The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a community science program with a century of history behind it. It brings together bird lovers of all ages and skill levels to spend a day outdoors, sharing their observations and contributing to a hemispheric snapshot of winter bird populations. The point is to count as many individual birds and species as we can see on our count day, and all the data—collected from all the places—gets compiled by Audubon and shared with researchers and scientists. It has been essential in identifying trends in bird populations.
Last year the Seney Christmas Bird Count circle was reactivated, and it’s happening again!
The Seney Circle Count will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Want to join?
There are two ways to participate:
1. In the field covering an assigned part of the circle, or
2. At home watching your feeder, if you live within the circle.
The time commitment is about two hours.
On the morning of the count, Seney Circle participants will meet at the Temporary Visitor Center (River Rd.) at 10 a.m. for a very brief orientation, distribution of forms, and territory assignments. New to birding? Tag along with someone more experienced or just give it a try! You can cover your field territory any way—staying in one place, on foot, in a car, or even on a dogsled or bike if you wish. Feeder watchers can choose their own two-hour time slot between midnight and midnight.
Whether participating in the field or at your feeder, you will need to register with a compiler and fill out specific data collection forms.
Seney Circle Compiler
Polly Sheppard
Phone/text: 810-938-3020
Email: Pollysheppard1@gmail.com
