Thanks for a successful 2025 Christmas Bird Count! Stay tuned for details on our 2026/27 Christmas Bird Count!
Email our Count Compiler, Tom Leggett today!
This year’s December 27th count started and ended like last year’s December 28th count: a very mild and a dry day. This year, however, the mild weather still left bodies of water mostly frozen, not wide open like last year. This meant waterfowl was restricted to less open water and easier for the observers to find and count birds, producing better numbers. Highlights on this year’s 126th count are a large flock of Trumpeter Swans, a large number of Cedar Waxwings, a Hermit Thrush, and a Northern Shrike. Last year’s 66 species, with 1 count-week-only species and 9746 individuals set high standards. After results from the first 3 of 7 areas reporting, this year’s count day total stands at 48 species so far with Northern Shrike in Area A‘s Roselle Park a count-week-only bird. Last year our count produced hotspot-level numbers, which we are hoping to match with this year’s results. Also, we are very grateful for the good turnout this year – initial indications are that the number of participants will eclipse last year’s total of 51 counters. See the February 2026 edition of the Caller for a report on species!Stay tuned - information on the 66th Annual Grand Rapids Audubon Club Christmas Bird Count is forthcoming!
This will be the 127th year that the oldest community science program in the world will be taking place, and you can become a valued participant of the count in West Michigan.
What is the Christmas Bird Count?
The Christmas Bird Count is an annual bird census run by the National Audubon Society that takes place worldwide between December 14 and January 5. There are many individually organized Christmas Bird Counts, but each of them have their own Count Compiler, their own survey region and take place only during a 24 hour period on one calendar day.
The Grand Rapids Audubon Club has been counting early-winter birds in the same 15 mile diameter circle on the eastern side of Kent County since 1960. Each year, Grand Rapids Audubon Club members and volunteers spend the day surveying for birds within this region and help gather data that is used to track long-term bird population trends. It is also a great opportunity to spend time birding with friends and family, discover new parks and natural areas to visit at a later date and spend quality time in nature.
How do I Participate?
You can sign up to participate in the Grand Rapids Audubon Club’s Christmas Bird Count by emailing our Count Compiler, Tom Leggett at tomleggett@hotmail.com. Because our survey region is 15 miles in diameter, we have split this into several sections and each has their own section leader. Tom will pass along your name and contact information to a section leader. This section leader will evaluate where they can use your help during the count, and reach out to let you know which areas you are tasked with surveying!
When count day arrives, you spend your day (or whatever time your schedule allows) exploring in nature and keeping track of how many individual birds you see and which species they are.
After your day has completed, you submit your data, along with some additional survey information, to your section leader so we can compile our data before sending it off to the National Audubon Society.
Do I have to be an Expert to Participate?
Not at all! It helps to be able to tell one species from another, but community members of all skill levels are welcome to participate in the Christmas Bird Count. If you are new to identifying bird species, let us know! We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience so you don’t feel lost or unsure of what you’re doing. If you’re not feeling comfortable with surveying on your own, we’d be happy to pair you up with someone who is more experienced or you can join a social hike that may be happening as a part of the count. You can also download and review our list of commonly seen species to brush up on your ID skills beforehand. Being a Community Scientist is as easy as being willing to participate, and we are extremely thankful for your help!
Some things that are helpful to bring along for the Christmas Bird Count:
• Binoculars and/or Spotting Scope
• The Merlin App
• A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern North America
• Coffee, Water, Snacks and Sweets
• Being Dressed for the Weather (Hat, Gloves, Coat, Snow Boots, etc.)
A map of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club’s Christmas Birds Count Survey Area
2026 GRAUD Christmas Bird Count Schedule of Events
7:30-8:00am
Meet-and-Greet at the Count Headquarters, the Wittenbach-Wege Center in Lowell. If you have questions for your section leader, or do not have an assignment yet, plan to meet here to make sure you have all of the necessary information before the count begins.
8:00am ~ 12:00pm
Morning Shift for those only available to survey in the morning.*
12:00-1:30pm
Social Hot Lunch provided for count volunteers at the Wittenbach-Wege Center.
~1:00-5:00pm
Afternoon Shift for those only available to survey in the afternoon.*
*Shorter shifts are able to be accommodated, please communicate your availability with your section leader.
