Montana Christmas Bird Counts 2025/2026

Posted on December 12, 2025

It’s almost time for the Christmas Bird Count!

Everyone from beginner to expert birder is invited to participate in this world-wide citizen science effort. All Christmas Bird Counts (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. (Even if you’re outside of a CBC circle, you can always add your detections to eBird at any time!)

The Audubon Chapters in Montana host the CBCs for their respective areas. Contact your local chapter for more details and to sign up- contact information can be found on each Chapter’s website (links below).

Most counts begin and/or end with a shared meal and camaraderie, and are an annual tradition we always look forward to!

*** Note: this information was last updated on December 12, 2025. Please contact the local chapter for the most up-to-date information about each local count and to sign up to participate. Montana Audubon does not organize any of these events.***

Bitterroot Bird Alliance

Five Valleys Audubon

Missoula: Sunday, Dec. 14
- Join the Feminist Bird Club of NW MT at Maclay Flats: Sunday, Dec. 14

Flathead Audubon

Libby: Friday, Dec. 19
- Of special note- this year is Libby’s 100th CBC! (check out this Nov. 28 article in The Western News)
Bigfork: Saturday, Dec. 20
Eureka: Saturday, Dec. 20
Swan (Upper): Saturday, Dec. 20
Glacier (GNP): Sunday, Dec. 21
Ninepipe NWR: Sunday, Dec. 21
Troy: Saturday, Jan. 3
Kalispell: Sunday, Jan. 4