A holiday tradition for local nature lovers and aspiring community scientists is right around the corner … and throughout the city – the annual Christmas Bird Count.
This will be the 57th consecutive count in Guelph, though periodic counts were done as far back as nearly a century.
“It’s kind of an interesting way to get out and spend some time in the field with some birdwatchers and learn about the birds of the area,” said local coordinator Mike Cadman.
Since 1900, the Christmas Bird Count is North America's longest-running citizen science project. Participants in more than 2,000 locations throughout the western hemisphere participate in the count each year.
Scientists use the data collected to monitor the health and status of resident and migratory birds over time, explains a Nature Ontario news release, noting this helps develop conservation strategies for species in decline and their habitats.
On Sunday, participants head out to see what birds they can spot in 13 different sections of the city and immediately surrounding area. Teams of volunteers with a variety of experience levels and ages are joined by an experienced leader who oversees their efforts.
“That way we make sure we’re good data from knowledgeable people, but the other folks find birds and count as they go,” said Cadman. “Most people will come out for the whole day and in some ways that’s ideal, but if you can only make part of the day, that’s OK too.”
Similar events will be held in communities throughout North America between Thursday and Jan. 5.
“At the end of the day we do get together,” he said, noting they tally up the results. “It’s the big reveal, finding out what people have found.”
Last year saw record participation locally in the bird count.
In all, 75 participants reported 68 species, slightly above the average of 66 for the last decade, and with a total of 12,998 birds.
There were no new species for the count, but six species had record numbers:
- greater white-fronted goose – two (one in 2006)
- trumpeter swan – 49 (36 in 2021)
- bald eagle – 13 (10 in 2021)
- belted kingfisher – 15 (13 in 2018)
- common raven – 58 (55 in 2021)
- hermit thrush – 3 (1 in 2009)
“Gradually, the number of participants has been climbing, so I think we’ll be close to the same kind of numbers,” Cadman said of what he expects to see this time around.
Asked what advice he would give to someone who was thinking about joining but hadn’t in the past, Cadman said, “dress warm.”
For more information about the Christmas Bird Count and/or to sign up with a section leader, click here.
