Some local bird enthusiasts are hoping they can count on the public to help them out next week.
Backyard bird counters are needed for the annual Christmas Bird Count, which happens Thursday, Dec. 28 for the White Rock/Surrey/Langley region.
The annual count, an early-winter bird census by the National Audubon Society, is conducted with the help of more than 70,000 volunteers across B.C., Canada, the U.S. and many other countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Prior to its start in 1900, on Christmas Day, hunters were known to engage in a ‘rather barbaric’ tradition called a Christmas side hunt. 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,’ notes a release.
The conservation movement was in its infancy, but scientists and observers were noting with alarm a decline in the number and species of birds. 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.
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It was “kind of a radical thought” for the time, noted John Gordon, who is involved with counting birds in the Langley area for the annual event.
The information collected by thousands of count volunteer participants forms one of the world’s largest sets of wildlife survey data, with the results used by conservation biologists, environmental planners, and naturalists to assess the population trends and distribution of birds.
“Every year, more people are feeding birds in their backyards where our field observers are unable to count them, so we are inviting those people to call us on the day of the count with the numbers of birds seen at some point during the day,” said Gareth Pugh, the event organizer.
“We would be happy to provide free identification guides to anyone who would like them, or ask one of our observers to visit you to help with identification,” he added.
Many small birds are being drawn in from the woods by feeders, and this information would be extremely valuable in improving the data that is collected, Pugh said.
Interested backyard counters can call Pugh at 604-649-1027 or Gordon at 604 533-7171 if they live in the Langley area, or email gareth@intergate.ca for more information.
Those wanting to take part in the count instead of counting at their backyard feeders should contact Pugh, who can allocate them to the area nearest to them.
No experience is needed, Pugh said.