Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania


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Audubon Society
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Cardinal in Winter

ASWP Birding
Christmas Bird Count

Pittsburgh and other local counts


Watch this space for the date of the next Christmas Bird Count.

About the Pittsburgh Christmas Bird Count

One of the Audubon Society of Western PA's greatest traditions is the annual Christmas Bird Count. The Pittsburgh CBC has been conducted for decades now and, with continued participation, it will continue for many more decades. Many of our members consider this count a part of their own Christmas traditions. Why not join us and start your own tradition? Birding experience is not a requirement. We group experts and beginners together in small parties who walk and drive their designated section of the count area. Just having an extra set of eyes increases the efficiency of each party in the field. If you prefer, you can also participate in the count by watching your own backyard bird feeder (as long as your feeders are located in the count circle). Check the coordinator list below to participate in this year's bird count!


Christmas Bird Counts are typically held on one Saturday in late December. This is often the Saturday before or after Christmas, but can vary according to the way the holiday falls. Each date is announced the preceding fall. CBC dates are announced in the ASWP member's Bulletin and on this web page.


Pittsburgh CBC Count Circle Bird counts are organized in geographic circles. The Pittsburgh Christmas Bird Count circle covers Pittsburgh and much of the North Hills of Allegheny County. In turn it is divided into smaller areas that are assigned to teams. (See contact list below.)


Separate bird counts are organized in other areas (information below), e.g., Pittsburgh South Hills, Buffalo Creek Valley (which includes Todd Sanctuary), Raccoon State Park. ASWP does not coordinate them, and they may not be the same day as the Pittsburgh CBC. ASWP does announce the days and coordinators for many western Pennsylvania counts in the Bulletin and on this web page. To participate in a bird count, contact the coordinator designated for your area. Coordinators are announced with the date on this page and in the Bulletin.


The Pittsburgh Christmas Bird Count participants and all interested persons—whether they counted birds or not--also gather at the potluck annual count dinner a day or two after the actual count. Hear about all the unusual sightings and rare birds that always occur! The dinner is hosted by ASWP at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Watch for this announcement as well! The other counts in the area also often gather for a post-count reporting, tallying and social event.


Pittsburgh Christmas Bird Count Results


Summaries and bird lists for recent years are available:
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001


A complete table of bird count results since 1959 to date!, compiled by Jim Valimont.
PDF (60K)
Excel Spread Sheet(60k)


Upcoming Pittsburgh CBC


The Pittsburgh CBC circle is divided into the following units. Each unit has its own coordinator. To join in, contact the coordinator for your area (posted here when announced in the fall). They will tell you when and where to meet. You may also contact ASWP for assistance. There is room for beginner and expert alike! Your unit coordinator will team new birders up with experienced birders.


Pittsburgh CBC Units

Each unit has an individual coordinator. Contact them directly for specific location assignments and start times. Coordinator contact information will be posted here as the count approaches.


Other Christmas Bird Counts in our region

Other areas may hold their counts on different days. Here are previous coordinators. Contact them directly for information on the next count.