Post by Gord on Dec 4, 2019 22:18:38 GMT -8
Hello all, the annual Christmas Bird Counts are fast approaching. These are events that I particularly enjoy doing for several reasons including the good company, the contribution to science and the appeal of having to count birds in a specific area. I like the 'restriction' for a change rather than wandering around going to the best birding places which really often means more driving and less enjoying the birds.
I have been doing these for just over 25 years too; I've yet to miss doing the Chilliwack one at least. My kids are third generation Christmas Bird Counters!
The counts are as follows:
Chilliwack - December 14 followed by a nice potluck dinner at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.
Harrison/Agassiz - December 17
Abbotsford - December 30
I am not sure how things worked out for getting enough people to count. The Chilliwack count may require a few more bodies yet. Any interest, let me know and I will get you in touch with the count organizers. Also, yard counts are very useful so if you can't get out for a half or full-day birding, doing a count at your feeder can be added to the overall count. Again, contact myself with your data including the street you live on (so the data gets placed in the appropriate section of the count circle) and I will forward it on. Any and all birds are useful as the point of the count is to get a snapshot of what's going on on a certain day for birds. Can be a bit tedious counting crows and starlings but they're important too.
Also, keep in mind that count week birds can be recorded three days prior and after the specific count day (ie December 11-13 and 15-17 for Chilliwack). This usually is more for uncommon to rare birds encountered during those days.
Thanks to all especially the organizers of the counts who have more work than is obvious not only to get the count off the ground but to compile the data afterwards.
The link is to Bird Studies Canada webpage for more info: www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/
I have been doing these for just over 25 years too; I've yet to miss doing the Chilliwack one at least. My kids are third generation Christmas Bird Counters!
The counts are as follows:
Chilliwack - December 14 followed by a nice potluck dinner at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.
Harrison/Agassiz - December 17
Abbotsford - December 30
I am not sure how things worked out for getting enough people to count. The Chilliwack count may require a few more bodies yet. Any interest, let me know and I will get you in touch with the count organizers. Also, yard counts are very useful so if you can't get out for a half or full-day birding, doing a count at your feeder can be added to the overall count. Again, contact myself with your data including the street you live on (so the data gets placed in the appropriate section of the count circle) and I will forward it on. Any and all birds are useful as the point of the count is to get a snapshot of what's going on on a certain day for birds. Can be a bit tedious counting crows and starlings but they're important too.
Also, keep in mind that count week birds can be recorded three days prior and after the specific count day (ie December 11-13 and 15-17 for Chilliwack). This usually is more for uncommon to rare birds encountered during those days.
Thanks to all especially the organizers of the counts who have more work than is obvious not only to get the count off the ground but to compile the data afterwards.
The link is to Bird Studies Canada webpage for more info: www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/