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Annual count highlights avian trends in the Townships
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The St. Francis Valley Naturalists’ Club, a cornerstone of birding and conservation in the Eastern Townships, is gearing up for its annual contribution to the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. Scheduled for Dec. 14, the event is part of a tradition that stretches back to 1900, making it the longest-running citizen science initiative in North America.
Gary McCormick, Vice President of the St. Francis Valley Naturalists’ Club and the compiler for the Sherbrooke Circle, emphasized in an interview the historical importance of this event. “It was started as a reaction to the traditional Christmas hunts in the United States, where hunters would shoot as many birds as possible,” McCormick explained. “Concerned conservationists with the Audubon Society decided to replace that with a bird count, and it’s grown across the Americas since.”
A tradition rooted in science
The St. Francis Valley Naturalists’ Club joined the count in 1953 and has participated annually since 1957. “We’re the second-oldest club in Quebec to take part,” McCormick shared, adding that the club’s involvement has provided valuable data for decades. The information collected each year helps researchers track bird population trends and understand broader environmental impacts.
“The strength of citizen science is in its numbers,” McCormick noted. “There are so many skilled people contributing observations that we can paint a much more accurate picture of bird populations and how they’re shifting over time.”
The bird count spans mid-December to early January, offering clubs across the continent a chance to organize and participate. Locally, the Sherbrooke Circle—a 24-kilometre diameter encompassing Sherbrooke, Lennoxville, Rock Forest, North Hatley, Waterville, and parts of Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley—hosts its count on Dec. 14. “It’s our circle, and we’re the registry for it,” McCormick said proudly.
Tracking trends and surprises
Over the years, the Christmas Bird Count has highlighted both encouraging and concerning trends. Data shows an uptick in species like woodpeckers, hawks, and ducks, particularly as milder winters extend their seasonal range. “Wild turkeys, bald eagles, and certain duck species like mallards and common goldeneyes have become regulars,” McCormick shared, noting that open water along the Magog River keeps many birds wintering longer.
Last year, the Sherbrooke Circle recorded 64 species, its second-highest total in nearly 70 years, with the highest being 65 in 2015. This data helps track rare sightings and ongoing trends. “We’ve seen some rarities like Barrow’s goldeneyes and red-bellied woodpeckers in recent years,” McCormick said.
However, not all trends are positive. Species such as snow buntings and evening grosbeaks have experienced significant declines. “It’s rare to spot them now. If you see one, it’s a special event,” he remarked.
Citizen science in action
The Christmas Bird Count relies on a mix of seasoned birders and newcomers. While experience is preferred due to the scientific nature of the data, beginners are welcome to participate under guidance. “We team them up with experienced members so they can learn,” McCormick said, adding that it’s a great way for people to build their birding skills.
This collaboration underscores the importance of citizen science, which provides a grassroots approach to tracking wildlife trends. The data is compiled by the Audubon Society and Birds Canada, offering insights into species distribution, the impacts of climate change, and the health of ecosystems.
Beyond its scientific contributions, the bird count is a communal activity that draws people closer to nature. “There’s always a surprise or two,” McCormick said. “We’re pretty intrepid—weather doesn’t stop us.”
A regional effort
While the Sherbrooke Circle is nearing capacity for this year’s count, McCormick encouraged those interested to explore other circles in the region. “Georgeville has a circle, and others, like Knowlton, sometimes organize counts,” he said. Participation has grown over the years, with the Sherbrooke Circle reporting the second-highest number of participants in Quebec last year, just behind Montreal.
For beginners considering future participation, McCormick advised bringing a field guide or camera to aid in identifying species. “We want people to enjoy themselves and learn while contributing to science,” he said. The club fosters a welcoming atmosphere for bird lovers of all skill levels, with experienced members readily sharing their expertise.
Why it matters
The data collected through the Christmas Bird Count is invaluable for understanding long-term changes in bird populations. It also provides clues about broader ecological shifts. For example, milder Decembers have brought changes in migratory patterns and increased sightings of species traditionally rare in the region, such as tufted titmice and Carolina wrens.
“It’s fascinating to see how climate change and human activity are influencing these patterns,” McCormick observed. “The count helps us understand the broader picture and contributes to conservation efforts.”
For more information
To learn more about the Christmas Bird Count or participate in future events, contact Gary McCormick at gmccormi@ubishops.ca. You can also explore resources on the St. Francis Valley Naturalists’ Club Facebook page or visit:
- Birds Canada: https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/christmas-bird-count
- National Audubon Society: https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count
This timeless tradition continues to enrich understanding of bird populations while fostering a shared appreciation for the natural world in the Eastern Townships.