31st Annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count

The South Bend-Elkhart Bird Alliance and the Elkhart County Parks are calling upon volunteers for the 31st annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count, which will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2027.

Volunteer bird counters can participate in the field or from their home if they live within the count circle. The Elkhart County count circle extends from the state line on the north to Waterford Mills on the south end, and includes the towns of Bristol, Middlebury, Goshen, and the eastern portion of Elkhart. The center of the 7.5-mile radius for the count circle is the intersection of County Roads 18 and 23. 

Birdwatchers are encouraged to contact Ronda DeCaire with the Elkhart County Parks at (574) 535-6458 or email rdecaire@elkhartcounty.com to register their name, address, phone number, and email to receive further directions for the bird count.

November Membership Meeting

The next membership meeting of the South Bend-Elkhart Bird Alliance (SBEBA) takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elkhart Conservation Club, 55515 Riviera Dr., Elkhart, Indiana 46514. Our guest speaker will be Ronda DeCaire, Director of Elkhart County Parks. Ms. DeCaire’s program will be about National Audubon Society’s upcoming annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Come learn about this important citizen science project, now in its 31st year in Elkhart County, and how you can participate in the CBC. As always, we will have refreshments and snacks. All our events are free and open to members and non-members alike of all ages. Hope to see you there!