Submitted Photo
Two golden eagles perch on a power line. EQUS power co-op, who provides electricity to the region, made changes to their power poles to include wider horizontal bars. This reduces the risk of larger birds electrocuting themselves on the wires while perching, as they are less likely to ouch two wires.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Starting tomorrow, bird enthusiasts have the chance to take part in one of the largest citizen science initiatives in the country.
This year marks the 126th year of the Christmas Bird Count, organized by the National Audubon Society in partnership with Birds Canada.
Participants will register to head out to sites across the country to make note of as many birds as they can during a select time period, to allow ornithologists and conservation biologists of what conservation action is required to protect birds and the places they need.
There are three different bird counts taking place within the Southeastern Corner, with one happening as early as tomorrow in the Manyberries area.
Organizer Rob Gardner said that the Manyberries count is unique as it takes a snapshot of the native prairie species in a way not seen as strongly in the city of Medicine Hat or the Cypress Hills, which host the other two counts in the region.
“It’s a good survey of what the birds would be on the prairies in the wintertime. But it’s also just fun to get out and see a quieter part of the province and see it in a different season,” said Gardner. Over the years, he notes that those involved have seen plenty of golden eagles, rough-legged hawks, snowy owls and northern shrikes, as well as countless snow buntings, sage grouse and other native species.
The Manyberries count will run from 8 a.m. to roughly 3 p.m, with carpooling options available for those coming in from Medicine Hat. Anyone interested is asked to call Gardner at 403-527-2052.
On December 21, the count will come closer to home, as the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program hosts the Medicine Hat Christmas Bird Count, for which birders of all experience levels are encouraged to reach out to 403-529-6225 for more information.
Finally, on Dec. 28, the count will take a trip out to Cypress Hills, which is an event that has been more recently revived after a hiatus.
“It’s so important, of course, with the changing climate,” said organizer Brook Skagen. “The event at Elkwater, the Cypress Hills Bird Count in particular is important because the area is so unique.”
With the region being so unlike the surrounding prairie, it offers a unique look at the species. Participants will head along assigned routes, some on foot and some along roads. Those interested in taking part in this count are asked to email Skagen at brook.skagen@gmail.com.
All counts can also be participated in from home for residents of the area, watching bird feeders or examining trees on their own property, provided the participant is registered.
