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Birds & Birding

Christmas Bird Count

Join the Christmas Bird Count

It’s time for the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)! There are 21 active counts across New Hampshire, and all interested birders are welcome to join.

Check the list below for a count near you and contact the compiler listed if you’d like to participate. Each count takes place within a designated count circle (a 15-mile diameter area centered on a specific point). The circle is divided into sections, with teams assigned to survey each one. If you live inside a count circle, you can even contribute by counting the birds in your own backyard!

The Christmas Bird Count is an international effort organized by the National Audubon Society, which coordinates all circles to ensure they don’t overlap. Each local count selects one survey day between December 14 and January 5.

While NH Audubon does not coordinate the CBC, we’re pleased to share this list of New Hampshire compilers and count dates so you can find a circle near you and join the fun.

Be part of a more than 100-year-old winter tradition. Bundle up, grab your binoculars, and help count New Hampshire’s winter birds!

Current Count Circles

(Note: Please reach out directly to the contact to sign up.)

  1. Pittsburg – Wednesday, December 17. Contact: Phil Brown (pbrownnature@gmail.com).
  2. Errol-Umbagog – Thursday, December 18. Contact: Katrina Fenton (gosknits@comcast.net [preferred] or 603-557-6832).
  3. Littleton – Sunday, December 21. Contact: David Govatski (Govatski@gmail.com).
  4. North Conway – Saturday, December 20. Contact: Nora Dulfilho, Tin Mtn. Conservation Ctr. (603-447-6991 or nbeem@tinmountain.org).
  5. Baker Valley – Discontinued since 2023. Compiler needed.
  6. Hanover-Norwich – Thursday, January 1. Contact: Walter Ellison (rossgull61@gmail.com) or Nancy Martin (borealdee@gmail.com).
  7. Laconia-New Hampton – Saturday, January 3. Contact: Pam Hunt (603-753-9137 or biodiva63@gmail.com).
  8. Concord – Sunday, December 14. Contact: Jacob Rhodes (jacobrhodes100@gmail.com).
  9. Lee-Durham – Saturday, December 27. Contact: Kurk Dorsey (603-397-5844 or kd@unh.edu).
  10. Coastal – Saturday, December 20. Contact: Dave Tucker (207-752-1417, dhtucker@comcast.net).
  11. Keene – Sunday, December 14. Contact: Phil Brown (pbrownnature@gmail.com).
  12. Peterborough-Hancock – Saturday, December 20. Contact: John Ranta (john.f.ranta@gmail.com).
  13. Nashua-Hollis – Saturday, January 3. Contact: Richard Bielawski (603-429-2537 or rbielawski@mac.com).
  14. Lake Sunapee – Saturday, December 20. Contact: Dylan Jackson (Jacksonwrxt@hotmail.com [preferred] or 603-475-9128).
  15. Saxtons River (Vt.-N.H.) – Date Unknown. Contact: Donald Clark (802-843-2347 or sapsbks@gmail.com).
  16. Manchester – Saturday, December 20. Contact: Richard Bielawski (603-429-2537 or rbielawski@mac.com).
  17. Isles of Shoals – TBD (based on weather). Contact: Ben Griffith – (bgriffith@gmail.com [preferred] or 603-801-1856)
  18. Sandwich – Sunday, January 4. Contact: K Klapper (603-903-5288 or kklapper@gmail.com).
  19. Barnet (VT-NH) – Sunday, December 14. Contact: Jeff MacQueen (jmacqueen65@gmail.com)
  20. Grafton-Bristol – Saturday, December 20. Contact: Bill Belanger (603-455-3471, or belanwl68@gmail.com).
  21. Crawford Notch – Saturday, December 20. Contact: Craig Repasz (203-745-6683 or crepasz@hotmail.com).
  22. Jeffreys Ledge. Contact: Eric Masterson – (erictheirish@gmail.com). First date with seas 2 foot or less from December 15th onwards. If there is a conflict with the Isles of Shoals, we will select the next available date.

Download a pdf of Christmas Bird Count circles in New Hampshire

Photos, from the top: Beginning birding class outing by Dyanna Smith, Tufted Titmouse by Walter Keane.