Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christmas Bird Count?
It is a 120 year old tradition where people gather to count the number of birds and species in a given area. Read more about the history of the CBC here on the Audobon Christmas Bird Count Site.
What is eBird?
eBird is an online database of bird observations. eBird allows users to use a phone or a computer to record the birds they see or hear. KVCBC participants can use eBird to also submit multiple checklists combined into one report by submitting an eBird trip report. eBird trip reports can be set up in advance so on the day of the count, participants can track the number of species observed throughout the day. If participants choose to generate an eBird trip report, the compilers ask that the trip report is marked as public and that the participants share the trip report number with the compilers.
What is Avenza Maps?
Avenza maps is an app for both iPhone and Android smart phones that allows users to download PDF maps. With Avenza, a KVCBC participant can look at their phone to determine when they are in and when they leave their assigned zone. A user's locations shows up as a blue dot. Note: the free version of Avenza Maps limits users to 3 maps at one time.
The High Resolution maps in the Resources and Zones sections were produced to work with Avenza.
If you have questions about installing or downloading Avenza Maps, contact the compliers.
How do we count birds?
If you see a species, record that species and count the number of individual birds and species you see at a given location. Some birds may be numerous (i.e White Ibis) in which case it is best to count the number of birds in a small group and then multiply that small group count for the size of the flock. If all members of your team don't see a particular bird, that's ok, it's a team effort.
Participants should only report the birds observed during the count date and in the participant's assigned zone.
If you see a bird you can not identify, consult your team members. Bird identification field guides are useful in identifying tricky species. Online applications like Merlin can assist with identification through sound recordings and photographs.
Why do we count birds?
The US and Canada have experienced a loss of nearly 1 in 4 birds since 1970, that's a loss of over 3 million birds.
Bird counts like the KVCBC help conservation managers, biologists and planners determine how many birds are in a certain area and how healthy that population is. Some of this data can help decision makers prioritize habitat most critical for preservation.
How do I submit my team's count?
Once you have completed your count, click here to visit the Tally Page.
You can submit your results by filling out the online form or you can download the form and call the compilers to report your data.
If you are using eBird to count your species and you are able to generate an eBird trip report, the compilers ask that you mark your trip report as public and that you share the trip report number on the tally page form.
Receiving your day's tally ensures your efforts can be properly recorded.
How can I download documents from this site?
The process to download documents on this site varies according to your browser.
Typically, after clicking on a link to a downloadable document, a separate browser window will open that contains a version of the document. On some browsers, you may need to click on the BOX ARROW icon in the upper right corner of the document to open the document in a separate window.
In this separate browser window, it may be necessary to click on the DOWN ARROW icon to download the document to your device. Once it is on your device you can use Adobe Acrobat or Avenza Maps to view the document.
If you are using Goolge Chrome and you click on downloadable documents, you may be prompted to select your gmail account or the document may simply load in a new window. If it opens in a new window, the documents will be shared into your Google Drive; however, they are not automatically downloaded onto your device. It may be necessary to click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser window to download the document on your device.
Note: While documents will load and be viewable in all web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), all maps will be appear much clearer if they are downloaded to your device.
If you need assistance, contact the compilers