The annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) – the longest-running Citizen Science survey in the world – will take place from December 14 to January 5, 2017.

Cranbrook, Kimberley and Fernie naturalists will join tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas to take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission – often before dawn to count the birds. For over 100 years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.

Each of the citizen scientists who annually brave snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations – and to help guide conservation action.

From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition — and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation. You are invited to join these local counts.

For more information about CBC participation or helping by watching your feeders in the East Kootenay please contact:

Fernie – Thursday, December 15 – Mike Bentley -250 430-7766

Cranbrook – Wednesday, December 28 – Greg Ross – 250 489-2566

Kimberley – Wednesday, January 4 – Dianne Cooper – 250-427-1921

Lead image: Bird counters in Kimberley last year. Photo submitted

Submitted

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