Programs, Activities, & Events
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Citizen Science:
Audubon's 126th Christmas Bird Count will be held from Dec 14, 2025 to January 5, 2026!
The Christmas Bird Count occurs December 14 to January 5 every season. Sign up to receive information and results about all of Audubon's community science programs through American Birds, our newsletter by email. Audubon partners with Birds Canada, who coordinates all Christmas Bird Counts in Canada. Canadian participants can head over to their page to learn more.
Click here for a map view of the circles expected to be included in the 126th CBC.
Follow these steps to participate in Audubon's Christmas Bird Count:
Step 1
Read these details to become familiar with Audubon's Christmas Bird Count.
Step 2
Check out the CBC circle map to find a count near you. Green and yellow circles are open for new participants, and red circles are full.
Step 3
To arrange participation contact compilers by email in advance of count day by using the information from the circle pop-ups on the map.
Step 4
Sign up for American Birds so you can hear about the results of the Christmas Bird Count and other Audubon community science programs!
Step 5
Already signed up for a count? Then head over to our CBC Live tracker to see photos posted from others who are scouting for or participating in the Christmas Bird Count, and upload your own photos!
Walk on the Wild Side
Walk on the Wild Side at the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Walk on the Wild Side is a monthly, second-Saturday series of casual seasonal walks, talks, and experiences designed to bring people closer to the natural world. Each month highlights a unique theme, from winter tracking and bird discovery to spring migration, journaling, and special quarterly birding focused adventures.
Programs are led by local experts, passionate volunteers, naturalists, and community members who care deeply for the preserve. Most events take place at the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve, with occasional opportunities to explore partner sites beyond the preserve.
Walk on the Wild Side events begin at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted, and each session offers a welcoming space to learn, explore, and connect with the changing seasons. Join us to experience the wonder of the Northwoods, one Saturday at a time.
January: Winter Birds and Tracks
Bundle up and step into the winter woods with us! Winter Birds & Tracks is an outdoor program where participants explore the snowy trails of the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve to discover the birds that thrive in our coldest months.
Learn to identify common winter birds, site animal tracks in the snow, and understand the stories they tell about behavior, survival, and the rhythms of the forest. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or simply curious about the winter world around you, this program offers guided exploration, expert insights, and a chance to connect with nature in its quiet, snowy season.
Location: Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Length: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Citizen Science:
Share your birds with us February 13-16, 2026 and be a part of this global event.
Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions over the 4 days count toward GBBC.
More information: https://www.birdcount.org/