The Christmas Bird Count is coming up in Parry Sound this weekend.
The 118-year tradition started in 1900 by Bird Studies Canada and the Christmas Bird Count is North America’s longest-running citizen science project. Bird Counts happen in over 2000 towns throughout the Western Hemisphere.
This year, the Parry Sound Nature Club and partners from the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve will be splitting participants up into teams and will be set up to bird-count in designated zones.
Information that is collected by volunteers forms one of the world’s largest sets of wildlife survey data. The results are used daily by conservation biologists and naturalists to assess the population trends and migration of birds.
Tianna Burke, Conservation Biologist with the GBBR says you don’t have to come out to participate in the bird count.
“If you don’t want to brave the elements, you can also sit at home and watch what birds come to your bird-feeder if you have one. We would love to know what you see at your bird feeders,” she said.
Bird-counters can expect to see barred owls, black-capped chickadee’s or evening grosbeak birds among hundreds of other birds that visit the region.
Volunteers will meet at Richard’s Coffee at 119 Bowes St. for 8:00am until sunset this Saturday. If there’s inclement weather that day, December 16th is the alternative watch day. If you miss this event, there are others in various regions. You can locate an alternative bird count here.
If you plan to attend this weekend, R.S.V.P. to the Parry Sound Nature Club’s Facebook Page and send them a private message to confirm your attendance.
