The Birds of Christmas

Watching and feeding birds inspires many Canadians to devote their leisure time studying nature. Sharing observations can increase one's appreciation, and add purpose to the activity. These days, the Scientific community is soliciting any useful information gathered by recreational naturalists. The new term for this is called "Citizen Science". And, it's comforting to know that, throughout the world, during the Christmas season, there's an excellent opportunity for birdwatchers to contribute toward a better understanding of our avian world.

In the year 1900, to protest a senseless slaughter of wildlife, Frank Chapman created what has become a great annual Birdwatching phenomenon, The Christmas Bird Count. Mr. Chapman, of the American Museum of Natural History, was appalled at the barbaric custom known as "The Christmas Side Hunt." On Christmas morning, sportsmen would form teams and head out into the countryside to shoot anything that moved. If it adorned fur or feathers it was fair game. The teams with the most kills were hailed as champions by the sporting press. To offset this primal tradition, Chapman and members of the Audubon Society spent part of their Christmas day in the field identifying and counting as many individual birds as possible.

The count has evolved and expanded considerably since its modest inaugural venture. However, the objectives and procedures remain similar - Census areas are defined. A date is set within a two-week period around Christmas (usually on a weekend or holiday). Teams or individuals are assigned to specific areas. On count day, they head out and every bird that is successfully identified is counted. At the end of the day, the information is sent to the compiler, and the complete data is later published by the Audubon Society.

Local nature clubs, naturalist groups, or determined individuals take responsibility for coordinating regional counts. A compiler is assigned to organize the event. An area is divided into sectors, each with a sector leader. Sectors occasionally compete with each other to see who can find the most species. The competitive spirit often motivates individuals to cover an area thoroughly.

Experienced birders use strategies to maximize their efforts. To facilitate predictability, the area is "scouted" before the actual count. Count day often starts well before dawn in search of owls. Throughout the morning, key habitats like open water, woodlots, fields, urban & suburban areas, and bird feeding stations are inspected carefully. Sector leaders usually organize lunch-time meetings with participants to review results and improvise a strategy for the remainder of the event. The afternoon is sometimes left open to search for elusive species that avoided detection during the morning endeavors. At dusk, individuals wait near known sites where flocks come to roost. Many hope the day will produce some surprises, hopefully in the form of rare or unusual birds.

Everyone is encouraged to join regardless of experience. If possible, a sector leader may assign you to accompany an experienced team. Some participants choose to relax by the window at home while estimating the numbers attending their feeders. This group, known as feeder watchers, plays an equally important role as field observers.

To help pay for publishing the results, The Audubon Society requests a participant fee of $5.00 payable to your local club, sector leader or compiler. To find out more about the counts in your area, contact your local nature club.

The results provide a picture of winter bird populations. Their fluctuations in numbers over the years can reveal a variety of trends, both good and bad. Which species are learning to adapt to specific winter conditions? How and where has disease, like West Nile Virus, effected certain species. Are their consistencies in the cycle of finch invasions? And, what about birder participation? How dramatic is the fluctuation of human interest in birding?

Winter birdwatching is adventurous and fun with infinite possibilities. Participating in Christmas Bird Counts, your adventures provide useful information for future generations.