Kids and Families Welcome for Christmas Bird Count
Pileated Woodpecker (photo credit) Roger Beardmore
By Barbra Fairclough
The Shuswap Naturalist Club has been conducting an annual Christmas bird count centred in Salmon Arm since 1970. Under the guidelines of the Audubon Society, bird counts are done in over 2000 locales throughout the Western Hemisphere. Frank Chapman, an early officer of the Audubon Society, proposed a bird count census as an alternative to the ritual competition of hunting as many birds as possible on Christmas Day.
After many years of dedication to coordinating the Salmon Arm count, Ted Hillary has handed the reigns to John Woods. John has a PhD in Zoology and is a dedicated volunteer and club member. John started birdwatching at the age of 14 while living in Toronto. These early experiences developed his passion for nature which led him to university studies for a PhD specializing in the ecology of elk in the Rocky Mountains.
He is the former chief park naturalist for Glacier and Mount Revelstoke national parks. John is currently part of a research team studying the evolution of whiskey jacks (Canada Jays). Formerly from Revelstoke, he now calls Salmon Arm home.
This year the Audubon Christmas bird count is scheduled for December 17 beginning at dawn and continuing until late afternoon. This event is open to anyone. John confirms that even if you are a beginner at bird identification, more eyes and ears can help locate birds while those with more experience can help you identify them. “New energy is always welcome, and all naturalist club events are open to the public” says John.
Northern Saw - Whet Owl with mouse photo credit - Ed Dahl
The Salmon Arm Christmas bird count is conducted within a 12-km radius centred at the junction of 30th Ave. and Hwy. 1 in Salmon Arm. Bird count volunteers are organised into teams covering different areas within this count area. John says the area stays the same every year so the results can be compared year-over-year. There are usually six teams with a team leader.
When the count is complete later in the afternoon, the groups meet up for a bit of a social. There is discussion of the findings of the day and it’s an enjoyable Christmas come together.
Kids have their bird count too! Molly Cooperman leads the Kids Christmas Bird Count under the umbrella of NatureKids. This year the Count is on December 10 between 1pm-3pm. Molly has been leading this for six years and she says the kids have a lot of fun. She is looking forward to a good turnout this year.
Everyone is encouraged to dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. Spotting scopes will be provided. Children of all ages are invited accompanied by parents. Both bird counts are open to the public, and everyone is welcome. The word gets out through FB and members get an email when details are confirmed.
The 52nd consecutive year of the bird count of the area within a seven-mile radius of Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, including White Lake, west along the Trans Canada highway and on the North Shuswap, will be on Saturday Dec 16. All participants welcome, meeting at the old Squilax gas station at 7:50AM prior to going to count areas. Anyone attending should dress to be outside for the day, do some walking, and bring food and drinks for yourself. FMI Tony at 250-319-1498 or tonysrathbone@gmail.com
Kids Christmas Bird Count information Molly at salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca
Salmon Arm Christmas Bird Count information John at woodsj@telus.net
