On Dec. 27 Golden residents have the opportunity to be part of the largest, longest-running animal census on the planet.
Beginning in 1900, The Christmas Bird Count, as it is now called, is conducted in over 2000 localities across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These bird observations have been amassed into a huge database that reflects the distribution and numbers of winter birds over time.
Christmas Bird Counts are conducted on any one-day between December 14 and January 5 inclusive. They are carried out within a 24-km diameter circle that stays the same from year to year.
As well as adding an exciting and fun event to the holiday season, the Christmas Bird Count provides important information for bird conservation. Data from the Count was used in assessment reports that added Western Screech-Owl, Rusty Blackbird, and Newfoundland Red Crossbill to the Species at Risk Act lists, and the general database was used extensively in the recent State of Canada’s Birds report.
This will be the 25th year that Golden has participated in the count.
“We are looking for participants of any and all skill levels in bird identification, so tell you friends,” said organizer Ellen Zimmermann.
There are several ways to participate, including going along with an experienced birder to help record, covering a specifically allocated territory on your own or with family and friends, or even watching and recording your own bird feeder from your home, where you can stay warm and cozy.
You can contact Zimmerman to join the even and let her know how you’d like to participate at ellenzim@uniserve.com.
