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 accessible, inclusive opportunity for folks of skill levels to enjoy some birding and camaraderie while contributing data to the count.

To participate, fill out the form below and come to the sit spot at Spring Trail Pond (43°03'01.0"N 89°26'12.5"W) between 9:30 and 11:00 AM.

Bring your curiosity and good cheer, plus a foldable chair or something to sit upon. It may be cold, so be sure to bundle up in layers and a blanket if you wish! Feel free to also bring your own own binoculars, scope, or field guides if you want (we will also have extra binoculars and monoculars available to use).

Accessibility features

• Family-friendly and beginning birders are welcome

• Distance traveled: fewer than 100yds, primarily seated event

• Parking lot nearby (please note parking lot may not contain curb cuts, bathroom not available on site)

• Path is paved asphalt and mowed grass/packed dirt

• Outing leader is adept at birding by ear

• Click here to learn about accessibility and features at Spring Trail Pond

This event is hosted by Madison Audubon and facilitated by Kaitlin Svabek, Madison Audubon communications specialist. Contact them at ksvabek@madisonaudubon.org.

Fill out the form below to let us know you’re interested!

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.