Charles Helm
On January 5, eleven Tumbler Ridge birders set off to count birds and species for the Christmas Bird Count. This count is now in its 125 year across North America and is the longest-standing event of its kind, helping to establish trends in bird numbers across the continent.
The participants enjoyed moderately cold (19 below) conditions, but thankfully without much wind. Together they put in many hours at feeders, on skis, hiking and driving, even getting up before dawn and going way into the night to listen for owl calls. Participants included Brandon Broderick, Trevor Corsi, Marsha Dufresne, Jenn Graham, Mike Hartmann, Charles Helm, Linda Helm, Manda Maggs, Roy Rule, Crys White and Larry White. The results will be submitted to the relevant authorities in BC, Canda (Birds Canada) and the Audubon Society and will enter the continental database.
The total number of species was 21, with a total number of 496 birds. Number of species equals the Tumbler Ridge record since counts began about fifteen years ago. This was despite a surprising absence of certain woodpecker and chickadee species. Two parties recorded Great Gray Owls, the first time this species has been recorded on the Tumbler Ridge count. And always a joy to see in the middle of winter is the American dipper, feeding in what remains of open water in the creeks.
The list of species recorded, along with the number of birds seen, is:
Ruffed Grouse 7
Great Gray Owl 2
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Common Raven 130
Canada Jay 18
Blue Jay 16
Steller’s Jay 2
Black-billed Magpie 1
American Dipper 2
Bohemian Waxwing 5
Black-capped Chickadee 91
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Pine Siskin 55
Pine Grosbeak 83
Evening Grosbeak 1
Common Redpoll 8
Snow Bunting 40
House Sparrow 20
Above photo: This year, two Great Gray Owls were spotted, this one by Brandon Broderick. Who also, you know, took the picture.
