The count, inspired by the long-standing Christmas Bird Count tradition, aims to engage new generations of young birders and conservationists across North America.
The Yorkton and Saltcoats areas have deep roots in nature conservation. In the early 1900s, Yorkton resident Isabel Priestly, an avid birder and botanist, established and led the Yorkton Natural History Society and associated Blue Jay publication. Her work gave rise to the Saskatchewan Natural History Society which later became known as Nature Saskatchewan. Today, the Yorkton Natural History Society and Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association of Saltcoats are active groups affiliated with Nature Saskatchewan.
Christmas Bird Counts have been run across North America since 1900, and are the longest-running citizen science effort in North America. Today, counts are conducted in December and January at roughly 2000 locations in the Western Hemisphere. According to Birds Canada, count results comprise one of the largest datasets for birds in the world and are used daily by biologists and naturalists to assess the population trends and distribution of birds.
The Christmas Bird Count for Kids was established in California in 2007.
The Yorkton area count, organized by local naturalists, is in its third year. “Every year we seem to hit a cold day, but the kids still have a great time”, says Allison Henderson Hunter, one of the local organizers.
Two years ago Morley Maier, a member of the YFBTA, spotted a Townsend’s Solitaire, a rare winter resident of the Yorkton area.
So, come on out and brave the cold to learn more about birds this Saturday. Participation is open to birders of all skill levels. Groups will gather at 3 pm at the Tupper Avenue entrance to Logan Green.
Dress warmly for cold weather and walking and bring binoculars if you have.
Data collection sheets and local field guides will be provided.
