous Central Park and New Jersey/Lower Hudson Counts
126th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2025)
126th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2025)
125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2024)
125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2024)
124th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2023)
124th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2023)
123rd Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2022)
123rd Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2022)
122nd Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2021)
126th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2025)
125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2024)
125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2024)
124th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2023)
124th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2023)
123rd Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2022)
123rd Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2022)
122nd Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results (2021)
121st Audubon Christmas Bird Count - New Jersey/Lower Hudson Results (2020)
120th Audubon Christmas Bird Count - Central Park Results
