112th Annual Christmas Bird Count

For New York-area birders, the Christmas Bird Count is as much (or more) part of the holiday tradition as midnight mass or going out for Chinese food and a movie. Certainly it′s more interesting than anything going on at Rockefeller Center. Here′s how it works: First someone important in the birding world draws a really big circle, equivalent to 15 miles in diameter, on a map, and declares the area inside the circle to be "a Count." Manhattan is in the Lower Hudson Count, which includes parts of New Jersey. Separate Counts occur in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx, and many other parts of the world. Each big Count circle usually is divided into smaller territories.

Next, participants are assigned to each territory; sometimes territories are further subdivided. Then off everyone goes, to count all the birds he or she sees in her or his assigned area. Simple. Experience is not essential; the organizers will pair less seasoned birders with those who are more practiced.

Birders gather to prepare for the 2008 Central Park Christmas Bird Count © NYC Audubon

And after the counting comes the eating! The birders gather to thaw out together over delicious food and drink. There each team reports its observations. These Count gatherings are not to be missed! There’s no holiday cheer like that earned by folks who′ve spent the day out in the weather. And such drama! Which team saw the most? Which saw the rarest species? Who has the best "we locked our keys inside the car in a Meadowlands parking lot" story?

Now let’s get something straight. Of course, in our area, it′s cold on Count days, usually. But the cold is what leads to the holiday magic. You’re out in Central Park or on the Palisades, freezing, when suddenly you see it. Maybe it’s a life bird, a species you’re seeing for the first time. Maybe it′s an odd vagrant like a calliope hummingbird, which has no business being there. Maybe it′s just the eye-striking way the sun flashes on crimson cardinal feathers, fiery against the snow.

In that moment, you forget the cold, you forget the wind. It′s you, the bird, and all the majesty of creation. Truly, a holiday miracle.

Be a part of history! Join New York City Audubon and birders throughout the five boroughs as we participate in the 112th Annual Christmas Bird Count. A $5 donation is requested from all participants. Dates and contact information are below:

White-throated Sparrow © Steve Nanz

Monday, December 26

Contact: Mike Bochnik

Please contact Mike Bochnik, Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester, at 914-237-9331 or bochnikm@cs.com for more information or to register. The Bronx-Westchester count is organized by dividing the count circle (radius 7.5 miles) up into 6 regional areas; East Bronx, West Bronx, Yonkers, Hudson Valley (Hastings area), Rye (Rye and Harrison), and Scarsdale (which covers Scarsdale through Mt. Vernon over to New Rochelle and north to Mamaroneck). Each area leader then assigns parts of the area to different teams or "parties." Each party canvases the area assigned and counts and tabulates all they have seen. The results are compiled later that evening at the Count Dinner.

Brant © Steve Nanz

Saturday, December 17

Contact: Heidi Steiner
Compiler: Rick Cech, Brooklyn Bird Club, rcech@nyc.rr.com

Team Coordinator Heidi Steiner (heidi.steiner@verizon.net) assigns trip leaders and participants, assimilates teams, and establishes starting points with team leaders. Please contact Heidi as early as possible for participation in this great event. The count dinner will be held at 5pm at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. Help and assistance is needed for dinner setup.

Long-eared Owl © Steve Nanz

Sunday, December 18

Contact: Susan Elbin, NYC Audubon

Manhattan locations:
Central Park
Inwood Hill Park
NY Harbor & Battery Park
Riverside Park above 90th Street
Riverside Park below 90th Street
Stuyvesant Cove

Please contact Susan Elbin at christmasbirdcount@nycaudubon.org or 212-691-7483 for more information or to register. The Central Park Christmas Bird Count is operated in partnership with the Urban Park Rangers, Central Park Conservancy and the City of New York, Department of Parks and Recreation.

Downy Woodpecker © Steve Nanz

Sunday, December 18

Contact: Ian Resnick

Please contact Ian at avian@nyc.rr.com for more information and to register. Last minute planning for the Christmas Bird Count will take place at the Queens County Bird Club's meeting on Wednesday night, December 14th, at 8pm at the Alley Pond Environmental Center.

Dark-eyed Junco © Steve Nanz

Saturday, December 17

Contact: Ed Johnson

Please contact Ed Johnson with the Staten Island Museum, at 718-727-1135, ext. 110 or by email cicadaman1@aol.com for more information and to register. Teams will search each of Staten Island's major parks. The day's count round-up will be held at 7:30 at the Staten Island Museum.