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Southeast Alberta May Species Counts 2022

Feb21

The May Species Counts, held each year over a weekend in the second half of May, are a highlight on the birding calendar. There are several counts in Alberta (including one in Calgary on the last weekend in May). For each count, birders go out to sections of the 80-km diameter count circle and record all the species (and the numbers of each) that they can find. It’s an attempt to have a long-term record of birding populations during spring migration.

Lark Sparrow
Lark Sparrow, Southern Alberta, May 2020. Photo by Bob Lefebvre

Many Calgary birders participate each year in two SE Alberta counts, at Brooks-Lake Newell and at Writing-On-Stone. These give local birders an opportunity to experience some different and beautiful prairie habitats and find some bird species that are not common near the city.

The organizers of these two counts, Debra Hornsby and Donna Wieckowski, are hoping to get some new people to take part this year. In particular they would like to have more birders out for the Writing-On-Stone count, but can accommodate more for Brooks/Lake Newell as well.

Below are the details.

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Hello Alberta Bird Counters! We are pleased to announce that the Brooks-Lake Newell and Writing-on-Stone Bird Counts will take place this year on the following dates:

· Brooks-Lake Newell Bird Count: Sat. May 21 and Sun. May 22

· Writing-on-Stone Bird Count: Sat. May 28 and Sun. May 29

If you plan on camping we highly recommend booking early!

Tillebrook: general reservations for May 20-22 opened at 9 am on Saturday February 19.

www.reserve.albertaparks.ca or 1-877-537-2757

Writing-on-Stone: general reservations for May 27-29 will open at 9 am on Saturday February 26. www.reserve.albertaparks.ca or 1-877-537-2757

All participants must pre-register. Please indicate interest in participating to Debra Hornsby and registration details will be sent out by March 31, 2022.

Because many count areas are accessed via rough country roads, high-clearance or 4×4 vehicles are recommended.

We are hopeful that we will be able to resume in-person Friday night meetings to review count protocols and hand out area assignments â€“ be sure to be there! (We’ll have a Plan B ready in case Covid doesn’t cooperate!) Note: a small fee of $12 per person will be charged to all Brooks participants to cover the rental of the Brooks Legion meeting room. The attached brochure provides further information, and a draft count schedule. Registration forms will be emailed by March 31.

To indicate interest contact: debra.hornsby.banff*@*gmail.com

More information: Donna Wieckowski astolat*@*shaw.ca

2022-Brooks-WOS-Bird-Count-Brochure-BCBDownload

Get Involved in the Calgary May Species Count

May17

The Calgary count on May 29 and 30 still has some areas that need surveyors.

The May Species Count is an annual event in which birders count the number of birds of each species within the 80-km diameter circle centred in Calgary. The circle is divided up into many smaller territories, and there are a few that so far are not covered this year.

  • Area 2: FCPP Bridge 6 to Macleod Trail (Votiers Flats)
  • Area 3: FCPP Macleod Trail to Bridge 13 (Glennfield)
  • Area 4: FCPP Burnsmead South to Lafarge Meadows
  • Area 31: Irricana
  • Area 37: Acme/Carbon
  • 43b: Confluence Park – pending
  • 43g: Pine Creek Water Treatment Plant
  • 43j: Nose Hill Park – pending
The Calgary count circle with the rural territories marked. The city is also divided up into many territories.

If you are an experienced birder and want to participate by covering one of the areas above, contact John McFaul at alpglow[at]telus.net. He will provide details of the procedures and a description of the territory to be covered.