Bird lovers across the nation are gearing up to collect data on feathered friends during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This year there are various ways the whole family can join in.
For the past eight years, data has been collected mid-December from the Powell River area’s bird count. Bird Studies Canada uses the data to help determine the status of birds across the country. This year, a children’s bird count will take place, the first here locally. Only six official children’s Christmas bird counts took place across Canada last year.
Adults participate in the Audubon count by either spending all day driving and counting or a short time watching their bird feeder.
Heather Harbord is the local coordinator and compiler of results for the Powell River area. She has organized a team of leaders who have been given a specific area to cover during the main bird count which takes place on Sunday, December 16. With each leader will be several volunteers to help spot and count birds and record information on a data sheet. Volunteers do not need to be experienced birders. “Those with limited ability to identify birds will be asked to maintain the time and distance logs of each group,” said Harbord, “but will have the opportunity to see experienced birders in action and perhaps see individual species up close through the telescopes that each group carries.”
The count is from dawn to dusk, and with mid-December weather, participants are encouraged to dress warmly, wear boots and to take binoculars, bird books and a packed lunch. A potluck supper ends the day at 5 pm when the groups will share reports.
People not wishing to brave the elements and drive all over the region can watch their bird feeders and record the birds seen. They can then also attend the potluck in the evening.
Last year 10,593 birds of 68 species were seen within the 24-kilometre circle centred around Powell River. “This was about 3,500 more birds than the previous year because large quantities of mew gulls chose to migrate south along Malaspina Strait at the time of the count,” explained Harbord.
To participate in the Christmas bird count people will need to pre-register with Harbord by calling 604.485.5379 or send an email to [email protected]. Information about the count and location for the supper will be supplied at the time of registration. There is no fee to register, however, a donation would be appreciated.
For the first time in Powell River, children have their own bird count on Saturday, December 1 around the Willingdon Beach area as the community is participating in Bird Studies Canada’s Christmas Bird Count for Kids. The morning count is arranged by the Young Naturalists Club of Powell River. This is a family event geared toward children, but parents and caregivers are asked to attend as well.
“Our club activities are a whole-family-learning experience,” said Elizabeth Tenhoeve, club leader. “Children will learn how to use binoculars and will be placed with experienced birders on one of four different routes around the Millennium Park area.”
Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately as the count takes place rain or shine. Hot chocolate will be available for everyone when they return with their results.
To register in the children’s bird count, participants are asked to call Janet Southcott at 604.485.0077 and receive meeting location and time.
