San Diego Circle Map. This is the general area in which the San Diego CBC will be held. If you are from areas outside this and are seeking something closer to home, please refer to the other counts taking place in the county.
Toyon Berries photograph by Arminda Stump, Anstine Audubon Nature Preserve
San Diego Christmas Bird Count: Saturday, December 19, 2026
Join hundreds of volunteers across San Diego County for one day of counting birds. Registration is now open!
Register here: San Diego Christmas Bird Count 2026 - All Participant Sign-Up
Sector Leaders: please register by November 1. We have new training materials to share with you.
Participants: please register by November 15. Sign up early for the best chance at your preferred assignment.
What is the Christmas Bird Count?
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a community science project of the National Audubon Society that has run every winter since 1900. Volunteers across the Americas count every bird they see or hear within a set 15-mile-wide area called a “circle.” Each circle has a compiler and is divided into smaller sections, each covered by a team.
Scientists use the results to track how bird populations are changing over time, including the effects of climate change and land use. Your count adds to more than a century of data.
Can I join?
- Yes, it's free!
- No experience needed. New birders are placed on a team with experienced leaders.
New to the CBC? National Audubon is hosting an online webinar on Tuesday, November 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Sign up here.
Other counts in the region
- December TBD Salton Sea – Chris McCreedy (CMcCreedy@abcbirds.org)
- December TBD Idyllwild – Robin Roberts (Idyrobertsrobin1@gmail.com)
- December 20 Anza-Borrego – Shannon McNeil (Shannon.McNeil@parks.ca.gov)
- December 21 Lake Henshaw – Chris Staurovsky (1stlbirdman@gmail.com)
- December 27 Escondido – Jim Beckman, Ken Weaver (jbeckman@dslextreme.com) (gnatcatcher@sbcglobal.net)
- December 29 Oceanside – Patti Langen (patti.langenzoo@gmail.com)
- January 3 Rancho Santa Fe – Robert Patton (rpatton@san.rr.com)
Questions about the San Diego count? Contact the San Diego CBC planning committee at cbc@sandiegobirdalliance.org.
Explore an interactive map of all of the CBC locations in the United States here.
