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Compiler's Page

This page contains resources to help Compilers run their counts. These printable documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Included on this page are


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Compiler’s Packet Online

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view or print these documents 		CBC Contact

Audubon Science Office
Attn: Christmas Bird Count
545 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974

Questions/Comments/Help
cbcadmin@audubon.org

The Official CBC Count Period December 14th through January 5th

Following the 100th CBC, the official count period was expanded and fixed at the dates of 14 December through 5 January for all future seasons. Individual Count Compilers are free to choose a day within that period. This will help for planning in the years ahead. All counts must run within these dates.

CBC Deadlines
Data Entry Deadline February 15 each year
Fee Payment Deadline February 15 each year
Regional Editing process February 1 - March 31 each year

Rare Bird Forms
Rare Bird Forms are to be sent directly to the Regional Editor. Click link for mail and email addresses.

Compiler’s Manual
Read or print out the Compiler's Manual (PDF). This manual details specifics of conducting a count, including scouting, contacting participants, how to record weather and effort information, and the participant fee policy.

Data Entry Manual
Download and print out the Data Entry Manual (PDF). This manual gives instructions on how to log on to the online Compiler CBC data entry system and how to complete data entry.

Christmas Bird Count Fee Policy:
The count fees collected during each CBC help to cover the cost of generating materials for compilers, producing the annual CBC summary issue, and maintaining the CBC Web site and database. The policy follows
  • There is a $5 per field observer fee per CBC. Feeder watchers and observers 18 years of age or younger are not asked to pay the fee.
  • Field observers pre-registering on a U.S. CBC for four or more counts pay a maximum of $20 for the four or more counts per season.
  • The primary compiler (only) is exempt from paying the fee for his/her count(s). Secondary compilers must pay the count fee if they participate as field observers. If secondary compilers are not observers and only helpers they do not have to pay the fee.
  • Refunds for pre-paying observers will only be given in the event of a count's cancellation by the compiler. In the event of an observer paying $20 for five or more counts, in advance under the new discount, no fee will be refunded if one count is cancelled. If an observer pays $20 for four counts in advance under the new discount, and one count is cancelled, $5 will be refunded to the observer.
  • Non-attendance at a count by a pre-paying individual cannot be refunded. This is considered a donation to National Audubon Society.
  • In Canada, fee arrangements are handled completely by Bird Studies Canada, the Canadian partner of the CBC. In other countries, fees are optional for nationals, but requested of North American participants.
  • All paying U.S. participants and U.S. CBC participants 18 and under will receive a copy of American Birds: Summary of the CBC, published once per year after the conclusion of the CBC season. This summary issue contains articles on the many ways that CBC data has shown us early winter bird population trends, as well as information about those that participate in the CBC. Participants can opt-out of receiving this publication.
  • Sponsoring groups, which may be Audubon Chapters, bird clubs, or other entities, in some areas will cover some or all of the participant fees for a given count or counts.
Notice for Canadian Compilers
Canadian compilers must enter their participant names and pay their fees on
Bird Studies Canada's Web site at http://www.bsc-eoc.org/cbc/entry.jsp.
Instructions for this process are sent by email to Canadian compilers in early December.

Starting a New Count
Want to start a new count in your area? There are now over 2000 CBCs in the United States, Canada, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the more the merrier! In order for you to start a new Christmas Bird Count in your area, we will need the following information as part of the application process between August 1 and September 15:
  • The name of your new count, along with the description and exact latitude and longitude (in decimal degrees only) of the center point of your 15-mile diameter circle. The lat/long information in decimal degree format is critical to get your Count set up in the CBC database.
  • A good map with the proposed circle drawn on it, along with other nearby counts also plotted on the map. This is to make sure that your new count won't overlap with existing circles. Please be sure to use the same scale for all circles shown.
  • General geographic and good habitat descriptions of the area, including percentages of habitat types, an indication of the vegetation in each habitat, and why the area is important.
  • An assurance that at least 10 participants will be available every year to do the count, along with a description of the experience level of the party leaders, to ensure continued good coverage.
  • Name, address, phone number and email of compiler. Please note that an email address is mandatory to enter data.

Once your count is approved, please remember that each field participant on all Christmas Bird Counts pays a participation fee, which is $5.00 per person. The remittance is paid after count has been conducted and your data entry is completed. These fees help defray the cost of production and publication of the annual results summary of the Christmas Bird Count, and without it we would be unable to complete this crucial task. Please make sure that each potential participant understands this fee payment in advance, thus avoiding any misunderstanding about paying to participate in CBCs.

While we look forward to receiving the packet with the information on your new CBC by mid-September, we often recommend that people run a trial count for a season. This helps ensure that your proposed circle is one you and your participants will be happy with for the future. In running a trial count, unanticipated logistical problems may be discovered, and you can make sure your circle includes the best possible combination of local habitats.

When we receive your application, we will review it and get back to you as soon as possible if there is any problem. If everything is in order, you will automatically receive a compiler's packet when they are sent out mid-fall.

To propose your new circle, please send your application between August 1 and September 15 to:

Audubon Science Office
Attn: Christmas Bird Count - New Count Application
545 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
or, via email to the CBC Office

Editorial Codes:
CBC Regional Editors may include comment codes with some records during their review of CBC data each season. These codes are displayed with the results on the Current Year’s Results report.

Download and print out the list of Editorial Codes (PDF)

Update Compiler Registration:
It is the responsibility of the compiler to update his/her personal information. To update your email address, street address, or phone number, please go to http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/ and click on "Data Entry/Review." Log into the CBC system and click on "My Account" on the upper right side of the page. This is where you can change your email address or other information, including your username and password.

Making a Compiler Change:
First, we will need the new compiler to register on our website—if he/she is not already registered. You can register by going to http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/ and clicking on "Data Entry/Review." At the first screen click on "Register New User" and follow the instructions. Then inform cbcadmin@audubon.org of the change, including old and new compiler names and the count name/code and then the new compiler registration will be connected to the count circle to be taken over. This can only be done through the CBC administrator.