Madison is home to thousands of bird-lovers, just like you. The annual Christmas Bird Count is a great citizen science project that involves meeting other enthusiastic birders and helping collect important data about birds in the at the same time!
Over 100 volunteers will tally birds during the Madison CBC. We invite you to join the Madison-area CBC “Little Sit”—an opportunity for folks of all physical abilities and skill levels to enjoy some birding while contributing data to the count. Inspired by the work of Birdability, this will be a fun, accessible, inclusive event!
To participate, come to the sit spot at Tenney Pier (43°05'42.1"N 89°22'15.6"W) between 7:00 and 10:00 AM. You do not need to stay the entire time.
Bring your curiosity and good cheer, and be sure to bundle up! It looks to be a beautiful—but still wintery—day. Feel free to bring your own binoculars, scope, and field guides if you want (we will also have extra guides and binoculars available to use).
Accessibility features
Families and beginning birders are welcome
Minimal walking required, we will sit at benches along the pier
Trail is poured concrete, generally level with few ruts or potholes
Outing leader is adept at birding by ear
Click here for more information about accessibility and features at this location (Birdability map)
This event is hosted by Madison Audubon and facilitated by Kaitlin Svabek, Madison Audubon communications specialist and Birdability Captain. Contact Kaitlin at ksvabek@madisonaudubon.org or 608-255-2473.
More about the Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count, held annually throughout North America between mid-December and early-January, is a snapshot of where bird species are found during the winter season. Birders count the number and individuals of species over a 24 hour period, and submit the data to National Audubon. This project is important for estimating distributions and populations, and find oddities in nature (e.g., what is that clay-colored sparrow doing in Wisconsin in December?). It is considered the longest-running formal citizen science project in the nation, now in it’s 122nd year! Learn more here.
Cover image by Monica Hall. A flock of Canada Geese fly over water.
