COMMUNITY SCIENCE
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
You can add to a century of community science by signing up to join a Christmas Bird Count near you! The CBC is the nation’s longest-running community science bird project, occurring between December 14 and January 5 every season. Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle and is organized by a count compiler. Participants follow specified routes, counting every bird they see or hear. CBC data have been used in hundreds of analyses, peer-reviewed publications, and government reports over the decades.
Birders of all skills sets are involved in the CBC. The Denver Audubon hosts the “Denver Urban” circle every year on January 1. We count birds in 16 different locations around the Denver metro area. Sign up to join one of our trips!
- City Park, Park Hill
- North Aurora
- South Platte Central
- Bluff Lake, Morrison Nature Center, West Central Aurora
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Botanic Gardens, Denver Country Club, Washington Park
- Cherry Creek Trail
- South Denver – North of Hampden
- Sand Creek and Montbello
- South Platte North
Or see all events by clicking the button below and viewing the January calendar page.
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
From February 14-17, The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place across the world. The GBBC is a community science project where anyone can participate by counting the birds they see in their backyard (or a nearby park) and reporting the data online. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner, your observations are valuable for conservation!
How to participate:
- Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025. Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location.
- Use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:
- If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.
- If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).
- If you already use Merlin or eBird, all entries over the 4 days count towards GBBC. Keep doing what you are doing!
If you’d like to participate in the GBBC with a group, we would love to have you join one of our field trips around the Denver area! Stay tuned – we will post field trip locations in early January.
Have a group of 10 or more? Schedule a FREE one-hour presentation at your site to teach your group how to identify birds and use apps to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Conservation
Our conservation support will help you act on behalf of birds, other wildlife, and the natural world.
Human activity is the biggest threat to our environment, but we often feel helpless because our individual actions seem minuscule compared to such immense issues. However, millions of people taking small steps that suit their lives will benefit generations to come. Start with what you can—but start.
RECENT CONSERVATION BLOG POSTS
What is the Christmas Bird Count?
Did you know that there is a 125 year relationship between birds and Christmas? Although birds have been associated with the holiday for an even longer time, cue the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song, we are talking about the Christmas Bird Count! The CBC not only has us see turtle doves, swans, and geese, but
7 Simple Actions to Help Birds – #2 Safeguard Birds from Outdoor Cats
7 Simple Actions to Help Birds - #2 Safeguard Birds from Outdoor Cats Outdoor cats pose one of the most significant threats to bird populations, especially in urban and suburban areas. Outdoor cats kill billions of birds annually in the U.S., disrupting local ecosystems. While keeping cats indoors is the best way to protect birds, many cat
Colorado’s Nongame Program
Learn about the history of Colorado's Nongame Program As part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s 125-year anniversary they are devoting much of their 2022 magazine – Colorado Outdoors – to their history. Included in the upcoming March/April Issue is an article by Walt Graul on the origins and evolution of The Nongame Program. Dr. Graul
STRATEGY
Our vision is to transform Denver into the most bird-friendly city in the US. To achieve this, our Conservation, Stewardship, and Restoration Plan focuses on improving urban and developed habitats in the Denver metro area. Our goals are twofold. Firstly, to increase stewardship actions in the community, creating bird friendly projects and properties; and secondly, to generate change in groups, organizations, institutions, and agencies by influencing the implementation of bird friendly practices, policies, and ordinances.
If you need help with a conservation issue or are interested in helping birds in your neighborhood, please email Nicole Bopp, executive director.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Our biggest environmental influence is through our conservation committee, which supports Denver-area residents and advocacy groups with advice and guidance, including writing letters, commenting on legislation, and testifying at hearings. We discuss current issues at bimonthly committee meetings that are open to the public.
If you want to join our committee or attend a meeting, please email the chair, Polly Reetz.
COLORADO BLUEBIRD PROJECT
The Colorado Bluebird Project operates under the guidance of Denver Audubon throughout Denver and across the state. This volunteer-run project aims to improve the vitality of bluebird populations and to inform and educate Coloradans about bluebirds. From April through August, volunteers of all ages are needed to help monitor the nest boxes.
INITIATIVES
Though not an exhaustive list of threats, below are a few of our recent conservation initiatives.
KEEPING CATS INDOORS IS BETTER FOR CATS AND BIRDS
Outdoor cats and feral cat communities kill 2.4 billion birds in the US every year. Keep your cats indoors to help bird populations flourish, and to help your cats live healthier and longer lives.
USING NON-LEAD AMMUNITION PROTECTS RAPTORS
Lead in bullets leaches into animal tissue that raptors scavenge and eat. This lead poisons bald eagles and other raptors. Hunters can protect non-game wildlife by using non-lead ammunition.
GROWING NATIVE PLANTS RESTORES LOST BIRD HABITAT
Habitat loss through human development is an enormous threat to birds. Using native plants in your landscaping provides habitat and attracts beautiful birds to your yard.
APPLYING WINDOW TREATMENTS PREVENTS STRIKES
Birds can’t see windows. When they smack into windows, it can kill or seriously injure them. Use bird-friendly window treatments to help birds fly around windows—not into them.