On December 14, 2019 we will once again conduct the Whistler Christmas Bird count collecting data on bird species and numbers for Canada. Volunteer participants spend the day with binoculars out and around Whistler spotting birds, identifying birds, and counting up the numbers of each species found. We have volunteers in vehicles, walking trails and neighbourhoods, and even have some great spotters on both Mountains -riding the lifts and skiing the trails while counting birds.
120 years of counting! The Christmas Bird Count is North America’s longest running Citizen Science Project. Everyone can participate in this community event.
Feeder Watch
If you have committed to maintaining a bird feeder over the winter, while the Bears are hibernating, you can watch your feeder (or spy on them with a webcam). Choose an active time of the day when you know the numbers would be highest -early to mid-morning is often best. Identify the birds you can, record the number of birds for each species, add up the numbers and phone in your results after 4 PM. If you see a bird you cannot identify -Snap a photo and submit it for identification, to whistlernaturalists@gmail.com.
Join in on a walk
If you have an interest in birding and would like to become a Whistler Christmas bird counter grab your binoculars, dress warmly, pack a lunch and spend the day in a small group counting up the birds you see or are able to identify by call.
On December 14th, if you see someone with binoculars, eyes to the skies, give them a supportive wave as they count up the birds for Whistler’s Christmas Bird Count day.
For further information on how to volunteer and participate, please contact Shawn Mason
by email: Shamas.Mason5@Gmail.com
or by phone: 604 612 1167 (for Feeder count results)
Written by: Shawn Mason