Getting on board for birds in Comox Valley

Volunteer naturalists conducted ferry-based surveys during the Comox Valley segment of the North American Christmas Bird Count, and those long-running counts contribute to multi-decade data that track changes in coastal bird populations.

Comox Valley naturalists swapped New Year's celebrations for toques and binoculars to survey seabirds from BC Ferries decks. The ferry expedition was one of three day-long surveys carried out in the area during the North American Christmas Bird Count between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. About a dozen birders make the Little River to Powell River ferry run each year, team leader Kathryn Clouston said. Ferry-based counts let observers record species that are hard to see from shore, such as ancient murrelets, western grebes and common murres. Key facts: - The North American Christmas Bird Count has taken place since 1900 and involves participants at more than 2,000 locations across the continent. - Birds Canada collects volunteer count data in partnership with the National Audubon Society. - During last year’s survey the Comox Valley ferry team recorded 4,492 Pacific loons, the highest count in North America that season, according to Birds Canada. - The team watches for pelagic species such as short-tailed shearwaters and ancient murrelets; western grebes are noted as declining along the coast. - A local study using count data from 1919–1959 showed declines in several water birds as the Comox Valley shifted from rural and estuarine habitats to a more developed municipality. Summary: Long-term ferry-based counts add to a century of local survey data that helps scientists distinguish longer-term trends from year-to-year variation. The Comox Valley record shows both declines in some coastal waterbirds and population shifts for others, while recent surveys continue to note occasional influxes of pelagic species. Data are compiled by Birds Canada and the National Audubon Society. Undetermined at this time.