Lake geneva Christmas bird count
Sunday, December 21, 2025
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM (24 Hours)
Lake Geneva, WI
Free to participate and open to the public!
The Christmas Bird Count is a day, or a few hours, of birding, keeping careful track of the numbers of birds of which species, all with a purpose beyond just the enjoyment of birding. From a researcher’s perspective, it is the longest-running Citizen Science survey in the world. Counts are done in well-defined 15-mile diameter circles, of which there are now over 2000. Wisconsin probably has the richest and most in-depth Audubon count data of any place in the world.
All birders are welcome to participate, and we especially encourage those who haven’t done so before to join the effort. You don’t have to be a candidate for best birder in the county. If you know the common birds of the area in this season and can use your guidebook (and binoculars or a spotting scope) to identify others, you can help.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, local birders will have their opportunity. Our Lake Geneva circle is centered at the Ridge Hotel on Highway 50, near the southwest end of Lake Como. We divide the circle into several zones, and typically one or two birders cover each zone by car and hiking, with a few of us hiking small areas. Those who live within the count circle are also encouraged to participate by watching feeders in their yards. Our count will be coordinated by Lisa Granbur, with data compiled afterwards by Kyle Cudworth.
Besides the birds we see frequently, some interesting ones usually turn up. We always have plenty of Canada Geese, but sometimes less common geese will be found among the large flocks if one looks carefully enough. Recent predictions suggest that we may have many winter finches migrating south this year, allowing us to count them.
Those interested or possibly interested in joining the count should contact Lisa Granbur (email: Those interested or possibly interested in joining the count should contact Lisa Granbur (email: egretta503@gmail.com or cell: 312-354-0199). At 5:30 at the end of the count day we will gather at the Lions Field House in Williams Bay (our usual meeting place) for food, conversation, and turning in our count forms. Count data can also be sent to Kyle Cudworth at: k-cudworth@uchicago.edu.
Bird Walks at Big Foot
Saturdays
11:00 AM
Big Foot Beach State Park – N1550 S Lakeshore Drive, Lake Geneva, WI
Join us for a Bird Walk near the shores of beautiful Geneva Lake. We will follow the park’s trails while on the lookout for birds and other wildlife. Meet in the main parking area to the right of the entrance station a little before 11:00 AM. A state park sticker: $28 or daily pass: $8 ($13, $3 if age 65 or older) is required to enter Big Foot Beach State Park.
Please contact us if you are interested in attending a walk.
Kevin Dickey – https://lakelandaudubon.com/contact/ or +1 (262) 729-9702
Visit the events page to see a list of our scheduled bird walks.
bird walks at white river
Sundays
11:00 AM
White River County Park – 6503 Sheridan Springs Road, Lyons, WI
Get out and enjoy one of the best parks Walworth County has to offer. We’ll walk the trails and be on the lookout for birds and other critters. We’ll also watch for plant blooms and other interesting elements of nature. Meet at the kiosk by the parking lot a little before 11:00 AM.
Please contact us if you are interested in attending a walk.
Kevin Dickey – https://lakelandaudubon.com/contact/ or +1 (262) 729-9702
Visit the events page to see a list of our scheduled bird walks.
Christmas bird count results
Lake Geneva CBC-2024 (Data)
For anyone who is interested in the final numbers of last year’s CBC, simply click on the link below:
Lakeland Audubon Society 