Every year the Cortes Island Museum sponsors the Christmas Bird Count, but 2020 is a different year and we are following Dr. Bonnie Henry’s directives. So, on Sunday, December 27 (weather permitting), participants are invited individually or with family members to count the birds surrounding their house, their bird feeder and “backyard.”

For this count, please record both the species and the estimate of the actual numbers of birds observed. If the weather is stormy, we will post the cancellation on Tideline – the alternate day is January 2, 2021.

Also, for the 3 days before and 3 days after the count day (December 27) we want to know whether you spotted or heard any unusual bird species (great-horned owl, pygmy owl, trumpeter swan, osprey, etc.). If you can get a picture, and/or provide some field notes (where it was spotted, what time, etc.) that would be great. You can check our Cortes Island Checklist, available at the museum, to see what is considered unusual or rare on Cortes Island. These sightings are entered into the database as “count week” observations, so identify them as such.

Please call6340, mail (BOX 422, Mansons Landing BC V0P 1K0) or email (cimastwincomm.ca) your observations by December 31.

Have fun birding and stay safe!

No pre-registration is required this time.