Photo features a Sandhill Crane, a large bird, standing on one leg with wings open.

Cedar Waxwings and Space Needle at Christmas Bird Count 2019 | Tiffany Linbo

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Christmas Bird Count

Established in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the longest running community science survey in North America. Birds Connect Seattle has coordinated the Seattle CBC for over 95 years! Approximately 300 volunteers survey the count circle (15 miles in diameter) centered in downtown Seattle, to identify and count every single wild bird detected. There are 14 sections within the Seattle count circle, each being covered by one or multiple teams of volunteer surveyors. All results are tallied by a count compiler and submitted to the National Audubon Society. The valuable data gathered on wintering bird populations will support important research like the 3 Billion Birds report and other scientific publications.

Home 5 Get Involved 5 Community Science 5 Christmas Bird Count

Thank you to the over 300 volunteers who participated in CBC 2025!

Stay tuned for the official report coming soon.

Two Ways to Participate

In-Field: Join a team of birders and count birds along an assigned route. Volunteers who choose this option are typically out for a full day, from 8am-4pm, with some half-day options available.

At-Home: Stay in the comfort of your own home within the Seattle CBC Circle, and count the birds that visit your yard or feeder. At-home counters typically count for 60-90 minutes on CBC day.

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a program of National Audubon, a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Birds Connect Seattle administers our local CBC count and submits data to the national effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate?

There is a role for everyone in the Christmas Bird Count.

Skill Level: Anyone can participate in the Christmas Bird Count, regardless of bird ID skill level or experience in community science, either as part of an In-Field team or as an At-Home Counter.

Children: We encourage all families with children 12 and under to register for the At-Home Count option. Children aged 13 and up are welcome to participate in the field with a parent or guardian.

When is it?

The 2025 Seattle Christmas Bird Count is set for Sunday, December 14, 2025.

The count usually takes place during a weekend in mid to late December each year.

Not available on the scheduled Seattle count day? Check out other CBC’s in the area.

How do I select a route?

Many CBC volunteers select routes that are nearest where they live, or are in areas where they normally like to bird. However, some routes are more popular than others, and have limited capacity for volunteers.

The registration form asks for your first and second choice route, but there is a chance we will ask you to join a team for a different route. We will do our best to place you on the team of your choice, but please be flexible with your route placement.

Don’t know which route to pick? That’s ok! Please answer the other registration questions and we will place you on a route that works for you.

How do I count from home?

Don’t want to, or can’t leave the warmth of your home? Only have a spare 30 minutes available? Have a young family that wants to take part? If your home is within the Seattle CBC circle you can still take part in the count by reporting the birds that visit your bird feeders and yard. Simply register for CBC as an “At-Home Counter.”

Those who live in apartments/condos are also welcome to participate by counting the birds that visit your patio or surrounding greenspace.

Instructions and tips on how to conduct your count and record your observations will be emailed to all registered at-home counters one week prior to the date of the count.

Please submit your data using the online datasheet provided to you by the count coordinator. Completed paper datasheets can also be turned in at the CBC Potluck, or hand delivered to the Birds Connect Seattle Nature Shop. To ensure inclusion with the rest of the CBC data, please submit your data within three (3) days of the count.

How much does it cost?

The CBC is a free program. However, Birds Connect Seattle kindly asks you to consider making a donation to Birds Connect Seattle to fund local conservation and science initiatives, including Christmas Bird Count. As a nonprofit organization, Birds Connect Seattle relies on the generosity of our community to protect local birds and fulfill our mission.

Simply add a donation during the CBC registration process or click the “Donate” button on the top left of this page.

What should I bring on the day of the count?

Dress for the weather! In-field volunteers will go out, rain, shine or snow. Layers are strongly encouraged with a waterproof jacket and/or pants. Warm hats, socks and gloves are a must. Some areas require more walking, others more driving, so please wear appropriate footwear. Fluids, snacks and a sack lunch are also important. Some binoculars are available to borrow for the count. Please contact the CBC Coordinator to request a pair of loaner binoculars.

Post-Count Gathering

Once the count is complete, we encourage all volunteers to gather for a post-count celebration and the annual bird species roll call, hosted by Neil Zimmerman. (1133 NW 51st St, Seattle, WA 98107)

The 2025 count gathering will be held at Reuben’s Brews Barrel House in Ballard, from 4:30-7pm.

Please Bring: An appetizer or dessert to share, along with your festive spirit.

Provided by Birds Connect Seattle: Hearty options like pizza and tacos.

No-Host Bar: Enjoy Reuben’s craft beers, ciders, non-alcoholic beverages, and other soft drinks.

Children are welcome, as well as leashed dogs with a friendly temperament. Let’s celebrate together!

Questions & Media inquiries

Count Contact: Hanae Bettencourt, Community Engagement Manager, hanaeb@birdsconnectsea.org
Media Contact: Ellie Yamanaka, Communications Manager, elliey@birdsconnectsea.org