Hatters needed for annual Christmas Bird Count

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 11, 2025.

The Medicine Hat Interpretive program is calling all citizen scientists to take part in the annual Christmas Bird Count.

Organized by the National Audubon Society in partnership with Birds Canada, the count has been taking place for 126 years, making it the longest-running citizen science project in the world.

MHIP says data collected by participants contributes to one of only two large existing pools of information, notifying ornithologists and conservation biologists of what conservation action is required to protect birds and the places they need.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this free community science project. Participants can either cover an area within the Medicine Hat count circle by walking and tallying all birds seen or heard, or watching at a bird feeder in the comfort of their own homes.

For more information on how to participate, those interested are encouraged to call 403-529-6225 or visit natureline.info.