Bryce Canyon Christmas Bird Count

Annual Christmas Bird Count

Date: Saturday, December 16 2023
Time: Beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Starting at the Visitor Center for information and team formations.
To sign up: contact Ranger Peter Densmore at peter_densmore@nps.gov or by calling 435-834-4744

Whether you are a “bird enthusiast” or someone who just likes nature and the outdoors, please join Bryce Canyon National Park in continuing the Christmas Bird Count tradition. Several routes are available from strenuous hikes to easy drives – we can match your skills/abilities with other birders to make the day fun and successful. What better way to celebrate the holiday than to actively give to the conservation of national treasures – the life within our National Parks? For more information, visit the national park website.

Why Count Birds?

As the holiday season approaches, volunteers across the country will celebrate the gift of natural wonder by taking part in the Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Administered by the National Audubon Society, the event is the longest running Citizen Science survey in the world. For many, counting winter birds has become a family tradition. Holiday spirit and love of birds has compelled generations – and now invites us- to don the cap of citizen scientist and contribute to conservation.

The Christmas Bird Count was started by Frank Chapman and other conservationists on Christmas Day of 1900. Over the years, the effort has evolved into a valuable tool for monitoring winter bird populations in North America. The CBC database, containing over 100 years of data, is accessible to the public and provides critical information for perusal or scientific research. Data gathered by caring citizens will inform policies that protect endangered populations and crucial habitats. Educational outreach can help individuals or organizations make informed decisions about conservation. The Audubon Society lists the following three goals for the CBC:

Enjoy a full weekend at Bryce Canyon City.