Minnedosa’s 34th Annual Christmas Bird Count
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- Published on Friday, January 9, 2015
Submitted Article
They came from near and far and gathered on a Minnedosa street corner before dawn December 28th. Dressed warmly and armed with binoculars, the 12 were here for the 34th Annual Christmas Bird count.
Soon the 12 were divided into 5 groups and began the day of counting as many birds as possible. They would continue with this quest until dark had descended. Others participated in the count by reporting what they sighted at their feeders.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count, in its 115th year, is run by the National Audubon Society in partnership with Bird Studies Canada. From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas 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. 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.
Local volunteers covered a 24 kilometre diameter circle surrounding Minnedosa, identified 29 species and recorded all birds spotted. Highlights of this year’s count was a lone goose nestled in the grass along the open water in Minnedosa, white-winged crossbills were observed high in the tops of spruce trees, small flock of American goldfinches, Bald Eagle, 2 Evening Grosbeaks and 14 Dark-eyed Juncos spread through the count area. Black-capped Chickadees, being the most common bird, was spotted at all check points. Did you know the chickadee has “black underwear” to help it stay warm in cold temperatures?
Thanks to Erica and her family for the comfortable get- together and delicious food as we compiled our sightings and enjoyed each other’s stories and images.
CBC compilers enter their count data via Audubon’s website at www.audubon.org/bird/cbc where the year’s count results are viewable. Explore this information for the current winter or visit a count from the past to see how the birds are faring in your area and all over the Americas. For more information and to find out how you can be part of this citizen science experience, contact Minnedosa coordinator Ian Thorliefson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
