It's a day birdwatchers look forward to each year...it's the annual Christmas bird count for North Bay this Saturday.
As a feeder watcher, you will be responsible for counting the birds at your feeder and/or in your yard. The length of time required can be as little as 5 minutes or as long as one wishes on Dec, 14.
Last year 30 bird feeder watchers viewed for 56 hours and produced 522 birds representing 23 different species in the annual Christmas Bird Count.
Seventeen field surveyors worked singly, in pairs, and in small groups for 58.5 hours, drove 555 km, and hiked 45 km to discover 38 species and 2,528 birds says compiler Lori Anderson.
See: Species up but numbers down in 124th Christmas Bird Count
Watchers record the highest number of birds seen at one time, of each species, on count day. So if you see three Chickadees at the feeder together in the morning, later in the day four Chickadees are seen together, four is the number to report – not 7.
Watchers that see an unusual or rare bird should be prepared to back up their claim, or have an experienced birder from the club help verify it. If possible, a photograph is ideal.
For more information see Bird Studies Canada Christmas Bird Count Web page.
A map of North Bay’s Count Circle can be found here:
Results for all 45 past North Bay Christmas Bird Counts can be seen here.
Want to help? Contact Lori Anderson [email protected]
