Enhancing the scientific value of the Christmas Bird Count

Erica H. Dunn; C.M. Francis; P.J. Blancher; S.R. Drennan; M.A. Howe; D. Lepage; Chandler S. Robbins; K.V. Rosenberg; J.R. Sauer; Kimberly G. Smith

doi:10.1642/0004-8038(2005)122[0338:etsvot]2.0.co;2

USGS · 5224415

Enhancing the scientific value of the Christmas Bird Count

Erica H. Dunn·C.M. Francis·P.J. Blancher·S.R. Drennan·M.A. Howe·D. Lepage·Chandler S. Robbins·K.V. Rosenberg·J.R. Sauer·Kimberly G. Smith

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Abstract

T he C hristmas B ird C ount (CBC), conducted by the National Audubon Society (NAS) since 1900, constitutes the longest-running and geographically most widespread survey of bird life in the Western Hemisphere. Starting with 25 count locations in its first year, the program has grown continuously ever since, with 20–30 locations currently being added annually. Each CBC consists of a tally of all birds detected within a circle 24.1 km (15 miles) in diameter, on a single day within a few weeks around Christmas (current allowable dates are 14 December through 5 January). More than 50,000 observers now take part each year, in close to 2,000 count circles spread across the U.S. and its territories, southern Canada, and, increasingly, Latin America.

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Erica H. Dunn, C.M. Francis, P.J. Blancher, S.R. Drennan, M.A. Howe, D. Lepage, Chandler S. Robbins, K.V. Rosenberg, J.R. Sauer, Kimberly G. Smith. 2005. Enhancing the scientific value of the Christmas Bird Count. https://doi.org/10.1642/0004-8038(2005)122%5B0338%3Aetsvot%5D2.0.co%3B2

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