Christmas Bird Count – December 20, 2025
Volunteers Needed for the Oldest Community Science Project in the World
Every December, thousands of volunteers across North America head outdoors to count birds — helping scientists understand how our feathered neighbors are doing. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) isn’t just a fun birding day — it’s the oldest and largest citizen science project in the world, and it depends entirely on volunteers like you.
This year’s Eastside Audubon Christmas Bird Count takes place Saturday, December 20, 2025, within a 15-mile radius circle centered on Beaver Lake in Sammamish. By volunteering just a few hours, you’ll help track vital trends in bird populations and guide conservation efforts across North America.
Two Ways to Help Birds and Science
1. Join a Field Team
Volunteer as part of a field birding team and spend the day exploring local parks, trails, and neighborhoods within the Eastside Count Circle. Teams are led by experienced birders — no expertise required. You’ll learn as you go, enjoy time outdoors, and contribute data that scientists rely on to monitor bird populations and environmental change.
Questions? Contact Andy McCormick at amccormick@eastsideaudubon.org.
2. Count Birds from Home – Feeder Watch Program
Can’t spend the whole day outside? You can still make a big difference from your own backyard. As a Feeder Watcher, you’ll count birds visiting your feeder, yard, or nearby trees — all from the comfort of home.
Your observations are just as valuable as those from the field. Together, both counts help scientists measure changes in species numbers, migration timing, and habitat health.
To join as a FeederWatcher, you have to live within the CBC Count Circle, which is a 25-mile diameter circle centered around Beaver Lake in Sammamish. Check a live map where you can see if your address falls within the circle below.
Why Your Participation Matters
What began in 1900 as a small experiment by conservationists has grown into a 126-year global science effort. Each year’s data — gathered entirely by volunteers — helps shape research like the 3 Billion Birds report and informs decisions that protect habitats and species at risk.
When you join the count, you become part of this remarkable legacy. Your sightings will be submitted to the National Audubon Society and used by scientists around the world. Together, we’re not just counting birds — we’re helping ensure their future.
Eastside Audubon Field Teams
This year’s routes cover diverse habitats across the Eastside — from Marymoor Park to the Snoqualmie Valley, Issaquah Alps, and Lake Sammamish. Each route is led by a skilled birder and open to volunteers of all experience levels.
East Snoqualmie Valley
West Snoqualmie Valley SW of Carnation
West Snoqualmie Valley NW of Carnation
Marymoor Park
Ames Lake and E Redmond
Sammamish and Pine Lake
Fall City and Preston
E Lake Sammamish Trail, South
E Lake Sammamish Trail, North
W Lake Sammamish Parks
Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Hills Greenbelt
Issaquah Fish Hatchery
Issaquah Creek
Issaquah Alps