Every year around Christmas time, citizen scientists in North America head outside and count birds. This annual census is called the Christmas Bird Count. It was started by the Audubon Society in 1900 and has since spread to Canada where Bird Studies Canada coordinates the Christmas Bird Counts for Canada.
It is used as a means to collect bird population data for wildlife conservation studies. It is also a great way to get outside and enjoy Nanaimo's natural environment and learn about the neat and interesting birds that live among us. Some parks that are great for bird watching include Buttertubs Marsh, Richard's Marsh, Jack Point and Biggs and Chase River Estuary or you can do your part just by counting the birds in your backyard.
Common Yellowthroat
This year's Christmas Bird Count for Nanaimo is being held on Sunday, December 27. For more information and to sign up please contact Rhys Harrison at rhysharrison@shaw.ca.
Bird Studies Canada - Christmas Bird Count