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......		CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
		Last modified January 8, 2007

2006 RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE!

Counting birds at Christmas time has become a tradition for naturalists across North America, and the fun is now rapidly spreading around the world. An outgrowth of the British Boxing Day hunt, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is now an opportunity for fellowship while exploring the wonder of nature at the darkest period of the year.

In spite of the often cold weather, the count always brings surprises! When several people venture outdoors, new discoveries always are made. For example, this year brought an influx of snowy owls. Experienced birders enjoy the challenge of finding different species in challenging conditions, while beginners find that identification is easier with fewer species to choose from, and without leaves to get in the way.

The counts have become standardized, with all areas using a 25-km diameter count circle and being done between December 14 and January 5. The results for the entire 104-year history are available on-line at the Audubon Christmas Bird Count site.

In Palliser's Country, we have five counts to choose from. Each one will match beginners with knowledgeable people. If you wish to participate, please contact the compiler before the count day. Those people wishing to count birds at their feeders or farmyards are also welcome. Those barnyard pheasants, grouse and owls can be important for the count, but please register with the compiler in advance.

LOCATION	COMPILER	CONTACT INFO	DATE	COMMENTS
Fort Walsh	Guy Wapple	gswap@sasktel.net	December 18	Accommodation available
Medicine Hat	Sarah McPike	(403) 529-6225	December 17
Govenlock	Sheila Lamont	redwillow@sasktel.net	December 19
Manyberries	Rob Gardner	(403) 527-2052	December 26	(Map of count area)(600 KB file)
Cypress Hills, AB	Aaron Domes	(403) 893-3777	January 6

You might want to look at a summary of the 2006 sightings.
Most people are surprised at the variety of birds that were seen.

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