Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 16

At Cantigny or elsewhere in DuPage County, take part in one of the great traditions in birding, the annual Christmas Bird Count! The CBC is a nationwide event, sponsored by the National Audubon Society and first conducted in 1900. It’s a true “citizen science” project — data collected in all the 15-mile-radius count circles helps researchers monitor bird population and distribution trends.

Cantigny Park is one of many local count sites. We are part of the annual Fermi-Batavia CBC, administered by the DuPage Birding Club. This is the 48th year for the “Fermi CBC.”

Participation at Cantigny is strictly limited to 10 birders. There will be opportunities to participate at other sites around the county. Birders are always needed for the CBC and all skill levels are welcome!

The CBC is an ALL-DAY event, but weather conditions will determine how many hours we spend in the field. Generally we spend the morning on the park side of Cantigny, and after an early lunch we bird on the golf course. For those interested, owling will begin at 5 am (also weather permitting).

To register, send an email to jreiter@cantigny.org with “Cantigny CBC” on the Subject line. Logistical details will be sent to registered birders about a week in advance.

Parking is free for this event, and there is no registration fee. We will start from the Visitors Center at 8 am.