The 115th annual Audubon Christmas bird counts are back.
The Audubon Christmas bird counts are the oldest wildlife census in North America.
The counts are the source of much data on bird numbers, movements, range, affects of weather on birds in the winter, feeding habits and feeder activity.
These counts cover North and South America, the West Indies, Bermuda, Hawaii, Guam and the Commonwealth of North Mariana Islands.
All the data, including the names of all participants is published in the Audubon Society’s Field Notes.
The Penticton count is on Dec. 15. The count circle is divided into 20 areas with 13 in Penticton, and seven in Summerland.
The count day goes from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Teams for the count are led by experienced birders, so one does not have to have any expertise in order to participate
Those who prefer to count birds at their feeder from the comfort and warmth of their homes, as “feeder watchers” need to be able to confidently identify the local winter birds.
At the end of the count day there will be potluck supper (food contributions are welcome) and count up at the United Church on Main St. in Penticton beginning at 4.30 p.m.
After supper, team leaders will recap the birds seen and the events of the day in their area.
To participate in this fun day, get fresh air and exercise and have something for “show and tell” for future generations call Dick Cannings regarding one of the Penticton count areas at 250-493-3393 and Laurie Rockwell for the Summerland portion of the count at 250-494-7558 and for the dates of the other counts in the South Okanagan-Similkameen, Boundary Country and Princeton counts.