The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is hosting the local Christmas Bird Count, along with the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society, on Saturday, Dec. 20, with the home base at SCCF Headquarters, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd. Register online here.
The count is a part of the National Audubon Society’s 126th Christmas Bird Count, which will take place between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, 2026.
SCCF is recruiting new and returning volunteers to participate in the Sanibel-Captiva count. Participants do not need to be expert birders to help with the count; they need to drive, spot birds, record data, and tally numbers.
Participants can pick up data sheets and refreshments (coffee, juice, donuts) at their convenience, as early as 6:30 a.m. at SCCF Headquarters. Teams will reconvene there throughout the day to tally data.
Bird Feeder Watch Option
Live within the circle boundaries, but can’t get out into the field? You can still contribute as a Bird Feeder Watcher from home.
Spend at least 30 minutes watching your feeder(s) on count day and submit your sightings. Bird Feeder Watchers are essential for capturing data on common backyard species. Plus, it’s an excellent option for families or those new to birding. Register online here.
The Christmas Bird Count takes place annually between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, with counts held across North America, Central America, and parts of South America.
The first count was held in 1900, when some birders chose to count birds rather than shoot them, as had been the previous Christmas tradition. The Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count, which is always held on the first Saturday of the count window, dates back to 1961, though some informal counts were held prior.