CACT

CACT is National Audubon Society's designation for the Cheep Thrills Christmas Bird Count. It stands for "California Cheep Thrills."

2023 Cheep Thrills count - Thursday, December 14

For the 2023 Cheep Thrills Christmas Bird Count, we had a sunny, calm day. We observed 163 species and counted a total of 62,193 birds. 

2023 CACT results by area.

Comparative data - 2011 through 2023.

The chart below shows you how our 2022 totals compare to the previous 11 years (since we restarted the count). Note that in 2016 the numbers were lower because the weather was miserable; it rained heavily all day long and several flash flood alerts were issued. The average number of species over the past 12 years is 158 and the average total birds is 47,290.

Year	Total species	Total birds
2022	161	47,189
2021	155	42,918
2020	155	78,981
2019	162	47,971
2018	159	52,994
2017	160	43,922
2016*	133	21,426
2015	159	51932
2014	159	60931
2013	162	37747
2012	161	39972
2011	164	41496

Cheep Thrills Results from Previous Years

• Results by area for previous years from 2011 through 2021 and historical data from the original Cheap Thrills count (1978 through 1987)

Forms for Area Leaders

PDF format: 

• Field checklist
• Effort data
• National Audubon's Rare Bird Form 

Excel format: 

• Field checklist
• Effort data

Word format:

• National Audubon's Rare Bird Form

Maps

1. CACT count circle in Google maps  - Open the map and double-click to enlarge an area
2. CACT overall count circle area map - JPG
3. Individual area maps

Contact us

Compilation dinner

2023 Compilation Event

This year we plan to hold an informal compilation event at a community clubhouse in Novato. The address is 524 Entrada Drive in Novato.  We’ll provide a light meal and you’re welcome to bring your own drinks and any food you’d like to contribute. You can show up anytime between 4:30 and 7 pm.