Special events
Christmas Bird Count
This year's counts · 2026–27
Three counts run by HCAS
Mount Jefferson
Monday, December 14, 2026
Stone Mountain
Sunday, December 20, 2026
Wilkesboro (Upper Yadkin Valley)
Sunday, January 3, 2027
Join in
Sign up with Guy
Audubon's Christmas Bird Count is the nation's longest-running community science project. Each count covers a circle 15 miles across; every able-bodied person who likes wildlife is welcome.
To take part, email Guy at badgerboy AT wilkes DOT net(Type it with @ and . in place of AT and DOT.)
Audubon has run the Christmas Bird Count since 1900. Year after year, the counts build a long record that shows how our bird populations are really doing.
The short version
One day, one circle, every bird
What?
Count birds!
Where?
In a circle 15 miles across. Each count has its own circle.
Who?
Every able-bodied person who likes wildlife!
When?
A single day near Christmas, between December 14 and January 5. This year's dates are below.
Why?
To get to know nature without harming it, and to gather useful data.
How?
Sign up with Guy (badgerboy AT wilkes DOT net).
On count day
Keeping track of your birds
- eBird
- Use eBird just like normal.
- Paper DataCard
- Print the front and back DataCards on both sides of one sheet (card stock works well), cut it in half, and bring it to the field with a pencil. A great backup if your phone or reception fails.
After the count
Reporting your birds
- Best
- Fill out the e-Form (an Excel spreadsheet) and email it to the compiler.
- Discouraged
- Print and fill out the paper form, and get it to Guy.
Please download new forms each year. Tip: download a count's KMZ map file to your phone and open it in Google Earth to see where you are in the circle while you're in the field.
Nearby
Other counts in the area
HCAS doesn't run these counts, and their policies may be different. Contact them directly.
Grandfather Mountain
Contact: Will Bennett
New River
Contact: Lisa Benish
Mount Rogers
Contact: Allen Boynton