CBC: Christmas Bird Count
CBC is a citizen science project that operates through the participation and commitment of individuals in the Bow Valley. The 2023 Count will be held on Saturday, December 16th. If you would like to join us, feel free to contact us to find out more.
Introduction.
Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a conservation effort that started over a century ago and is done throughout North America, some tropical areas in Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. Results from these counts are being used to help track bird populations as they respond to global climate change.
The Bow Valley Naturalists have organized the Banff-Canmore Christmas Bird Count since 1975. The count is an excellent opportunity to spend the day looking for local birds and is traditionally followed by a potluck supper at the Banff Seniors Centre where results are compiled and stories exchanged about the day’s activities.
How it's done.
Standard procedure for CBCs requires that counting be done during one 24 hour period within a designated circle that is 24 km in diameter. The Banff-Canmore count circle has its centre on the Bow River below Mt. Rundle. It includes the Town of Banff west to Vermilion Lakes and the Town of Canmore east to the Trans Canada – 1A Highway interchange (see images below). Additionally, you can go to the CBC bird checklist and participant form page to get an idea of what you might see during the count.
CBC past results.
This international, ornithological effort is coordinated by the National Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada. There is no cost to participate as Bird Studies Canada has taken on the role of compiling all the data. After count results have been submitted, a summary of various locations may be viewed at National Audubon Society or Birds Canada. Below are count results in the Bow Valley.