(current as of November 10, 2023)
There are currently no bylaws in effect regarding COVID-19. Having said that, please be considerate of others and inform your Area Lead if you are sick, or do not participate.
Please be respectful of others' choices to wear masks or socially distance. Participants who are not conducting themselves in a respectful manner will be asked to leave the count.
Please complete this form to register to participate in the count (click on link below):
Does it cost anything to sign up or participate?
No! It is completely free. It is part of Birds Canada and Audubon's citizen science program.
What kind of participation options are there?
You can choose to participate in walking or driving sections, or a combination of the two. When you complete the registration form, it asks for your preferences and we try and place you in areas that accommodate those preferences.
You can also participate by watching your backyard bird feeders for the day!
Do I have to participate for a certain length of time?
The count typically runs from about 8am to 5pm, but people can participate for as long as they want. We just ask that your Area Leader is aware of your availability in advance, so they can assign you a section you can complete in the time you are available.
Do I need a certain level of bird ID skills or knowledge?
No, we welcome enthusiastic birders of all levels. Your Area Leader will be an experienced birder, capable of identifying all birds in the area, and we will try and place people in groups such that there is at least one experienced birder in each group. Novices are absolutely welcome, and it's a great opportunity to learn about the amazing winter birds in our area.
What kind of equipment do I need to bring?
Participants should bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras, if they have them. Binoculars and cameras are the most useful tools. Participants should also be well-dressed for the elements, including but not limited to: winter jacket, snow pants, winter boots with good grip, hiking poles (if needed), scarves, gloves, and hats.
Can I count birds outside of my count area?
Not for the purposes of the count, no. The Cochrane Christmas Bird Count Area is specifically delineated and assigned so that each area is covered by only one person/group of people. If people submit birds they counted outside of their assigned area, there is the potential to double count some individuals.
If you see an interesting bird outside of your count area on the count day, or 3 days prior to or after the count, you can report it to your Area Leader, who will inform the Area Leader in whose area the bird was seen.
What do we do in the event of bad weather?
The count runs rain (or more likely snow) or shine! We recommend that if the day is particularly chilly or blustery, that count participants take breaks inside as needed, wear appropriate clothing, and drink lots of hot beverages!
In the event of extreme weather, the Count Coordinators will make a decision on the day as to whether or not to cancel the count.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to email our coordinators. Please ensure correct spelling of email addresses.:
Kirsten Pearson - kirstenepearson@gmail.com
Josh Sullivan - joshdsullivan2@gmail.com
If you have not heard back from one of the coordinators within a few days, please check the spelling of the email address you emailed, and try again.