Christmas Bird Count
A Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a day spent counting wild birds by species, within a 15-mile diameter circle, and compiling the results. CBC's are scheduled from mid-December to the first few days in January.
In past years, you paid a small fee to participate in a count, but now (since 2012) it's free. You can join regardless of your ability. If you are a novice you will be teamed with more experienced participants.
The Austin, Texas CBC circle is centered in southeast Austin, and has been divided into numbered areas. A team of people is assigned to each area. See this map of the Austin count circle.
To join a Christmas Bird Count, contact the leader of the count. National Audubon Society runs the bird counts. See Audubon's CBC page.