Yellowknifers have been counting birds at Christmas for 40 years

The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, and Yellowknifers have been part of the tradition for the past 40 years.

Local organizer Reid Hildebrandt said the survey started in New England nearly 125 years ago as an alternative to shooting birds for a Christmas feast.

These days, Birds Canada partners with the National Audubon Society to run bird counts across the country between December 14 and January 5 every year.

Hildebrandt says he’s been participating in the Yellowknife bird count since he was seven or eight years old. He’s been organizing the event as a volunteer for the past four years.

“Since birdwatching in the winter is generally slow, having something to look forward to and go all out towards is quite fun for me,” said Hildebrandt.

From 2023: Get a sense of the kinds of bird usually seen here
From July: Meet Yellowknife’s birdman, Reid Hildebrandt

Hildebrandt’s responsibilities include compiling the data obtained by counters and sending it to Birds Canada.

The results are then used by conservation biologists, environmental planners and naturalists to assess trends in population as well as the distribution of birds nationally.

Hildebrandt says that while there isn’t a lot of diversity in the bird population in Yellowknife in the winter, it’s a treat to get to spot a bird after minutes – and sometimes hours – of not seeing anything.

“Every bird here matters, and every bird here is quite enjoyable,” said Hildebrandt.

There’s also something to be said for how birds are able to bring people together, even in frigid temperatures.

“One of the best things is seeing families with kids that are going out and enjoying it, and cultivating their passion for the overall outdoor world,” said Hildebrandt.

Counter Lea Lamoureux says she and her family are bird people. This year marks the second time they’ve participated in the Christmas count.

“It’s nice to slow down and take a good look at things,” said Lamoureux.

She added that Hildebrandt has become a great resource in the community.

Whenever the family spots an interesting bird, they’ll snap a photo and send it to Hildebrandt, who then teaches them about the bird they saw.

First-timers Lauren Newton and Will Richmond said they had each been meaning to come out to the count for a few years but didn’t want to go alone. After realizing they were both into birds, they decided to participate together.

They joked that they were hoping not to see too many ravens or ptarmigans, but instead something more interesting that they don’t usually get to see in the winter.

The results of this year’s count are expected to be released by Monday at the latest.