Christmas Bird Count

This past year, December 14, 2019 through January 5, 2020 was the National Audubon Society's 120th Christmas Bird Count. The CBC is the nation's longest-running citizen science bird project. Data collection is the main focus of the count, and has been since the tradition began on Christmas Day in 1900 when ornithologist Frank Chapman, concerned about declining bird populations, decided to do a bird census rather than the traditional Christmas "Side Hunt” that was the holiday tradition of the day. He organized 27 dedicated birders, and 25 counts were held that day totaling around 90 species in all.

There are counts conducted all over the Americas during this count period, each within a 15-mile diameter circle. These counts are for a 24-hour period within a count circle that has a specified date and territory, and is supervised by a designated compiler.

Four Harbors is one of many “teams” that participate in the Smithtown Christmas Count. In order to collect consistent data, there are very specific routes assigned by the compiler to each team. Unlike our usual bird walks, the CBC day is a quick, fast-paced 24 hours, where we collect as much data as possible within a limited amount of time.

Take a look at the Christmas Bird Counts. Data compiled by Luci Betti-Nash, Team Leader for the Four Harbors circle of the Smithtown CBC.  For more information on Christmas Bird Counts please contact her at fourharborsaudubonsociety@gmail.com

Winter Waterfowl Count

Every January, Four Harbors and some hardy volunteers do the winter waterfowl count for the New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA). We count ducks, geese, and other waterfowl on lakes, ponds, and rivers, and our shores across our area.

This year we braved some of the most wintery weather to date. It was all worth it for the 8,095 individuals we counted. Some of our favorites were the Horned and Red-necked Grebes, along with a young male Barrow’s Goldeneye.

See our Jan 2026 Winter Waterfowl Counts.

State-wide results are printed in NYSOA’s publication, The Kingbird.  In most years, more than a quarter of a million birds are tallied in NYS.  In addition to being an enjoyable outing, DEC has acknowledged this to be a useful survey for long-term monitoring of waterfowl populations wintering in New York.  So, join us and see what you can find at the next count.

Another way to help with waterfowl conservation is to Buy a yearly Federal Duck Stamp. Buying Federal Duck Stamps is among the simplest ways that we can participate in wildlife and habitat conservation. Duck Stamps are a required annual purchase for waterfowl hunters 16 and older, but, more interestingly, birdwatchers, conservationists, and outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts also purchase one each year. A current duck stamp grants the bearer free entrance into any National Wildlife Refuge that charges an entry fee. But whether you are a hunter, birder, environmentalist, other outdoors enthusiast or you simply want to help preserve our natural resources for future generations to enjoy, you can contribute to conservation by buying Duck Stamps.