Community Science at Audubon

Community Science is central to Audubon’s legacy and identity and the involvement of community scientists is fundamental to Audubon’s work to improve the lives of birds. Community science is a way for the public to contribute in a meaningful way to the science that studies and guides the conservation of our wildlife.


Christmas Bird Count

From December 14 through January 5 each year tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part in the effort. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.

Christmas Bird Count in Mad Island Marsh, Texas. Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon


Climate Watch

Climate Watch tracks the near-real-time response of 12 species to a changing climate. The next survey will take place January 15 - February 15, 2024 and is open to the public, including all interested Audubon chapters and centers, in addition to organized groups and individuals with an interest in birds.

Climate Watch in Prospect Park. Photo: Camilla Cerea/Audubon


Great Backyard Bird Count

Bird and nature lovers everywhere, of all skill levels and all abilities, unite in the effort to tally as many of the world's bird species as possible during February's Great Backyard Bird Count. Results from the count help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring—whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.

Baltimore Oriole. Photo: Camilla Cerea/Audubon