Here's a starting list for your annual Christmas Bird Count in the national parks/Breasted Sandpiper by Kirby Kirby

What would the holidays be without the Christmas Bird Count? We’re here again to take a look at some selected CBC activities in the national parks this holiday season.

Many other parks have either had CBC’s in previous years or intend to this year, but have yet to set a date. To see if there’s one in your favorite park (or in your neighborhood), check out the interactive map.

Remember, you don’t have to be an all-star birder to participate. Compilers will assign the less experienced participants to teams with a seasoned leader, making the CBC a great way to pick up some birding tips from a pro.

The Christmas Bird Count is in its 116th season, making the world’s longest continuously running citizen science project. Consider being a part of it at your favorite national park this winter! Below is a partial list of Christmas Bird Counts confirmed to be taking place. The date and contact information for the compiler are also provided.

California dreaming this December? There are some great CBC’s out on, or near, the West Coast. Yosemite National Park. December 20, 2015. Sarah Stock. [email protected]

Joshua Tree National Park. Dec 27. Joe Zarki. 760-366-8913

Pinnacles National Park. January 2. Russel Scalf. [email protected]

Point Reyes National Seashore. Dec 19. John Longstretch. [email protected]

Sequoia National Park. Dec 19. Savannah Boiano. [email protected]

Perhaps the Atlantic Coast is more your thing?

Cape Hatteras National Seashore. December 27. Patricia Moore. 252-995-4777

Acadia National Park. Dec 19. Michael Good. 207-479-4256

Heading down south is always a good bet in December.

Congaree National Park. December 20. John Grego. 803-331-3366

Texas has a couple CBC’s in national parks. The Guadalupe Mountains CBC is only for those who can handle some strenuous hiking!

Big Bend National Park. December 29. Bryan Hale. 512-426-6033

Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Jan 2. 915-828-3251 x2314

North Dakota may not seem like a holiday destination, but the badlands in winter are stunning!

Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Dec 20. Kevin Melzo. [email protected]

Finally, we have some of the most iconic scenery in the country as a backdrop to your bird counting.

Grand Canyon National Park. Dec 19. Brian Gatlin. [email protected]

Zion National Park. December 19. Cassie Waters. 435-772-0212

If you know of a CBC in another park with a confirmed date, add it in the comments. Merry Christmas and good birding!