ELKHART, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Parks will host the 30th annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count on Jan. 3, 2026. Local bird enthusiasts are invited to take part in this annual global event that helps to monitor species during winter months.

For more than a century, this volunteer event organized by the National Audubon Society has brough together birders of all skill levels for a one-day regional count of wintering birds. The Christmas Bird Count, the nation’s longest-running community bird research project, now celebrates its 126th year on a national level and 30th year in Elkhart County.

To participate, volunteers should register before 12 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2026, by contacting the Elkhart County Parks at 574-535-6458 or e-mail [email protected]. Please leave your name, address, phone number, and e-mail to receive further directions and forms for the bird count

For more information about the history of the count or to view the results from past Elkhart County counts, visit https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count