Christmas Bird Count for Kids

The Christmas Bird Count is an annual event that began in the year 1900 when Frank M. Chapman proposed counting, rather than hunting birds during the holiday season. 27 counters participated in that first year, but this number grew to 76,987 participants by the 118th year.

Many dedicated CBC participants start in the early hours of the morning, braving rugged terrain and birding from dawn until dusk in an effort to thoroughly cover their assigned areas. Unfortunately, these full-day events aren’t always accessible for beginners or young birders.

In 2007, Sonoma Birding in the USA, partnering with Bird Studies Canada (now Birds Canada), created a framework for hosting the Christmas Bird Count for Kids (CBC4Kids) events to make the Christmas Bird Count activities accessible for those of all ages and abilities. These events include bird walks under knowledgeable leaders, kid-friendly activities and refreshments, and take place in locations safe and accessible to families.

In 2017, Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO) hosted its first CBC4Kids event to introduce a new generation of young birders to this large-scale citizen-science project in a fun, family-friendly environment. Since 2018, RPBO has been holding the CBC4Kids on the same day as the Victoria Christmas Bird Count to contribute meaningfully to the Christmas Bird Count results.

CBC4Kids - Annually
first Saturday after December 13 (same day as Victoria Circle count)
from 1 pm to 3 pm  at Beckwith Park in Saanich

This year: December 14, 2024, 1-3 pm at Beckwith Park

Please register ahead for this free event.  Registration helps us to manage staff and supplies, and will be open approx a month in advance.  All ages welcome.

Arrive at any time to enjoy hot chocolate and snacks, colour some festive bird pictures, and explore our touch table with wings, skulls, and more!

Bird count walks led by experienced RPBO volunteers leave at 1:15, 1:45, and 2:15. You will learn to identify common winter birds, record the birds you see, and contribute to scientific data!