By Tom Moore

The 35th Brome Lake Christmas bird count this year will take place on December 20. It marks the 126th Audubon sponsored international Christmas bird count.

From mid December to early January, volunteers from across Canada, the U.S., parts of Central and South America, and the West Indies will count and record each individual bird species encountered within one calendar day.

Each of more than several thousand count groups will survey a designated 15 mile diameter circle (177 square miles!) for one day and report their findings to the U.S. National Audubon Society. In Canada the organization is handled by Bird Studies Canada who forward the Canadian count data to the Audubon Society from more than 14,000 volunteers in 400+ count groups.

A recreational activity with scientific value

Apart from its attraction as a recreational activity, the annual count reveals interesting and scientifically useful information on the early winter distribution patterns of various bird species and the overall health of the environment.

Open to all bird enthusiasts

The count activities are open to bird enthusiasts of all skill levels. There are three options for participants:

– spend the day in the field surveying by car a preset quadrant of the count circle.
– survey your own property and surrounding area on foot, skis, etc.
– report on birds observed at your feeder (no need to even venture outdoors!)

Please try and fill your feeders before the holiday break.

How to participate

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s count can call (514-946-2445) or email (thomasw.moore@yahoo.ca) for further information.