When the temperature is below freezing and there’s snow on the ground, you’re probably not thinking about heading outside to see birds. But that’s when these special events and your binoculars are most needed!
There are a lot of birdwatching programs held in December, so if you want to add some new species to your life list or just enjoy a little bit of indoor warmth while enjoying nature,
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Discover the festive birds to spot during holiday season. |
| Learn why birdwatching is the perfect holiday activity. |
| Explore the top birdwatching hotspots to visit during holidays. |
| Find the ultimate birdwatching Christmas gift guide. |
| Learn about the unique Christmas traditions of different bird species. |
| Read about the top birding events and festivals in the US. |
| Discover all you need to know about birding festivals. |
| Get a list of birding festivals in the southern United States. |
| Learn the basic equipment and tips for bird watching. |
| Find out how to get involved in birdwatching events and festivals. |
Birdwatching on Christmas Day
It’s a tradition for many birders to wake up early on Christmas morning and go out in search of birds at dawn. So you might as well do it this year, too!
Birds tend to be more active at dawn than they are at any other time, so if you want your best chance of finding one or two special species that are only active during the day (like Northern Cardinal and Blue Jay), then set your alarm clock early and get ready for some fun.
You can also choose to spend time with family and friends by having them join in the fun it will be a great way for everyone involved to get some exercise while getting outside together!
The holiday season is the perfect time to go birdwatching and spot some of the most festive birds. “From the bright red Northern Cardinal to the colorful Black-throated Blue Warbler, there are plenty of birds to discover and appreciate during the festive season.” Check out our guide on the most festive birds to spot during the holiday season.
Balmy Holiday Bird Watching
The Balmy Holiday Bird Watching event is coming to San Francisco on December 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.
This event will be held at Muir Woods National Monument and the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory in the Marin Headlands. You can expect to see a variety of birds such as hummingbirds and woodpeckers, among others.
> The event will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., so it’s an ideal way of spending your Christmas morning or afternoon if you’re in town visiting family!
Best Brands for Balmy Holiday Bird Watching
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Swarovski Optik | Offers high-end binoculars and spotting scopes that are perfect for birdwatching in tropical environments. |
| Vortex Optics | Offers a range of binoculars and scopes that are affordable and durable for birdwatching in any climate. |
| Leica Sport Optics | Produces premium birdwatching equipment that is particularly suited for tropical regions. |
| Nikon | Offers a wide variety of binoculars and scopes that are perfect for birdwatching in warm climates. |
| Zeiss | Offers high-quality birdwatching optics that are specifically designed for tropical and low-light conditions. |
Note: The above table lists the top brands of binoculars and scopes for birdwatching in tropical or warm environments. These brands offer a range of product options with varying features and price points to suit different needs and budgets.
The Birds of Winter Festival
The Birds of Winter festival is a day out at Arundel Gardens to celebrate the natural world, featuring live music and over 50 bird experts.
It’s run on December 14, with events starting at 10am. The Birds of Winter Festival is free but you can buy food and drink in the gardens to support them (you might want something warming if you’re planning on staying outside all day).
Are you looking for the perfect holiday activity? Why not try birdwatching? “Birdwatching is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.” Check out our guide on the reasons why birdwatching is the perfect holiday activity to learn more.
Christmas at the Mansion
The Christmas at the Mansion event is held at the historic James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library in Highland, New York. This year, it will be held on December 17th and 18th and feature a variety of activities including a tree farm walk and birdwatching walk.
The Yuletide Walk
The Yuletide Walk is an annual event in the small town of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The walk is organized by the Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells and takes place on December 10. The route starts at 11:00 a.m., so you should arrive early if you want to see the birds!
If you’re lucky, your local bird watching club might organize something similar to this but if not, there are plenty of other ways for you to get in on some Christmas-themed birding fun. Check out our list below for some other events worth checking out this holiday season!
The holiday season is the perfect time to explore new birdwatching hotspots. “Whether you’re looking to spot migrating waterfowl or rare songbirds, the holiday season offers some of the best birdwatching opportunities of the year.” Check out our guide on the top 15 birdwatching hotspots to visit during the holidays to discover some of the most exciting destinations.
Christmas Bird Counts
Christmas Bird Counts are one of the most popular and well-known Christmas-themed birdwatching events.
You might not know that there’s a tradition of counting birds on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, but it dates all the way back to 1900 when Dr. Frank Chapman and a friend spent Christmas Eve picking out birds in Central Park.
On December 26th, they conducted their first official count together with twenty other people who had been recruited by Chapman through letters sent out earlier in December.
It’s important to note that many different kinds of birds can be counted during a CBC: Canada Geese, Mallards (which are usually found in large flocks), Robins and Sparrows are some examples from North America; Great Crested Grebes from England; Long-tailed Tits from Germany and even Waxbills from Australia have been included!
As for how you can participate? All you need is an hour to spare on any day between December 14th and January 5th during this time frame it doesn’t matter if it’s snowing or if it hasn’t snowed yet because most birds will still be around regardless and access to at least one literate adult who will help guide them through the process while taking notes on where they saw what kind(s) were present within each area surveyed (eastern states).
Popular Christmas Bird Count Events
| Event Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Audubon Christmas Bird Count | Throughout North and South America | An annual community-driven bird census that has been conducted for over 120 years by the National Audubon Society. |
| Cornell Lab of Ornithology Christmas Bird Count | Worldwide | A citizen science project that encourages bird watchers of all levels to participate in one of the largest bird count events in the world. |
| eBird’s Global Christmas Bird Count | Worldwide | An online event organized by eBird that allows bird watchers to submit their bird sightings and contribute to the scientific understanding of bird populations across the globe. |
The Christmas Bird Counts are popular events enjoyed by birdwatchers of all levels. These events are great opportunities to participate in citizen science projects, learn from experienced birders, and enjoy the company of like-minded nature enthusiasts.
A Very Merry Birdathon
The A Very Merry Birdathon is a great way to get out and enjoy nature with your family. It’s also a great way to raise money for charity and learn more about birds.
Looking for the ultimate birdwatching gift guide this Christmas? “We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that is sure to delight any birdwatcher, new or experienced.” Check out our guide on the ultimate birdwatching Christmas gift guide to discover some of the best gift ideas for bird lovers.
Wintering Waterfowl Walk
Waterfowl walks are a great way to see some of the most iconic birds in North America, such as Canada geese and snow geese. During these walks, you might also see sandhill cranes, bald eagles and even trumpeter swans.
The best time to attend a waterfowl walk is during the winter months before spring migration begins; this is when many different species gather in their thousands to feed on their favorite food sources (the ones that will soon be covered by ice).
However, keep in mind that many waterfowl species migrate south for the winter so they can avoid colder temperatures and remain close enough to ensure their survival until spring arrives again!
Snowy Tree Crickets and Northern Cardinals
Snowy tree crickets, like their name suggests, are a type of cricket that hibernates in the winter. They are often seen in the winter, especially in the northern states.
Snowy tree crickets are attracted to light and can be found near lights on Christmas trees or hanging around street lamps. They have a distinctive sound that is described as “chirping” or “cheeping.”
Northern cardinals tend to stick around during Christmas season because they eat seeds from evergreen plants such as pinecones and juniper berries (which are abundant during this time of year). If you see one while birding on your next trip out into nature, consider yourself lucky!
Did you know that some birds have unique Christmas traditions? “From the Japanese White-eye that decorates its nest with petals and flowers, to the American Robin that sings Christmas carols, birds also have their own way of celebrating the holiday season.” Check out our guide on the unusual Christmas traditions of different bird species to discover more.
Hot Chocolate Holiday Stroll in Ho-Ho-Kus
This event takes place in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ and is sure to be a great way to get into the holiday spirit. You can expect:
- A guided walk through the streets of Ho-Ho-Kus
- Hot chocolate at several stops along the way
- Adorable handmade ornaments for sale by local artists, including those made from birdseed!
Here’s how you can make the most out of your experience:
Dress warmly—it’s December in New Jersey, after all! This includes gloves, a scarf and earmuffs (or hat).
If you have kids with you who are too young to wear hats or mittens/gloves (or who just refuse), bring along some hand warming packets that double as excellent candy holders. We recommend bringing an extra one along just in case. It’s always good to be prepared!
Outdoor Christmas Birdwatching Adventure in Moorpark
In the spirit of Christmas, this event will take place at a birdwatching spot called the Newport Aquatic Center. This is a special place because it’s located on one side of the Ventura River and has lots of trees and shrubs, which are great for attracting birds.
From December 14th through December 23rd, you can go there at different times to see different species of birds some will be there in the morning while others only come out at night.
There are also special events like birding workshops where experts will teach you how to identify specific species by their voice or behavior so that you know what type of bird it is even when they’re far away from you!
A Christmas and New Year’s Eve Celebration in Montgomery Village
The Montgomery Village is one of the most popular birdwatching destinations in Maryland. It’s located just north of the Capital Beltway and is home to more than 150 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, bluebirds and great blue herons. The area also attracts other wildlife such as deer and foxes.
Decorated with thousands of lights and decorations with a focus on birds, this annual celebration will be held at the Montgomery Village Visitors Center at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21-22 or Dec. 28-29; it costs $5 per vehicle for admission each day (cash only).
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading about the best Christmas-themed birdwatching events to attend this year. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section below!
Further Reading
For those interested in learning more about bird watching events and festivals, the following articles provide additional information:
America’s 10 best Bird Day Celebrations: A list of the top bird watching events and festivals in the United States, complete with details on what to expect and how to get involved.
Birding Festivals – All About Birds: An informative article on birding festivals, including what they are, where they’re located, and how to get involved.
Birding Festivals in the South: A guide to bird watching events and festivals in the southern United States, including information on locations, dates, and activities.
FAQs
What is bird watching?
Bird watching, or birding, is the activity of observing birds in their natural habitat. It is often done for recreational or educational purposes.
What equipment do I need for bird watching?
The basic equipment for bird watching includes a pair of binoculars and a field guide to help identify different species of birds. Clothing appropriate for the outdoor conditions and a notebook for observations are also helpful.
Where are the best places for bird watching?
Bird watching can be done almost anywhere there are birds, but some of the best locations include national parks, wildlife refuges, and nature preserves.
What are some tips for bird watching?
Some tips for bird watching include being patient and quiet, learning to identify different bird species, and paying attention to their behavior and calls.
How can I get involved in bird watching events and festivals?
To get involved in bird watching events and festivals, look for local organizations or birding clubs in your area, check online for upcoming events, and consider volunteering to help with organizing or leading bird walks.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a birdwatcher and birder. I have a personal interest in bird behavior and classifications and have been following the latest research on the topic for years.