The annual Christmas Bird Count is done in conjunction with Bird Studies Canada and Audubon. Started in 1900, it's North America's longest-running Citizen Science project. Counts happen in over 2000 localities throughout the Western Hemisphere. Data collected by participants over the years contributes to one of only two large existing pools of information notifying ornithologists and conservation biologists of what conservation actions are required to protect birds and their habitats.

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Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this fun project, which provides biologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months. The count is performed within in a circle with a diameter of 24 kilometres, centred on downtown Bancroft. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes within the circle, counting every bird they see. Participants also help by counting birds at their home feeders, instead of following travelling routes. Residents are encouraged to keep their feeders full on the CBC weekend, to help attract as many birds as possible to be counted.