11 saved#4,906 of 6,224

Christmas Bird Count Week

Join in the annual tradition of Christmas Bird Count Week and help collect valuable data on bird populations while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Tuesday

14–5

December–January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEDecember 14-January 5 (Christmas Bird Count, 23d)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYCollecting

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to spot some beautiful feathered friends during Christmas Bird Count Week, which occurs from December 14- January 5! This annual event has been taking place since 1900 and is the longest-running citizen science project in the world. It was originally created as a way to encourage people to go outside and observe birds during the holiday season, but it has now become an important tool for scientists to track bird populations and migration patterns. So grab your binoculars and join in on this fun and educational tradition!

TIMELINE

Christmas Bird Count Week Timeline

First Christmas Bird Count

Ornithologist Frank M. Chapman proposed a new holiday tradition of counting birds instead of hunting them, marking the first Christmas Bird Count.

Expanding North American Coverage

By 1950, the coverage of the count expanded to accumulate data from every state in the U.S., Canada and parts of Central America.

Data Aids Conservation Efforts

By 1981, data collected from the bird count began playing a crucial role in conservation decisions, such as informing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision on setting waterfowl hunting seasons.

100th Anniversary of Bird Count

The 100th anniversary of the Christmas Bird Count was celebrated, spotlighting the vast information the project provides about the long-term health of bird populations.

Global Participants Record

In 2019, a record 81,601 bird watchers from more than 2,500 locations around the world participated in the Christmas Bird Count.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Christmas Bird Count Week

Join a bird watching group

Find a local bird watching group and join them for a day of counting birds. You'll learn about different species and contribute to the Christmas Bird Count data.

CREATE

Create a homemade bird feeder

Get crafty and make your own bird feeder using recycled materials. Hang it up in your yard and observe the different types of birds that come to visit.

ATTEND

Attend a bird-themed event

Check your local community calendar for any bird-themed events happening during Christmas Bird Count Week. It could be a lecture, workshop, or even a nature walk.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer with a conservation organization

Spend some time giving back to the environment by volunteering with a conservation organization that focuses on protecting birds and their habitats.

HOST

Host a bird-themed movie night

Gather some friends and family and watch a bird-themed movie like "Winged Migration" or "March of the Penguins". Serve bird-shaped snacks for added fun.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Christmas Bird Count Week

It's fun and educational

Participating in the Christmas Bird Count allows you to explore nature and learn more about the different species of birds in your area. It's a chance to observe their behavior, identify their calls, and contribute to important scientific research. Plus, it's a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature during the holiday season!

It promotes bird conservation

The Christmas Bird Count is not just about counting birds - it is also a way to create awareness and support for bird conservation efforts. By participating, you are helping to collect valuable data that can aid in the protection of bird populations and their habitats.

It brings people together

The Christmas Bird Count is a community event where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to appreciate and learn about different bird species. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and share your knowledge and passion for these beautiful creatures.

Related holidays

FRI

Feb 2026

Animals

Great Backyard Bird Count

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count - let's wing it together for the love of our feathered friends! Help us catalog and conserve avian wonders.

Big Garden Birdwatch

Join us for the Big Garden Birdwatch - a day to appreciate nature's avian wonders, right from the comfort of your backyard!

National Bird Feeding Month

Join the flock and spread your love for birds this National Bird Feeding Month with our tips, tricks, and bird-friendly products!

World Migratory Bird Day

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by taking a trip to your local park and enjoy the beauty of nature with our feathered friends!

23Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API