This nonmigratory American Three-toed Woodpecker will be one of the bird species spotted during the 2021 Christmas Bird Count. Yes!! On Saturday, December 18 the famous Bow Valley Christmas Bird Count will be taking place in and around the towns of Banff and Canmore. Pop over to the Bow Valley Naturalists site https://bowvalleynaturalists.org/event/2021-bow-valley-christmas-bird-count/ to learn how you can participate. And if you live elsewhere, not to worry. The first count started in 1900, today over 2000 take place throughout the Western Hemisphere between December 14 and January 5. If you reside in my favorite country, you can pop over to Birds Canada website https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/christmas-bird-count/ , to find a count near you.
Due to COVID-19, certain social aspects of the day will not be taking place again this year. The pot luck dinner and the ever so popular demonstrations of how adult birds feed their offspring. Always a challenge getting volunteers playing the offspring role. I guess next time we’ll have to use regurgitated chocolate instead.
