Show Notes
The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that is held between December 14 and January 5 each winter. It was devised originally as an alternative to the 19th century tradition of hunting birds at Christmas, and has evolved to become the longest running citizen science project. There are tens of thousands of participants - seeking out and counting tens of millions of birds each year. 2025 will be the 126th year of the Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t already participate in one, as of this episode’s release, you still have time to find and join a count local to you. For the next two episodes I’ll be sharing with you my experiences out in the field during two of the 2024 Christmas Bird Counts, starting with the 49th Hanover-Walkerton Christmas Bird Count in Bruce County, Ontario, Canada. Credits Songbirding is a Songbirding Studios production, and was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is by Scott Buckley. For more information about the Christmas Bird Count, see: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count The eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S124632617
More from Songbirding
In the first half we explore insect songs & sounds in southern Ontario in mid-October, then to a group of Common Ravens in Alberta in June. Credits The Songbirding Halloween Special (2026) is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley. https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/ Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support
While hiking the Fullerton Loop Trail I found a very cooperative Townsend’s Solitaire, at about the halfway point of the hike. For this episode, we’re going to listen to this long-winged songster, as well as many other songbird species here. Credits
Continuing the ascent of the Fullerton Loop Trail, I’m about to encounter the songs of Red-breast Nuthatches, Western Warbling-Vireos, and Townsend’s Solitaires. Credits
As I continue along the Fullerton Loop Trail, I’ll be encountering some Chipping Sparrows, Varied Thrush, Mountain Chickadees, and more.
The Fullerton Loop Trail is a half-day hike that gives expansive views over the Elbow Valley in Kananaskis Country. During my trip in early June of 2025, it was full of birdsong, even though the climate felt like winter was still holding on a slight bit.