Podcast Summary: All Of It – “Christmas is for the Birds”

Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Guest: Jessica Wilson, Executive Director, NYC Bird Alliance
Date: December 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the beloved tradition of the Christmas Bird Count, delving into its rich New York roots, its role in bird conservation, and practical ways for anyone—novice or seasoned birder—to get involved. Host Alison Stewart speaks with Jessica Wilson of the NYC Bird Alliance about the count’s history, methods, community, and conservation impact, while fielding lively listener questions and stories throughout.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Origins and Historical Context

• Central Park Launch:
  The first Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 in New York's Central Park, started by American Museum of Natural History ornithologist Frank Chapman as a humane alternative to bird hunting, then a Christmas Day tradition.
  • “Instead of hunting birds at Christmas, which was the tradition, we should go out and count them.” (Jessica Wilson, 03:03)
• Bird Declines Fuel Change:
  Late 1800s saw alarming drops in bird populations, especially water birds hunted for their feathers in women’s fashion.
  • “Herons and egrets... those were hunted for their feathers ... birds were in steep decline.” (Jessica Wilson, 03:34)
• Quote from Chapman’s Observations:
  Chapman once counted 542 people in Manhattan wearing hats adorned with the feathers or whole bodies of 42 different bird species.
  • “The hats were pretty amazing, but sort of grotesque actually, to have an entire bird perched on top of your head.” (Jessica Wilson, 04:49)

2. How the Christmas Bird Count Works

• National Audubon Coordination:
  The count runs annually between December 14 and January 5, organized nationally by the Audubon Society and implemented locally by multiple birding groups.
• Standardized Methods:
  Meticulous protocols are used to avoid double-counting, enabling meaningful year-over-year population comparisons.
  • “The count compilers, the leaders of volunteers... use the same methodology to make sure we don't double count birds...” (Jessica Wilson, 05:45 and 19:24)
• Who Participates:
  Open to all—from beginners, families, and children to visually impaired birders (“slow counts” and bird sits are offered).
  • “Everyone there is super friendly... The Christmas Bird Count is great for beginning birders, for families with kids, and for folks just curious about the nature right here.” (Jessica Wilson, 15:14)

3. Birding in New York City

• Diversity and Locations:
  With nearly 350 species passing through NYC annually, and 100–150 seen in the Christmas Count alone, birding spots range from Central Park and Prospect Park to new green spaces like the High Line, and even building green roofs.
  • “The counts happen where the birds are, which is mostly in green spaces around New York City... nearly 350 species... between 100 to 150 might be seen at the Christmas bird count.” (Jessica Wilson, 12:11)
  • Notable locations include Governors, Randall’s, and Roosevelt Islands as well as neighborhood parks and even rooftops.
• Why NY Is Special:
  New York lies on the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory path, making it rich for both biodiversity and urban birdwatching.
  • “New York City lies right at the center of New York Harbor...a terrific spot for birds and biodiversity.” (Jessica Wilson, 12:53)

4. Role of Community and Accessibility

• Local Groups Involved:
  Groups like the Brooklyn Bird Club, Queens County Bird Club, and the NYC Bird Alliance coordinate borough-specific counts.
• Inclusion and Accessibility:
  Accessible events ensure people of all abilities can take part, including birders who rely on calls instead of sight.
  • “We have two counts... slow counts... designed for a wide range of birders...” (Jessica Wilson, 18:46)

5. Bird Conservation and Threats

• Data Drives Action:
  The count’s copious data underpins essential conservation action, tracking historic declines and rebounds.
  • “The bird population data collected at the Christmas Bird Count is so important to guide conservation action…” (Jessica Wilson, 09:48)
• Major Threats:
  Bird deaths from glass collisions (over a billion nationwide, ~250,000 in NYC annually) and predation from cats are highlighted, with solutions like turning off lights at night and bird-safe window materials discussed.
  • “More than a billion birds die every year colliding with windows across the country… but they're really easy solutions.” (Jessica Wilson, 16:06)

6. Long-Term Trends and Success Stories

• Troubling Declines:
  Over 3 billion birds lost in North America in the last 50 years; over a third of species are at risk due to ongoing habitat loss and climate change.
  • “Bird populations are in steep decline… in the last 50 years, more than 3 billion birds have been lost due to climate change.” (Jessica Wilson, 21:24)
• Conservation Wins:
  The bald eagle is a success story, with its populations rebounding and now regularly sighted in NYC, illustrating the power of dedicated conservation and data-driven advocacy.
  • “One of the bright spots is the bald eagle… populations have rebounded from nearly being wiped out…” (Jessica Wilson, 23:52)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Birding as a Passion
  “I think [Frank Chapman] saw the beauty in birds, but also the need to protect them.” (Jessica Wilson, 05:19)

• Listener Highlight – Fashion and Conservation
  Heather from Brooklyn (13:35) recommended the children’s book She’s Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head, which tells of the women who helped spark the anti-bird-hat movement and founded the Audubon Society.

• On Making a Difference
  “All you need is to go outside and listen and look and enjoy nature.” (Jessica Wilson, 24:52)

• Bird Count Is for Everyone
  “There are incredible variety of birds here in New York and all you need is to go outside and listen and look and enjoy nature.” (Jessica Wilson, 24:52)

• On Pigeon Counting
  “We do count pigeons. We estimate the numbers since we see them by the thousands. But they're included in our Christmas bird count.” (Jessica Wilson, 17:40)

Highlighted Timestamps

| Segment | Description | Timestamp (MM:SS) | | --- | --- | --- | | Opening and History | Chapman, bird fossils, fashion context | 03:00–05:00 | | Bird Count Methodology | Avoiding double counts, data value | 05:45–06:30, 19:24 | | Amazing NYC Birdlife | Locations and diversity explained | 12:11–13:10 | | Accessibility in Birding | Inclusion for visually impaired participants | 18:31–19:16 | | Contemporary Threats to Birds | Window collisions, solutions | 16:06–17:29 | | Long-Term Bird Trends | Losses, successes, and causes | 20:47–21:47; 23:52 | | Success Story: Bald Eagles | NYC as a model for conservation left | 23:52–24:19 |

Conclusion

The episode paints the Christmas Bird Count as not just a scientific census, but also a living tradition of community, advocacy, and appreciation—a vital confluence of New York’s love of nature and its unique urban environment. Through lively calls, historical anecdotes, and practical tips, Alison Stewart and Jessica Wilson inspire listeners to engage with the city’s avian wildlife, whether as beginner birders, passionate conservationists, or simply curious New Yorkers.

For more info or to join a bird count:
nycbirdalliance.org/CBC