A frenzy of activity takes place every day in backyards throughout the region. Often unnoticed by property owners, birds flit from branch to branch, peck tracks across lawns and pillage all edibles within reach. From February 17 through 20, humans are asked to spy on this activity and record sightings during the Great Backyard Bird Count.
An annual event organized by Audubon, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, the bird count is in its 15th year and is a free activity for all ages and birdwatching skill levels across Canada and the United States.
Elizabeth Tenhoeve is a member of Malaspina Naturalists Club and organizes Powell River Young Naturalists Club. She is excited about the event coming around again.
“Last year I went out with a friend and we went east of town, north of town, south of town,” said Tenhoeve. “We also looked in bird-feeders we could see from the road and we sent in four separate checklists.”
The idea is to count the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time and then report your list online. Checklists can be completed at www.birdcount.ca.
“You just click on that and each time you do a count you complete a separate checklist for each day,” said Tenhoeve.
It can take as little as 15 minutes a day or as long as anyone wants, she added, and it all helps to make a difference. Data received throughout the four days allows scientists to compile a detailed picture on what is happening to birds across North America, such as how they are being affected by global warming, regional diseases, migration activities and declines in bird numbers. Easy-to-access maps are provided on the website showing populations of any bird for which there is data.
“There is a great photo gallery and a special page for kids,” said Tenhoeve. “Hopefully anyone with a family will go to that kids’ page on the website.”
Tenhoeve hopes that this year more people from Powell River participate and submit checklists. “It is a great fun opportunity for families to get out and do something together in nature,” she said.
