Montana Christmas Bird Counts 2023/2024
For many birders, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) has been an important- and fun!- tradition every year. All CBCs are conducted between December 14 and January 5 every year, in established 15-mile diameter circles. Local count compilers and volunteers follow specific routes through the area, counting every bird they see or hear throughout the day. If your house is within the circle, you can also report the birds that visit your feeder (as long as you’ve made arrangements with your local count compiler).
Photo: Evening Grosbeak, by Tyler Pockette.
- Learn more about the history of the Christmas Bird Count on the National Audubon website here: Audubon Christmas Bird Count (main website)
- And here: Answers to your top questions about the Christmas Bird Count
The Audubon Chapters in Montana host the CBCs for their respective areas. Visit their websites for more information on how to join! Not an expert birder? Beginners are welcome, and most CBCs end (and begin!) with a shared meal and camaraderie. Contact the relevant local chapter for more details and to sign up- contact information can be found on each Chapter’s website or social media.
*** Note: this information was last updated on December 11, 2023. Please contact the local chapter or CBC compiler for the most up-to-date information about each local count. Contact information can be found below.***
Bitterroot Audubon
- Hamilton: Dec. 16
- Stevensville: Dec. 30
Five Valleys Audubon
- Missoula: Dec. 16
- For more information: https://fvaudubon.org/calendar/
Upper Clark Fork
- Grant-Kohrs (Deer Lodge): Dec. 19
- Warm Springs: Jan. 1
Both counts start at 8am and end at noon. Beginners and experienced birders welcome. To sign up or for more information on either count please email [email protected].
Sacajawea Audubon
- Ennis: Dec. 14
- Bozeman: Dec. 16
- Livingston: Dec. 17
- Yellowstone: Dec. 17
- West Yellowstone: Dec. 17
- Three Forks: Dec. 27
- Ruby Valley: Jan. 2
- For more information: https://sacajaweaaudubon.org/2023-christmas-bird-count-schedule/
Flathead Audubon
- Libby: Dec. 14
- Bigfork: Dec. 16
- Eureka: Dec. 16
- Glacier National Park: Dec. 17
- Ninepipes: Dec. 17
- Upper Swan: Dec. 20
- Kalispell: Dec. 31
- Troy: tbd
- For more information: https://flatheadaudubon.org/
Last Chance Audubon
- Helena: Dec. 16
- For more information: https://www.lastchanceaudubon.org/
Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon
- Great Falls: Dec. 16
- For more information: https://umbaudubon.com/umbas-2023-christmas-bird-count-invitation/
Yellowstone Valley Audubon
- Billings: Dec. 16
- For more information: https://yvaudubon.org/christmas-bird-count-2/?fbclid=IwAR2NTbsdXLbgy_zaC-ZX_6AB9nwffWf5RUzADe6pmEFe1G7N282hblr6izs
Happy Birding!