The December 19 Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count (CBC), part of a continent-wide effort coordinated by the National Audubon Society, is sponsored by the Washtenaw Audubon Society, an active chapter of Michigan Audubon formed in the early 1950s. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running ornithological database.

        Field observers spend the day outside covering an area. In addition to the daylight census of birds, several groups of observers will conduct a pre-dawn search for owls. The Ann Arbor CBC is divided into eight sub-regions, each of which is covered by an area leader assigned to coordinating the census in that region. Contact an area leader to participate in that area, or contact the Count Compiler to be assigned based on need.

        For those with a bird feeder within the count circle, this is a fun and easy way to participate. Feeder watchers can participate for any length of time; from one hour to all day. Contact the feeder watch coordinator to participate.