Tomorrow I don my boots and sling my binoculars around my neck to step out with scores of other keen birders on one of Vancouver’s oldest traditions – the annual Christmas Bird Count. The first count in North America started in 1900 when there were few bird books and binoculars. Robert Ridgway would write his magnus opus The Birds of North and Middle America the following year. Roger Tory Peterson’s first field guide would not appear until decades later. According to Sam Bryant at Glenlivet Wildlife, Morits Hensoldt invented the first prismatic binocular in 1892. Zeiss Company acquired the patent the following year. Prior to 1892, binoculars were not much different than two tiny telescopes held together so the viewer could use both eyes rather than just one. Today’s binoculars use similar technology and have taken birdwatching to a new level. Now with apps like eBird to record birds seen and Merlin to help identify their calls and songs, birdwatching has become mainstream. Millions of people birdwatch and the Christmas Bird Count has become a perennial favourite tradition.
The Vancouver Count is divided into areas assigned to teams. We will be tallying birds in suburbs, lakes, seashore, and mountain slopes. The forecast is for fine weather so there will be no excuse for not having a good day in the field. I will post some of my thoughts as the day goes by. If you haven’t been on a Christmas Bird Count, mark it down for next year. This is a tradition in North America.
Stories from Nature 