Results from the Count
Edmonton has been continuously participating
in this citizen science project since 1955.
in this citizen science project since 1955.
Edmonton holds the all-time, world record for number of participants!
And we're the Black-capped Chickadee capital of Canada.
And we're the Black-capped Chickadee capital of Canada.
Our World records:
PARTICIPATION World Record: Count #88 = 1,287 total includes 135 Bushbeaters and 1,153 Feeder Watchers (Dec 1987)
Boreal Owl: Count #106 = 8 birds (Dec 2005)
Black-billed Magpie: Count #121 = 3,447 birds (Dec 2020)
Bohemian Waxwing: Count #106 = 35,298 birds (Dec 2005)
Our Canadian Records
Downy Woodpecker: Count #116 = 568 birds (Dec 2015)
Pileated Woodpecker: Count #122 = 86 birds (Dec 2021)
Blue Jay: Count #89 = 1,598 birds (Dec 1988)
Black-capped Chickadee: Count #104 = 6,239 birds (Dec 2003)
Canadian and World record updates become available in the following year’s report.
PARTICIPATION World Record: Count #88 = 1,287 total includes 135 Bushbeaters and 1,153 Feeder Watchers (Dec 1987)
Boreal Owl: Count #106 = 8 birds (Dec 2005)
Black-billed Magpie: Count #121 = 3,447 birds (Dec 2020)
Bohemian Waxwing: Count #106 = 35,298 birds (Dec 2005)
Our Canadian Records
Downy Woodpecker: Count #116 = 568 birds (Dec 2015)
Pileated Woodpecker: Count #122 = 86 birds (Dec 2021)
Blue Jay: Count #89 = 1,598 birds (Dec 1988)
Black-capped Chickadee: Count #104 = 6,239 birds (Dec 2003)
Canadian and World record updates become available in the following year’s report.
The Audubon website allows you to search for results by year* and for any specific count including Edmonton. Historical Results
*This annual Count occurs in many countries on a single day between December 14 and January 5.
*This annual Count occurs in many countries on a single day between December 14 and January 5.
About Us
How did our Christmas Bird count get started and who was our first counter? How have the Count and our birds changed over the years? How did we achieve a World record and why is participation important? Find the answers to these questions and more in our Library .
How did our Christmas Bird count get started and who was our first counter? How have the Count and our birds changed over the years? How did we achieve a World record and why is participation important? Find the answers to these questions and more in our Library .
Audubon Count Year #126 (December 14, 2025 through January 5, 2026)
The Edmonton Count was held on Sunday, December 14th 2025.
Thank you to each of our zone captains and participants, new and returning, who continue this tradition!
Read on to explore this season's results, rarities, and the visual treats sent in by our bird counters.
Mallard duo by Joel Weatherly
Last season, Count historian Geoff Holroyd challenged us to increase participation numbers, particularly in the feeder watcher category. A promotion team came together to reach out to the public with event information. This involved designing and distributing printed materials, providing content for community newsletters and venues, public speaking, and additional encouragement through our mailing list. There were even prizes! Through these efforts our registrations increased. Given the number of new participants, it was tricky to get everyone organized for the day and we had to rely on some additional group emails with links to protocol and bird identification. Thank you!
photo by Michelle S.
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photo by Theresa M.
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photo by Darcy and Jill C.
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Feel free to encourage your friends and neighbours with feeders to register now and participate in 2026!
Overview
After a few cold overnight temperatures, we welcomed the forecast of a warmer day. Unfortunately, freezing rain came in overnight which made some of the trails slick and the birds spread out.
The winter finches didn't move into the Edmonton area in large numbers but there were enough for several zones to have a small number of redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks and siskins. There was open water on the river, although the diversity of waterfowl species was limited. It may take quite some time for the populations of eagles, falcons and other raptors to recover from the ongoing issue of avian flu but we did have a few predatory birds reported near the ducks. Perhaps the most notable results were the high numbers of woodpeckers as we broke our record with both Pileated Woodpecker (105) and Northern Flicker (142) as well as finding hundreds of Downy Woodpeckers. Will we have a new Canadian record? It was also an abundant year for Dark-eyed Junco and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
The count circle zones vary in size and habitat style. Over the past few years there has been quite a bit of construction of new residential neighbourhoods and increased pressure on our natural areas. What birds are successful in our city environment? All zones reported the following species: Rock Pigeon, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, House Finch and Dark-eyed Junco. Only 2 zones missed Hairy Woodpecker.
After a few cold overnight temperatures, we welcomed the forecast of a warmer day. Unfortunately, freezing rain came in overnight which made some of the trails slick and the birds spread out.
The winter finches didn't move into the Edmonton area in large numbers but there were enough for several zones to have a small number of redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks and siskins. There was open water on the river, although the diversity of waterfowl species was limited. It may take quite some time for the populations of eagles, falcons and other raptors to recover from the ongoing issue of avian flu but we did have a few predatory birds reported near the ducks. Perhaps the most notable results were the high numbers of woodpeckers as we broke our record with both Pileated Woodpecker (105) and Northern Flicker (142) as well as finding hundreds of Downy Woodpeckers. Will we have a new Canadian record? It was also an abundant year for Dark-eyed Junco and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
The count circle zones vary in size and habitat style. Over the past few years there has been quite a bit of construction of new residential neighbourhoods and increased pressure on our natural areas. What birds are successful in our city environment? All zones reported the following species: Rock Pigeon, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, House Finch and Dark-eyed Junco. Only 2 zones missed Hairy Woodpecker.
There has been a noticeable increase in the quality of bird identification and protocols. This makes data collection easier and higher quality. Participants were able to tally 40 of the 43 "A List" expected species. Reports continued into difficult "B" and rare "C" species. Rarities were submitted with a rare bird report form so they should be accepted by Birds Canada for our list. Well done!
The Edmonton Nature Club extends a thank you to Nature Alberta (NA) and their Nature Kids program which provided an opportunity for families to participate on Count day.
photo by Phaedra M.
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Sharp eyes required! by Manna P.
Sharp-shinned Hawk by Joel W.
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Count and Zone Highlights
Weather, zone size, habitat features and number of participants all affect zone results. Thank you to the zone captains who organize each area and collect the numbers!
Weather, zone size, habitat features and number of participants all affect zone results. Thank you to the zone captains who organize each area and collect the numbers!
- Zone 1: Multiple ravine areas with older trees provide habitat for cavity nesting species. This zone recorded the highest numbers of 17 Hairy Woodpecker, 13 Boreal Chickadee and 46 White-breasted Nuthatch. Also high numbers of Downy, and Pileated Woodpecker as well as Northern Flicker.
- Zone 2: A central area with an evergreen section providing food and shelter for 30 Pine Siskins, a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a flock of 76 White-winged Crossbills (the only ones recorded this year.)
- Zone 3: Centre of the circle, within the U of A farm. This areas disclosed the largest number of House Finches at 218, as well as House Sparrows at 688. Cedar Waxwing (7) was a highlight as well as the single Black-backed Woodpecker, a difficult to find in Edmonton, B list species.
- Zone 4: There was quite a bit of promotion done prior to count day in this area which increased the number of feeder watchers. Their notable birds included a high count of 15 Gray Partridge and 101 Red-breasted Nuthatch. There are lots of RB nuthatches this winter! Also spotted were a Northern Shrike and a Merlin. Reports of a B list Rough-legged Hawk came from the bush beaters. The bird was also spotted from zone 10, just across the river.
- Zone 5: Highlights included Bald Eagle and a high of 4 White-throated Sparrow. Fruiting trees drew in a Townsend's Solitaire, 12 Pine Grosbeaks and, oddly, a single Bohemian Waxwing.
- Zone 6: Northern Flicker (17) was the highest number for the count. Flickers were seen in all zones and a big highlight for many participants. American Robin (6) was another high zone count. A couple of Merlin were reported as well as another Townsend's Solitaire.
- Zone 7 and Zone 8: These two similar areas are split by the North Saskatchewan River where there is usually open water. This season we have hundreds of Mallards and dozens of Common Goldeneye ducks overwintering. Both zones had experienced bush beaters along the river to count and sift through the waterfowl. Both zones reported B list Common Merganser and Lesser Scaup along with the C list rarities of Green-winged Teal and Bufflehead. The ducks drew some Bald Eagles and a Cooper's Hawk. A pair of sharp-eyed participants in zone 8 found, identified and photographed a Hermit Thrush. That species was recorded for the first time ever last year!
- Zone 9: Although this is one of the smaller areas, it tallied the highest number of species in a zone with 32. Notable sightings included 6 American Robin, a lone Cedar Waxwing, 2 Merlin and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. They also found the single Purple Finch for our count this year.
- Zone 10: The new zone captains had their hands full with a large, western zone, a variety of habitat and several new participants, some who are quite experienced birders. This area had the highest number of participants. The results were impressive as they recorded high zone numbers in several species. Older treed areas again held cavity nesting birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees. There were 147 Common Redpoll, 61 Dark-eyed Junco, 12 Cedar Waxwing, 22 Pine Grosbeak and 4 Townsend's Solitaire. Not surprisingly, there was also a Northern Shrike which would be feeding on those smaller birds. A Rough-legged Hawk was seen over the river between Zones 10 and 4. It's likely that other predatory birds were in the area but they remained elusive. The flock of 5 European Starlings was the only one found in the entire circle. A very rare winter Common Grackle was reported and photographed during count week but despite best efforts it was not located on count day.
Common Goldeneye, Joel Weatherly
Pileated Woodpecker Anne B.
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Coyote in zone 10, Meghan Jacklin
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Flickers were a highlight for many birdwatchers this season!
Northern Flicker by Monique R.
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White-throated Sparrow by Anne B.
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Northern Flicker by Janice Hurlburt
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- Zone 11: A mostly industrial area with the usual common species of pigeons and magpies. The little feeder birds like junco, Red-breasted Nuthatch and flicker were found in small numbers in the limited residential neighbourhoods. According to the observer: the real action was in the sky as a group of Mallards executed aerial maneuvers to get the approach right to land on a postage stamp of a front lawn with a large tree in the middle.
- Zone 12: This north-central section is another zone with a new captain and a high number of participants. Folks here managed to tally the highest number of pigeons (499) and Canada Goose (20) as well as a nice selection of raptors including Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin and our only Goshawk on the count.
- Zone 13N: A busy area on the east side of the circle. Folks did very well to spot 4 White-throated Sparrow, 2 American Robin, 5 Boreal Chickadee and Merlin and a tiny, well-camouflaged Brown Creeper as well as the usual species.
- Zone 13S: Similar in size and habitat to 13N. Gray Partridge (11) often feed in weedy lots. Counters also located Redpolls (6) and Pine Siskins (2). A feeder watcher reported a single Red Crossbill.
- Zone 14: Small, west-central area. Highlights in this part of the count were Townsend's Solitaire (1), Gray Partridge (3), Bohemian Waxwing (5, not widespread this year), a Merlin and a Bald Eagle. This zone counted the highest number of Pine Siskins at 31 birds.
- Zone 15: A small, western edge part of the circle. The common birds were well represented, especially Black-capped Chickadee (205). There were also Redpolls (64), Northern Flicker (7), White-throated Sparrow (3) and a surprizing number of Mallards (134). Pine Grosbeak (10) were a great find as only a couple of zones had that species.
Owls were located in several zones by daytime bushbeaters, experienced, nocturnal owlers and a couple of feeder watchers. These sensitive birds need respect to survive in an urban setting.
The A list common birds missed this year were Ruffed Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker and Golden-crowned Kinglet.
The A list common birds missed this year were Ruffed Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker and Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Report continues...
Zone 11 yard birds?! by Alan H.
Common Grackle, rare count week bird by Pauline F. in Zone 10
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Northern Saw-whet Owl by Melissa Penney
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Participants tallied 40 of 43 A listers as well as 6 additional species from the "B list" of difficult birds and continued into the "Rare bird" category for another 3 bringing the total to 49. There was one additional count week bird. Well done everyone!
Edmonton Christmas Bird Count Final Results for Sunday, December 14th 2025.
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Participation and total numbers:
# of Bush beaters: 255 # of Feeder watchers: 312 Total Participants: 567 Total # of Birds: 21,812 Total Species: 49 + 1 Count Week species |
Results compiled by: Ann Carter, Event coordinator Statistics by: Geoff Holroyd, Count historian |
Note: *Some species totals may be adjusted as per Birds Canada protocols.
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“A List” Expected Bird Species: 40 out of 43 species
Canada Goose 33 Mallard 796* Common Goldeneye 41* Ruffed Grouse ZERO Gray Partridge 31 Rock Pigeon 2,864 Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 Cooper's Hawk 1 Northern Goshawk 1 Bald Eagle 4* Great Horned Owl 7 N. Saw-whet Owl 8 Three-toed Woodpecker ZERO Downy Woodpecker 438 Hairy Woodpecker 60 Pileated Woodpecker 105 Northern Flicker 142 Merlin 10 Northern Shrike 3 Blue Jay 783 Black-billed Magpie 3,327 American Crow 50 Common Raven 223 |
"A List" continued
Black-capped Chickadee 2,470 Boreal Chickadee 32 Golden-crowned Kinglet ZERO Red-breasted Nuthatch 812 White-breasted Nuthatch 294 Brown Creeper 4 European Starling 5 Townsend's Solitaire 9 American Robin 24 Bohemian Waxwing 329 Cedar Waxwing 22 House Sparrow 6,260 Pine Grosbeak 66 House Finch 1,480 Purple Finch 1 Common Redpoll 483 White-winged Crossbill 76 Pine Siskin 107 Dark-eyed Junco 365 White-throated Sparrow 23 |
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"B List” Difficult To Find Bird Species:
Total of 6 species (15 individual birds) Lesser Scaup 1 Common Merganser 10 Boreal Owl 1 Rough-legged Hawk 1 Black-backed Woodpecker 1 Red Crossbill 1 |
“C List” Rare Species:
Total of 3 species (3 individual birds) Bufflehead 1 Green-winged Teal 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Count Week (3 days before and 3 days after)
Common Grackle 1 |
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Wondering how your zone did? See the file below. These files may take a few moments to open, remember to scroll down for more zones and across for more birds. Opening this file may bump you back to the website home page.
ZONE RESULTS EXCEL FILE 
Common Mergansers, B list, by Vince Cottrell
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Winter Rarity, Hermit Thrush. This species has now been recorded twice in the history of our count.
Observed by Joel W. and David G. 
Hermit Thrush, rare bird, photo by Joel W.
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Green-winged Teal is a C list winter rarity. It takes an experienced, patient participant to notice this small duck among hundreds of Mallards. The bird, along with a few more notable ones, was reported prior to count day. Both Vince C. and Andy R., each on different sides of the river, made the extra effort to find it. They also recorded the Bufflehead duck.
GWTE, C list, by Vince Cottrell
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GWTE zoom lens, C list, by Vince Cottrell
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Thank you to everyone who shared photos this year! Here are a few more:
Lesser Scaup, B list of difficult to find birds, by Vince C.
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photo by Phaedra M.
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photo by Ted M.
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Northern Flicker by Melissa Penney
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photo by Melissa D.
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More Pigeons! by Melissa D.
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Covering the Zone by Meghan J.
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Another Flicker by Kent R.
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Coyote Photobomb by Les N.
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Counting Pigeons by Linda S.
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Count volunteers gathered at a potluck dinner to provide preliminary results. They were treated to a surprise visitor from the Beaverhill Bird Observatory whooo assisted with an educational talk.
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Report from previous year VIEW HERE
Banner photo: Immature Bald Eagle by A. Carter
