Today is our Bird Count day when local ornithophiles will be looking forward to finding out what birds are visiting their feeders.
"That information will be an important piece of the whole snapshot which will be taken in North Bay, Canada, North America and the world during this year's Christmas Bird Count," says Christmas Bird Count Compiler Lori Anderson.
Last time by far the most species seen were Black-capped Chickadees. Bald Eagle numbers were 14, down somewhat from last year, but Red-tailed Hawk numbers, at 3, were a record high
See: Local bird count spots 37 bird species and 3449 individual birds
The Christmas Bird Count is one of the most exciting events in the bird calendar according to the Nipissing Naturalists Club's Bird Wing.
It is a count that has been running continuously in North America since 1900 and in North Bay for the last 45 years. It is one of the world’s largest and most important wildlife surveys. Conservation biologists and naturalists use the data collected to assess population trends and the distribution of birds.
The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world.
This cherished tradition is organized through Birds Canada and the National Audubon Society and brings together bird enthusiasts of all ages to participate in a day of community, camaraderie, and conservation.
Counters watch within a 24 km diameter circle of North Bay, a circle that is fixed, staying the same year after year. To view the circle and get contact information, check out Christmas Bird Count on Nipissing Naturalists Club’s website.
Each December, the club calls on the bird watchers of North Bay -- both members of the Nipissing Naturalists Club and all other bird lovers alike -- to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count.
Early results should be in this week while a final result will likely to be released early next month.
