Bird enthusiasts of various experience levels and physical abilities are being invited to be part of this year's annual Christmas Bird Count, coming up this weekend.
Whether it means trudging through local fields and forests, or counting birds in a backyard feeder, it all matters, explained Mike Klotz, one of the organizers of this year鈥檚 count, takes place in Langley, 性视界传媒, and White Rock on Saturday, Dec. 28.
The Christmas Bird Count, which started in 1900, is North America鈥檚 longest-running citizen science project. People in more than 2,000 locations throughout the Western Hemisphere participate in the CBC each year.
Prior to the turn of the 20th century, on Christmas Day, hunters were known to engage in a rather barbaric tradition called a Christmas 鈥楽ide Hunt.鈥�
Early in the morning groups of hunters would choose sides, take to the fields and forests, and shoot everything in sight. The side that returned with the largest pile of feathers or fur, won the 'contest.'
The conservation movement was in its infancy, but scientists and observers were noting with alarm a decline in the number and species of birds.
So in 1900, to determine if this was a trend, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman suggested a new Christmas tradition. Instead of hunting birds, people would count them, instead.
The information collected by thousands of Christmas Bird Count volunteers forms one of the world鈥檚 largest sets of wildlife survey data.
The results today are used by conservation biologists, environmental planners, and naturalists to assess the population trends and distribution of birds, Klotz said.
鈥淚 am deeply proud of the community鈥檚 dedication to helping gather vital information about our bird populations each year,鈥� he enthused.
It is important to not only count the birds found in the field, but backyard feeders also need to be monitored, Klotz said. This is because many small birds are being drawn in from the woods by feeders and this information is extremely valuable in improving the collected data.
鈥淭he trends we observe are shifting with more birds adapting to suburban backyards as our communities expand into formerly wild spaces,鈥� explained Klotz.
鈥淚f you can鈥檛 join us in person, but have feeders or a backyard where you observe birds, we鈥檇 love your help. Simply make a list of the birds you spot and send it to me at so we can include your observations in the count,鈥� he said in inviting varying participation.
Another option is if people would like a team to visit their feeders and assist with their tally, they are encouraged to email or call Klotz at 604-861-1677or email Kristina Breit at for possible information.
Klotz is very appreciative of all the help that is provided by the public, but also by individual naturalists鈥� groups.
鈥淎 heartfelt thank you goes to the Langley Field Naturalists for their unwavering support of this important effort. I would like to honour Bob and Sheila Puls, who laid the groundwork for the Langley count and whose leadership continues to inspire us,鈥� said Klotz.
Long-time White Rock organizer Gareth Pugh has stepped back from his leadership role.
鈥淪pecial recognition goes to Gareth Pugh for his years of service in organizing the White Rock circle. Although Gareth has passed the torch to Kristina Briet, we are grateful that he continues to be actively involved, tallying the numbers of our feathered friends of several counts,鈥� Klotz explained, paying homage to Pugh鈥檚 efforts through the many years.
The meet up spot for participants is the 216 Street McDonald鈥檚 Restaurant at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28.
鈥淐ome out , join us, and have fun," said Breit.
"Don't hesitate if you don't know a ton about birds, because if you are enthusiastic and enjoy learning more, that is all we need. Christmas Bird Counts are a good way to discover just how many different birds live in your city and around you," she added.
鈥淎nyone can participate 鈥� no experience required!鈥� reiterated Klotz. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e a seasoned birdwatcher or a first timer, we welcome all who are eager to help."
