(MD) (VA) (DC) Each year from December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. All birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day.

Many bird counts happen on Dec. 14th, but some continue through Jan. 5th. Birders of all skill sets are involved. If you are a beginning birder, your compiler will pair you with an expert initially. Check out Audubon’s map of circle organizers and also check related local events in Capital Nature’s calendar during the CBC period.