Note: The Portsmouth Island Christmas Bird Count has been changed and will take place on Jan. 1, 2026
The Ocracoke and Portsmouth Island Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) are planned for Dec. 30 and 31.
These bird census counts held at the end of the year are two of more than 60 counts that take place in North Carolina.
Portsmouth is scheduled for Dec. 30 but may change to Dec. 31 if weather conditions warrant. So, an RSVP is necessary. See contact info below.
This bird-counting tradition began modestly in 1900 and was billed as an alternative to a traditional holiday activity known as the “side hunt.”
This hunt was a competition to see who could shoot as many birds and animals as possible.
Instead, the CBC focused on just counting birds, recording both species and the number of individuals — a means to promote conservation and improve knowledge of bird populations.
It is now a worldwide effort coordinated by the National Audubon Society to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to engage in birdwatching and contribute to citizen science.
The results track bird populations and can help develop conservation strategies.
Last year, the 30 Ocracoke observers fanned throughout the island, which experienced seasonally chilly temperatures, light winds and sunny skies.
It tied a record for the count of 102 tallied species and for only the third time reached up to 100 species.
Ocracoke’s Christmas Bird Count ties record for number of species
Due to transportation complications last year, the Portsmouth count, which began in 1988, did not run.
The Carolina Bird Club has details about the North Carolina and South Carolina Christmas Counts.
You can find this information online at www.carolinabirdclub.org.
Novices and seasoned birders are needed. To participate in these counts, contact the compiler, Peter Vankevich: petevankevich@gmail.com, text: 202 468-2871, or message via Facebook.
