In addition to ASCA’s monthly field trips, other bird counts are available for those who would like to participate. Dates and contact information are given under the count description.
Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC), organized by the National Audubon Society, is the longest-running community science bird project in the world, dating back to 1900. It began as a conservation-minded alternative to the “Christmas Side Hunt” where participants would compete to shoot the most birds. Today, the CBC involves thousands of volunteers who count and identify birds in designated areas known as “count circles”.
Several counts are held around the state each year, the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas sponsors two, Little Rock and Lonoke. Compilers for each CBC will announce the date(s) of their count(s) by November or early December.
All counts are open to birders of all skill levels.
For more information about Little Rock or Lonoke counts, contact Kevin Krajcir at kjkrajcir at gmail.com
Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual four-day event held the second weekend in February (Friday through Monday).
Overview
The purpose of the GBBC is to determine the mid-winter numbers and help researchers understand trends in bird populations, range expansions, habitat changes, and other threats that affect birds. It originally began as individuals counted birds in their backyards or at their feeders. It was later expanded to include areas wherever birds were found.
To participate, count one-day or all four days, in your backyard, local park, or anywhere birds are found for at least 15 minutes. Tally the highest number of each species you see or hear and enter your data into eBird.org or birdcount.org. Several birding groups from around the state sponsor field trips and/or events for GBBC.
The GBBC is a joint project of Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada.
World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is officially celebrated on the second Saturday of May in the United States and Canada, and the second Saturday of October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. WMBD is a global event that celebrates and highlights the migration of nearly 350 species of birds to North America.
Anyone can participate. Go birding at your favorite location or explore somewhere new. Several birding groups from around the state sponsor field trips and/or events for WMBD.
Be sure to enter all of your sightings into eBird.org and make your sightings count for Arkansas.
Project FeederWatch
Sponsored by Cornell Lab and Birds Canada, Project FeederWatch engages people in observing birds and mammals that visit backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. You choose the location, when to count, and how much time to observe. Joining the FeederWatch community is fun, educational, and rewarding—your observations provide unique insight into the lives of backyard birds and help us track avian populations over time.
For more information or to participate visit Homepage – Project FeederWatch.