This holiday season you can get out and enjoy nature while taking part in the 124th annual Christmas Bird Count.
The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 and has become North America’s longest-running wildlife census.
myFM spoke with Lesley Rudy, Nature Network Organizer with Ontario Nature, who told us more about this community science initiative.
Local nature groups from across the province are leading counts, including right here in St. Thomas and Elgin County. The St. Thomas Field Naturalists Club are on board, along with the West Elgin Nature Club.
Rudy says it can vary by region, but typically depending on your experience with birds, organizers will set you up with an area and a group of people going out.
This data collected is then used by scientists to monitor the health and status of resident and migratory birds over time.
This year’s CBC will run from December 14, 2023 to January 5, 2024.
For more details, visit the Ontario Nature website.
Written by: Emily Chatwood
