One of my favorite Christmas traditions takes place on Boxing Day. Every year we make bird feeders and head out to the backyard to decorate a tree with them. It’s our own little holiday gift to the birds! Lately though, we have added to that tradition.
Have you ever heard of the Great Christmas Bird Count? The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 and is North America’s longest-running Citizen Science project. It takes place during the holiday season in over 2000 locations within the Western Hemisphere.
The Great Christmas Bird Count
Each count occurs on a single day between December 14 and January 5. You can check the Christmas Bird Count map here to find out the closest location and date for your area. Each count is done within a 24 km diameter circle. This remains the same from year to year to provide consistency for the information gathered.
You can sign up to participate as a volunteer and help gather data that will be used by conservation biologists and naturalists to look at population trends and distribution of birds. You will find that they are often organized by local birding clubs and naturalist organizations, but they are all shown on the official website.
25 Stunning Birds You Should Know About
The bird count is a fun outdoor activity that you can do with your kids over the Christmas break. It’s not only a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while spending quality time with your family, but it gives back to your community too. Win-win!
Looking for other bird related fun ideas?
- Make a milk carton bird feeder
- How to Make a cereal box bird feeder
- Make a craft stick bird feeder
- Tips for backyard bird watching with kids
- An online guide to North American birds
- Bird coloring pages
- Learn some bird calls
- A bird scavenger hunt
- Create a bird book
- A fun activity learning about different types of beaks and the food they’re suited for
- Make edible bird’s nests
- 15 feather crafts for kids
- Bird crafts for kids
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