The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is a cooperative project begun by members of Tucson's science, conservation, and birding communities. Each year, TBC volunteers (on a morning of their choosing) collect data on the abundances and distributions of bird species from hundreds of sites in and around the Tucson area. In addition to being a lot of fun, the TBC emphasizes a scientifically rigorous survey design to ensure quality data for a number of uses.
Currently, the TBC consists of two programs, the annual Route Program and the quarterly Park Monitoring Program
The Tucson Bird Count aims to help people make informed decisions regarding the impacts of human actions on wildlife. Urban and suburban areas continue to grow, yet this growth need not spell disaster for all native wildlife. Through informed land use, Tucson may be able to sustain a diverse bird community, aiding in conservation of bird species as well as enhancing quality of life for Tucson’s human inhabitants.
Anyone and everyone can help make Tucson a better place for birds by incorporating the suggestions for urban habitat improvements found in our Be Bird Friendly section.
The counting part of the Tucson Bird Count is performed mostly by volunteer birders from the community. These "Citizen Scientists" are the backbone that makes the TBC work! To learn more about the TBC or to sign up for your routes, go to the TBC Participation page.