On a cold morning in late December, while most of us are still easing into holiday mode, a different kind of tradition is already underway, binoculars up, ears tuned, notebooks ready.
It is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, now in its 126th year, and it remains one of the longest-running and most meaningful community science projects in the world. What began in 1900 as an alternative to a holiday hunting tradition has become a powerful act of conservation, one bird, one observer, one winter day at a time.
The Red, White & Blue Tradition—Buffalo Style
Here in Buffalo Audubon territory, we like to say we celebrate the season in red, white, and blue: Northern Cardinal red, Blue Jay blue, and the crisp white of winter birds like Snow Buntings made appearances that felt almost patriotic in spirit.
This year, eight Buffalo Audubon teams spread out across our 7.5-mile radius count circle, covering roads, woods, wetlands, open fields, and backyard feeders. By the end of the day, those teams collectively recorded more than 30 species of birds, from familiar neighborhood favorites to winter specialists that make even seasoned birders grin.
And yes, there is a little friendly competition involved.
A Little Rivalry, a Lot of Joy
Each team keeps an eye on two unofficial bragging rights: the highest total number of birds counted, and the widest variety of species recorded. Throughout the day, messages start flying. Who has the most cardinals so far? Did anyone else hear that owl? Wait, you saw what near the hedgerow?
Competition aside, the real prize is the shared excitement. The rarest sightings are retold with increasing drama, hand gestures included, and everyone roots for everyone else to spot something special.
Why This Count Matters
The Christmas Bird Count runs annually from mid-December through early January, with tens of thousands of volunteers participating across the Americas. The data collected helps scientists track long-term trends in bird populations, changes in winter ranges, and the impacts of climate and habitat loss.
Buffalo Audubon has proudly contributed to this effort since the early 1970s, and that continuity matters. Long-term datasets are where the real stories emerge, not just what birds are here today, but how our landscape is changing over time, and how birds are responding.
Warming Up at Trillium Nature Center
As daylight fades and fingers grow numb, teams make their way back to the Trillium Nature Center to tally results, warm up, and swap stories. Boots come off. Binoculars hit the table. Someone always swears their count should have been higher.
Inside, the mood shifts from focused fieldwork to cozy celebration. Volunteers sip hot chocolate, laugh about missed IDs, and boast, good-naturedly, about the rarest bird of the day. The newly installed wood-burning fireplace crackles nearby, adding literal warmth to a day already rich with connection and purpose.
Gratitude for the People Who Make it Happen
Let’s say the quiet part out loud. This count happens because volunteers show up. They show up early, layer up generously, and head into winter weather with enthusiasm and care. They do it for the birds, but also for something deeper: stewardship, curiosity, and the belief that paying attention matters.
To every volunteer who joined us this year, thank you. You carried forward a 126-year tradition with grit, generosity, and good humor. And if you have ever thought, “I’m not expert enough,” take this as your invitation. There is room for everyone in the Christmas Bird Count, and we would love to count birds with you next year.
Interested in learning more about birding? Join Buffalo Audubon’s weekly Friday morning birding programs at Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve! Visit our website to stay updated on upcoming programs and events, discounts and other perks that come with a Buffalo Audubon membership, and so much more.
Buffalo Audubon leads and inspires Western New Yorkers to connect with and protect the natural world through bird-focused activities, advocacy, and habitat restoration. In May 2025, the organization launched the Bird-Friendly Buffalo movement to help raise awareness and guide communities with practical solutions to build a city where birds can thrive.
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