Annual Event SummaryEach year, tens of thousands of volunteers across the Americas participate in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This event is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that provides population data for science. Yosemite's participation began in 1932 and has since contributed over 100,000 observations to the growing database of bird population trends. For many people, spending the day observing birds, reuniting with birding friends, and contributing to bird conservation makes their holiday season complete. The CBC is the longest-running community science survey in Yosemite and in the world. The most recent Yosemite CBC took place on December 21, 2025, where six leaders and their respective groups sought to count as many birds as possible within a 15-mile radius circle, which included El Portal, Foresta, Yosemite Valley, and Chinquapin/Yosemite West. Each group spent all day searching their respective areas, and leaders shared their knowledge of natural history and passion for birds. Leaders were also responsible for the accuracy of bird identification and data collection in their areas. At the end of the day, the six groups rejoined for a joyous dinner while sharing birding stories and compiling their data. In 2025, participants tallied 2,485 individual birds comprising 66 different species! 
Quentin Kendall After a year of anticipation, birders were curious to see what species would be found and missed this year, and the 2025 Christmas Bird Count lived up to expectations. Rain threatened for most of the week, but on the morning of the count, the storms let up, allowing for an excellent day of birding. Participants were greeted by very high abundance (423 more individual birds than the average of 2,062) and one more species than the CBC average of 65. From waterbirds to raptors to songbirds, almost all the usual highlights showed up for birders in 2025. In fact, 14 species were more abundant in 2025 than any year in at least two decades: wood duck, Cooper’s hawk, red-shouldered hawk, spotted owl, belted kingfisher, acorn woodpecker, common raven, Steller’s jay, American dipper, pygmy nuthatch, European starling, purple finch, red crossbill, and Brewer’s blackbird. Still, even in good years some species are missed, and in 2025 no American kestrels or mountain quail were found despite appearing nearly every year since 2006. All six groups reported special moments and memorable encounters. On the east side of Yosemite Valley, one group found a slate-colored dark-eyed junco (a color morph usually found in the Eastern United States) and a group of five dazzling wood ducks. Meanwhile on the west side of the valley, two California spotted owls were active in the early morning. Birders in Foresta spotted both a merlin and a peregrine falcon, while the Glacier Point Road group watched a golden eagle soar above the scenic Merced River corridor. Traveling the road from El Portal to Foresta, one group found eight wrentits and four California thrashers hiding in the vegetation of the chapparal slopes, two of California’s most exciting specialty species. The group birding El Portal’s river canyon even turned up a red crossbill, a very unusual species in low elevation habitats. Each year, the Christmas Bird Count delivers the expected and the unexpected. The next Yosemite Christmas Bird Count is December 20, 2026. To attend the full-day event, bring binoculars, a field guide, lunch, plenty of warm clothes, and sturdy shoes. Plan to be outside all day, from around dawn to dusk. An annual compilation potluck dinner closes the day to allow participants to share Yosemite birding highlights. To participate, you must register in advance by contacting the Yosemite Christmas Bird Count Organizer and Compiler. Some historic highlights from Yosemite's Christmas Bird Count include:
Raw Data Results from 2006–2025Each year, tens of thousands of volunteers across the Americas join to participate in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This event is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that provides population data for science.
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Quick TipsWhen bird-watching, experienced birders confidently identify birds by just a glimpse. (See illustrations of Yosemite's most common species.) Remember that a bird’s feathers change as an adult molts into its winter plumage. For many species, a male bird’s winter plumage is dull compared to his colorful plumage in the spring when he is interested in attracting a female with whom to mate. Also, note subtle nuances in a bird’s song or call—long trills or short chips. In the winter, birds rarely sing but make call notes to defend a territory, announce the presence of a predator, or to keep up with a mixed-species foraging flock. 
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Last updated: March 3, 2026