# Christmas Bird Count: History and Impact

> A 1900 bird census now involves 85,000 participants tracking species trends across the Western Hemisphere.
- Title: Christmas Bird Count: History and Impact · Birds and Blooms
- Summary: A 1900 bird census now involves 85,000 participants tracking species trends across the Western Hemisphere.
- Keywords: christmas bird count, national audubon society, citizen science, bird population trends, bald eagle, waterfowl, western hemisphere, Birds and Blooms
- Source: Birds and Blooms — https://birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/christmas-bird-count
- Author: Amy Grisak
- Published: 2026-11-12T14:42:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: christmas bird count, national audubon society, citizen science, bird population trends, bald eagle, waterfowl, western hemisphere
## Origins of the Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 as a response to declining bird numbers and the feather trade.

> It was a period when scientists were concerned about declining bird numbers in general
## Early Participation and Scope
The first count involved 27 participants tallying 90 species across the northeastern U.S. and Canada.
## Modern Participation and Reach
Today, 85,000 participants count birds in 21 countries across the Western Hemisphere from December 14 to January 5.
## How the Count Works
Participants cover circular zones of 15 miles, recording sightings and travel details through eBird or manual logs.
## Conservation Impact
The count tracks species like bald eagles and waterfowl, showing habitat improvements and conservation successes since the 1980s.
## Why It Matters
The Christmas Bird Count provides long-term data for scientists to understand bird population changes and guide conservation efforts.
## Key takeaway

The Christmas Bird Count, started in 1900, uses citizen science to monitor bird populations and conservation progress.