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.