Facebook-square Instagram Play
  • Conservation
      Our work in conservation science:
      Bald EaglePeregrine FalconNorthern HarrierCommon NighthawkSwallows, Martins and SwiftsGrassland BirdsRusty Blackbird ResearchThe State of the BirdsMotusFarrar Farm Wildlife Crossing ProjectPollinatorsButterfliesPhenologyConsultingPublications & Past Projects
      Explore our birding-specific websites:
      State of the Birds
      The Joy of Birding
      Backyard Winter Bird Survey
  • Education
      Public Programs
      Community ProgramsNature TalksHire a Naturalist or BiologistSpecial Offerings
      School Programs
      Youth ProgramsHomeschoolEducational ResourcesDistance Learning Lessons
      Nature Day Camp
      Nature Day CampSummer CampLeaders-in-Training ProgramFebruary CampApril Camp
      Ask the Naturalist
      Something Wild
      Search NH Birds A-Z
  • Policy
      Current Issues of Concern
      Rodenticides
      Legislative Tutorials
      How to identify your legislatorsHow to contact your legislatorsHow to locate a billHow to comment on a billHow to email a committee memberHow to sign in at a hearingHow to testify at a hearing
      How NH Audubon Takes Policy Action
      Upcoming Hearings
  • Lands
      Wildlife Sanctuaries
      Great North WoodsWhite MountainsDartmouth-Lake SunapeeLakesMerrimack ValleyMonadnockSeacoast
      Land Conservation
      Support Our Sanctuaries
      Trail Report Form
  • Centers and Events
      Centers
      McLane Center, ConcordMassabesic Center, AuburnNewfound Center, HebronAccessibilityRentals and WeddingsVirtual ToursSilk Farm Sanctuary Audio Tour
      Events
      Events CalendarBackyard Winter Bird SurveyPollinator Fest & Native Plant SaleNH Audubon Nature ChallengeAnnual MeetingHoliday Craft Fair
      Birding Resources
      Birds and BirdingRare Bird AlertsBird Watching BasicsNH eBirdPeregrine Cam
  • About Us
      About NH Audubon
      Mission & VisionAccessibilityStaff & BoardOur PeepsHistoryFinances & GovernanceAnnual AwardsJob OpportunitiesNWF AffiliationMake a DonationVolunteering and Participatory ScienceCommitment to Equity and InclusionJoin
      News
      Contact Us Today!
Search
Close this search box.

Register for a program

Facebook-square Instagram Play
Search
Close this search box.

Register for a program

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 note these dates were for the 2025 CBC. Updated dates will be posted in November 2026.)

  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 (603-229-2447 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: Ben Griffith (bgriffith@gmail.com [preferred] or 603-801-1856).
  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 Hansen. (Please email gmcculloch@nhaudubon.org if you are interested in participating in this count. Grace will put you in touch with the compiler).
  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.