125th Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a census of birds in the Western Hemisphere which began on Christmas Day, 1900. This annual late-winter count of bird species and abundance of individuals is performed by volunteer birdwatchers and administered by the National Audubon Society. The CBC is led in Canada by Bird Studies Canada. The long-term data collected is crucial to inform conservation scientists and decision-makers about population trends and the state of birds.

There are approximately 2,500 CBC “Count Circles” located throughout the Americas and a few islands in the Pacific. The Arrowsmith Naturalists sponsor the count within the Parksville-Qualicum Beach “Count Circle,” a 24 km. diameter area, centred at French Creek Marina and divided into 12 zones. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and inland birds from Bald Eagles to hummingbirds are counted by teams in the field and feeder watchers at home.

The participation of community members in the “stay-at-home” Feeder Count portion of this effort is important to obtain accurate counts of birds in our area.  Yards, acreages, farms, and other private land—popular with birds– is inaccessible to the field teams. Your contributions to this effort are important and appreciated.

Have fun spotting and recording birds on Jan. 5th 2025 !

Lynne Brookes, CBC Feeder Count Organizer

Arrowsmith Naturalists