Join us outside on the Environmental Trail and along False Creek, for a Winter Bird Walk on December 14, 2024. Science World is participating in the Annual Vancouver Christmas Bird Count organized by Nature Vancouver! Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome.
Birders will meet in the Connection Zone to grab data sheets, meet each other, and get organized before heading out along the Sea Wall to count and identify the birds we see.
What are Bird Counts?
Christmas Bird Counts help track long-term trends in bird populations and is part of the Audubon Society’s Community Science Initiative. Long-term data from these counts have been used over the years to support avian research, protection, and management. Participating in a Christmas Bird Count is also a good way to enjoy birding with others and to learn more about the birds we all admire and enjoy.
What Should I Bring?
If you have a bird guide, feel free to bring it! Or download Merlin and E-bird on your mobile phone. We will provide some bird field books and guides for folks to share if needed. We will provide weatherproof data sheets, clipboards, and pencils to help us record tallies for people who don’t have an online e-bird account to track their list.
If you have binoculars or spotting scope, that would be welcome! We will also provide some smaller binoculars for birders of all ages as well.
What Should I Wear?
Dress for the weather and warmly. We will be outside between 30-50 minutes depending on the number of birds we can find! Bird walks will run rain or shine, since this is an annual count day!
If it is really chilly, check out our Snack Lab and buy a hot chocolate to bring with you on the walk.
I Can’t Make It In Person, Can I Still Participate?
Birds Canada oversees the Christmas Bird Counts in Canada, in partnership with the Audubon Society, and there are four Christmas Bird Counts happening in Metro Vancouver: Vancouver; Ladner; White Rock-Surrey-Langley; and Pitt Meadows. Head over to BC Christmas Bird Count Areas to see maps, Count dates, and contacts for each of these four Areas.
If you wish to join the Vancouver Count on your own, please sign up at 2024 Vancouver Circle Christmas Bird Count.
Good Stuff to Know
- Free: These hour-long guided Bird Walks are free with admission.
- Registration: Please reserve your spot with Admissions. Space is limited.
- Times: 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.
- Meeting Location: Birders, meet in the Connection Zone (behind the Admissions desk).
- Things to Bring: Binoculars—if you have some!
- Dress for the Occasion: Layer up for the cold.
We look forward to bird watching with you!