The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is widely regarded as the largest and oldest citizen science project in the world. Each year, from 14 December through 5 January, tens of thousands of volunteers head out into the winter landscape to count birds for a day. This tradition goes back to 1900, and in the intervening years, these birders have built a database on bird populations that is unmatched by any other wildlife census. TINS Co-founder Will Richardson has coordinated the South Lake Tahoe CBC since 2004.

The 2020 South Lake Tahoe CBC has been scheduled for Tuesday, 15 December.

Due to Covid-19, we have changed the structure of the count. This year, we are prioritizing data and safety and thus will not host a social count. Traditionally, we would meet the morning of the count at the local coffee shop and proceed to bird together as a group at Cove East. At the end of the day, we usually have a pizza party and count tally. Sadly, we will be canceling these two elements, but there are still two alternative options to get involved, add to the data collection, and enjoy the day:

Option One: Dedication to the Chase. If you want to chase birds on foot, skis, or even in a boat, we are looking for experienced avian enthusiasts to find birds in assigned areas. We will appoint individuals or small groups (e.g. families, couples, or other self-selected "pods" that have consistently been in close contact during COVID) to specific locations throughout the count circle. Please let us know if you would like to be assigned to a specific area, and we will do our best to make it work on a first come, first serve basis.

Option Two: The Backyard CBC. For people that live within the count circle, we encourage folks to participate by counting the birds at your feeder or in your yards or immediate neighborhoods. This way, you can kick back, relax, and learn about the birds that inhabit your yard, all while practicing social distancing. Be sure to hang up your feeder a few weeks leading up to the count, so the birds get used to the location of your seeds.

With both options the data will need to be submitted to TINS via email or regular mail. A map of the count circle can be found by clicking HERE.

To register for the count, please click here.

We will miss birding with you, but we are looking forward to the count and how many species we can find!