Provisional Results 125th Christmas Bird Count
December 14, 2024 to January 5, 2025
We will post results here as we receive them. In the Leave a Reply box at the bottom of this table, please provide a few sentences with the count name, species count, and highlight species (do not list all species) and we will put the summary into the chart. (You may wish to provide a link to an eBird Trip Report or a longer description that is posted elsewhere. The full list of species is to be submitted to Birds Canada with your official report)
Count Name | Date | Provisional Results |
| 100 Mile House | Dec 14 | |
| Abbotsford-Mission | Dec 30 | The highlight this year has to be the Northern Saw-whet Owl spotted on Sumas Mountain. Historically, Sumas Mtn had been the place to get owls, including the Western Screech Owl when it was more common, and when we had a previous participant who seemed to have a 6th sense for detecting owls. Thanks again to those who helped by providing feeder or yard counts–these provided a species we would otherwise have missed: 2 Barred Owls at one person’s place in Mission. The one count-week species this year was a White-throated Sparrow that seem to like hanging out with up to 15+ Golden-crowned Sparrows at my feeder during recent winters. This year, 17 species were recorded in only one area (last year it was 15) showing just how close we can come to having a good or bad year. Lynn Miller, compiler |
| Armstrong/ Enderby | ||
| Ashcroft Cache Creek | ||
| Bamfield | Dec 15 | |
| Bella Coola | Dec 15 | Thanks to the determined and committed 14 counters who walked, bicycled or paddled to discover what birds were hanging out. It was lovely to have a mild,dry, no snow on the ground day! We did great with a count of 40 species. There were two Anna’s Hummingbirds on the count. We should get more ocean species but often the tide moves them to more inaccessible areas. Mary Tutt, compiler |
| Big White | Dec 15 | |
| Bridesville | Dec 15 | |
| Bridge Lake | Dec 15 | |
| Broughton Strait | Dec 29 | The 29th BCBR (Broughton Strait) count took place on December 29, 2024, with 20 participants in five teams and four feeder counters. The count took place around Port McNeill and Malcolm Island and unfortunately no participation from Cormorant Island this year. The weather was pleasant with a constant mild temperature, light showers early, and diminishing breeze through the day. We identified 73 species and counted 6,286 birds which was slightly above average and an additional six species identified during count week. Some highlights included a Yellow-billed Loon, 1000 Dunlin, a couple Wilson’s Snipe, and an increase in frequency of seeing Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins, compared to earlier in the year. Gordon Curry, compiler |
| Burns Lake-Francois Lake | ||
| Campbell River | Dec 29 | |
| Castlegar | Dec 14 | |
| Cawston | ||
| Chilliwack | Dec 14 | Temperatures were at 4 to 8°C with light winds and some light rain in the afternoon. This year’s count day attracted a total of 42 counters on 17 routes plus 8 feeder watchers. They observed 93 different bird species and 1 count week species 5 count day species less than year. The total of individual birds came to 49,006 up 9,730 birds. This year’s numbers were above average. This year six species broke high record numbers for individuals. The record breaking high counts were Green-winged Teal 217, Western Scrub Jay 2, Red-breasted Nuthatch 26, Brown Creeper 43, Golden-crowned Kinglet 425, and Merlin tied the 2014 high of 8. We recorded 24 Anna’s Hummingbirds this year and 41 last year, 78 below the 2018 high of 102 Anna’s. European Collared Doves were down again this year with 146 seen, 216 lower than the 2019 high count of 362 doves. We found three owl species on count day this year: 3 Great Horned Owls and 1 Barn Owl plus a Barred Owl. Pine Siskin had great numbers with 1574, all but two areas counting them. Last year there were only 35 counted. We had one rare species on the count day a Great Egret and a Wilson’s Warbler for count week. Denis Knopp, compiler |
| Comox | Dec 15 | The Comox CBC was held on 15 December 2024 in excellent weather, sun and no wind, with 76 birders in 26 parties, mostly of 2-3 birders, and 5 feeder counters. We had a very good count with 115 species and 38,521 individuals recorded on count day, and 4 additional species recorded during count week. Unusual species on count day were Redhead, Ruddy Duck, Rhinoceros Auklet, Bonaparte’s Gull, Snow Bunting, and White-throated Sparrow. In general, bird numbers were strong and Red Crossbill and Pine Siskin were very high. The number of species was the highest since 2004 and the number of participants was a record high. Art Martell, compiler |
| Cortes Island | Dec 28 | The weather was mild: It rained slightly all day, and there was no wind. We had 40 participants in a few parties and many individual reporters in cars, a bicycle, some on foot, and one party on a boat. We observed 75 species and 4550 individuals. The party that went out in a boat and circumnavigated Marina Island (new this year) were the only ones to spot Brant (3), Long-tailed Duck (11), Black Scoter (8), Turkey Vulture (1), Herring Gull (1) and American Coot (3). They also added to the tally 27 Common Loons, 4 Western Grebes, 500 Surf Scoters, 300 Harlequin Ducks, 14 Black Turnstones and an impressive 98 Black Oystercatchers. The large number of birds recorded there is a testament to how important Marina Island is to the overwintering population of birds. We don’t get out there very often due to weather conditions and not having volunteers willing to brave the chill of boating in winter! There was no American Robin, few woodpeckers, and few owls, but many crossbills and pine siskins. Gina Trzesicka, compiler |
| Cranbrook | Dec 28 | The Cranbrook CBC was held on 28 December 2024 this year with lower-than-average species being found despite the seasonally mild weather (around zero C) and good road conditions. Only 37 species were found (average 44) with individual birds numbering 1,635 (average 2,576). Eighteen people were in the field, and eight feeder watchers reported, both are good participation for here. The only unusual species was American Wigeon. Low numbers were especially noticeable for American Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, Bohemian Waxwing, and House Sparrow. Count week species were Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, and Rough-legged Hawk. Dianne C. compiler |
| Crawford Bay | Dec 29 | The second Crawford Bay Christmas Bird Count was run under overcast skies and unseasonably mild conditions. Eleven participants observed 45 species comprised of 560 individual birds. Being the second year of the count there were many new additions to the circle’s list with two seasonal highlights, Northern Pintail and American Tree Sparrow. Sachi Snively, compiler |
| Creston Valley | Dec 27 | The binoculars and spotting scopes were out in full force during the 26th Annual Creston Christmas Bird Count day on December 27th, 2024. It was a beautiful day with a bit of sunshine, no wind, and no precipitation. Thirty birders walked and drove around the designated circle count area, and more people watched from their windows to see what came to their birdfeeders. This year’s most exciting find was the Great Gray Owl. It is the first time this species has ever been recorded on a count day. It is a very rare winter visitor to our valley and the interior of BC. A warm thanks to everyone who contributed to finding 75 species! Ulrike Sliworsky, compiler |
| D’Arcy-Birken | Dec 17 | |
| Dawson Creek | Jan 4 | Nine field observers braved chilly temperatures (steady -24 all day) and a decent snow pack (30+ cm) to tally 3138 birds of 24 different species. As always, there were some surprises.. both in what was seen and what wasn’t! Two new species were added to the overall list of species tallied on the count; both at the same yard with bird feeders! These were a Song Sparrow and a House Finch. It was just a matter of time before the finch was counted; there have been several around town for a while but they have always eluded us during the bird count. The Song Sparrow was not expected. Although fairly common in the Peace country during spring and summer, Song Sparrows predictably leave the area in September and don’t return from their wintering grounds until late April. This bird apparently found a dependable food source and decided not to go south this winter! Another exciting bird was a rare white-phase Gyrfalcon. This largest falcon in the world has been tallied on our bird count four times previously, but never a white-phase bird, which is quite rare. It was spotted by two groups: Once as it headed into town, and again as it chased pigeons near the grain storage bins near the golf course.Speaking of pigeons, they were the most common bird tallied on the count for the 5th time. It was a good year for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Bohemian Waxwing and Pine Grosbeak, though none of these reached their highest-ever totals. The numbers might suggest that it was a poor year for Ruffed Grouse and Evening Grosbeak (both missed during the count) but both species have been relatively common this year in the surrounding area.This year’s results are remarkably consistent with the 25 year average for species and individual birds tallied on the Dawson Creek count. Mark Phinney, compiler |
| Deep Bay | Dec 19 | The Deep Bay CBC was held on 19 December 2024 in cool, windy weather with rain and fog. There were 66 birders in 33 parties of 1-5 birders, and 14 feeder counters. We had a good count with 100 species and 15,820 individuals recorded on count day, and 1 additional species recorded during count week. Unusual species on count day were Whimbrel, Rock Sandpiper, and White-throated Sparrow. Art Martell, compiler |
| Duncan | Dec 29 | Participation was down from 103 to 76 individuals this year, but we still saw a lot of great birds and there were few complaints about the weather. A total of 171 checklists were submitted by eBird and 116 species were observed on count day. We walked a combined 87 hours covering 135 km, and spent 29 hours driving 196 km to find the birds. Two boats were on the water again this year for a total of 8 hours. Owl survey efforts were similar to last year. This year’s data suggests that the survey was conducted by relatively faster walkers and/or slower drivers compared to last year. Species Highlights included: 38 Snow Geese, return of the Tufted Duck at the sewage lagoons, 3 Western Bluebirds, over 600 Bonaparte’s Gulls, a single Chipping Sparrow, a Swamp Sparrow, and 14 Virginia Rail. Numbers for many of the waterfowl were down. For example, 579 American Wigeon compared to 1,777 last year. A total of 93 Cackling Geese were observed this year compared to 1,571 last year. Short-billed Gull numbers were also down from 1,965 to 903. Species with big increases compared to last year included: Glaucous-winged Gull (up by 816), Pine Siskin (3,272 this year compared to 168 last year), European Starlings (4,034 compared to 1,926), Dark-eyed Juncos, Red Crossbills, American Robins, and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Tania Tripp, compiler |
| Edgewood | Dec 27 | |
| Fauquier | Dec 30 | |
| Fernie | Dec 15 | There were seven field counters and two feeder counters with 28 species seen. Highlight species were two Killdeer, five Townsend Solitaires, and a Belted Kingfisher. We missed our normal duck count because access was tricky to the sewer treatment ponds. There were more mountain ash berries in town so there were larger flocks of Bohemian Waxwings (about 600) and 62 Pine Grosbeaks in town. Kate Woods, compiler |
| Fort St. James | Dec 28 | |
| Galiano-North Saltspring | Dec 15 | |
| Golden | Dec 29 | There were 22 field observers and 12 feeder watchers. It was a gray day, overcast with no wind, a low of minus 3 with a high of zero. Several observers mentioned they saw less than the usual bird numbers. There were 34 species seen on the count day (and one during count week) with a total of 986 individual birds, which was 44 birds and 2 species less than those counted in 2023. However, in 2023 there were 31 field observers and 13 feeder observers, 10 more observers than this year. Joan Dolinsky, compiler |
| Grand Forks | ||
| Greater Masset | Dec 27 | |
| Harrison River | Dec 16 | |
| Harrop–Balfour | Dec 21 | This season’s Harrop – Balfour Christmas Bird Count occurred under overcast skies with low visibility and was unseasonably mild. The efforts of twelve participants identified a total of 47 species comprised of 1662 individual birds along with a further three species observed during count week. Eared Grebe was a new observation for the circle as they are uncommon and or rare in our region in winter. Chickadees were abundant with Chestnut-backs setting a record high of 146 and Black-capped and Mountain registering the second highest count totals of all time. Sachi Snively, compiler |
| Hat Creek | Dec 27 | Three people participated in this year’s CBC. Temperature was -2 to -10 with approximately 6 cm snow on the ground but there was no snowfall during the count. Bald Eagle and Northern Shrike were expected but not seen. Chukar 3 Golden Eagle 1 N Pygmy Owl 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 3 Black billed Magpie 32 American Crow 7 Common Raven 6 Mountain Chickadee 5 Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 Townsend Solitaire 29 American Robin 17 c/w Bohemian Waxwing approx. 300 Song Sparrow 2 Pine Grosbeak 18 Pine Siskin 20 Snow Bunting c/w Heather Baines, compiler |
| Hecate Strait | ||
| Jaffray-Wardner | Dec 14 | The Jaffray-Wardner count was held on 14 December 2024 in average seasonal temperatures (-4 to +2 C) and intermittent light snow and wind. A good turnout of 16 people in 4 teams and three feeder counters got 44 species (average) and 850 individual birds. Unusual species on count day were 1 Trumpeter Swan, 1 Killdeer, a Common Merganser, and a Pacific Wren. This is only the fourth time for this count so species and number trends are still developing but noticed were a relatively high number of Bald Eagle (24) and low numbers of almost everything else. Dianne C. compiler |
| Kamloops | Dec 15 | On December 14th, the 2024 Kamloops Christmas Bird Count was conducted by 43 of our members divided into 21 groups with 3 more members on feeder watches. Temperatures were mild and winds were light. A total of 8472 individual birds were counted. 70 species were tallied, with 2 additional species counted during the count week. The participants spent 73 hours on foot and 31 hours driving, covering 106 km on foot and 378 km by vehicle. The number of species was about average, but the total number of birds was down. We often count a couple of thousand Bohemian Waxwings, this year there were only 19. Glenn Dreger, compiler |
| Kaslo | Dec 30 | Great participation again this year with 16 field watchers putting in close to 20 hours of direct observing (this is based on total field time of the count team and doesn’t factor in total individual time). Feeder and citizen watchers were very helpful adding in some species not seen by the field teams such as Merlin, Great Horned Owl, House Finch, Canada Jay. There were 3 species previously not seen: Ring-necked Duck, Great Grey Owl, Great Horned Owl There were 45 species seen including count week….a record high number for Kaslo CBC (next closest 41). There were higher numbers of collared dove, northern flicker, chickadee sp., American dipper. This was, however, a record low individual bird count at 716 on count day. There were no eagles, brown creepers, redpolls, a lower number of mallard, junco, sparrow, house finch, raven, crossbill, siskin, evening grosbeak. Weather wise it was very pleasant with calm conditions, no precipitation, and light cloud. Stuart Heard, compiler |
| Kelowna | Dec 14 | |
| Kimberley | Jan 4 | The Kimberley CBC was held on 4th January 2025 with 17 people in the field and four feeder watchers. Weather was unseasonably warm at around zero C, just like for the Cranbrook and Jaffray-Wardner counts. 2,098 individual birds of 47 species were found – above average species but below average number of birds. The first occurrences on the count were recorded for Killdeer and White-throated Sparrow. Unusual species were Bufflehead and Horned Lark. High counts were recorded for Bald Eagle (as with the Jaffray-Wardner count), Rock Pigeon, Northern Pygmy-Owl (9 seen and sometimes we get none), American Dipper (8), and Mountain Chickadee. Nice to get were 80 Snow Buntings. Dianne C. compiler |
| Kitimat | Dec 14 | A total of 15 people took to the field, while six monitored feeders in their yards, collectively recording a record-breaking 68 species—a new high for the area. The count tallied 2,786 individual birds, although numbers for common winter residents like Canada geese and mallards were lower than usual. The day’s highlights included three rare or unusual species for Kitimat: Cackling goose, Ruddy duck, and Rock dove. Birders also observed high numbers of Trumpeter swans, Great Blue Herons, and Pine Siskins. While no Anna’s hummingbirds were seen and only two American robins were recorded, the sighting of four Northern Pygmy Owls stood out as a memorable moment. from Northern Sentinel Newspaper |
| Kuskanook | Jan 3 | With the open waters of Duck Lake and Kootenay Lake, the Kuskanook Circle Count added 15 more species that can be found in our valley for a total of 58 species – Common Loon, Pacific Loon, Tundra Swan, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Short-eared Owl, Snow Bunting, and Clark’s Nutcracker. Ulrike Sliworsky, compiler |
| Ladner | Dec 15 | |
| Ladysmith | Dec 15 | |
| Lake Country | Dec 16 | |
| Lake Windermere District | Dec 14 | 35 participants spent over 80 hours, travelling 225 km to count a total of 48 species. An unusually mild fall and early winter meant more open water and contributed to some higher-than-average numbers of water-loving birds: 213 Canada geese. 369 Mallards. 59 Trumpeter Swans. and 27 Bald Eagles. Mild temperatures brought 11 Robins, 56 Song Sparrows, and 111 Townsend Solitaires. Other interesting winter migrants included 30 Snow Buntings. Shelagh Wrazej, compiler |
| Langara Island | ||
| Lardeau | Dec 27 | At 44 species for Count Day, it is less than the high of 47 species we’ve had 3 times in the 28 years, but it is well above our average. The total number of birds (957) is within our normal range. We counted another 10 species for the week. We had 3 species which we have not had before; Great Grey Owl, California Gull and Iceland Gull. Species which had low numbers were Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Siskins. Mallard numbers were high, as were Ruffed Grouse, Great Blue Heron and Northern Pygmy Owl. The warm weather, sunshine, lack of snow, calm and open water enabled greater access to areas not often covered. Marlene Johnston, compiler |
| Lasqueti Island | Dec 28 | It was a grey day and quite windy in the morning. There were 16 people, primarily land-based. One skiff with 3 people was able to get out on the water in the afternoon when the wind dropped. 25 km were covered on foot, 16 km by car, and 16 km by boat. A total of 48 species, with 3 more during count week, (which is a few more than last year) and 1,351 individual birds were counted, amongst which were 124 Buffleheads, 27 Bald Eagles, 182 Dark-eyed Juncos, and 79 Red Crossbills. Terry Theiss, compiler |
| Lillooet | Dec 26 | |
| Little River-Powell River Ferry | Dec 30 | The weather was not as good as predicted, with light rain and some wind. However 12 intrepid birders enjoyed huge numbers of Long-tailed Duck, Bonaparte’s Gull, Short-billed Gull, Ancient Murrelet and Pacific Loon. Humpback Whales were also feeding, which likely relates to the high bird numbers. 29 species were counted including 3 Rock Pigeons that hitched a ride on the ferry from Powell River back to Little River. K. Kaptein, compiler Eastbound Checklist Westbound Checklist |
| Logan Lake | Dec 20 | Logan lake 21st year, 29 species, # 698, 9 people total, 4 groups. 1 Northern Goshawk, 10 Boreal Chickadee on count day. CW was 1 rock dove,2 red-wing blackbirds. Ray Town, compiler |
| Lower Howe Sound | Dec 28 | |
| Mackenzie | ||
| McBride | Dec 15 | |
| Merritt | Dec 14 | Species total: 64 (slightly above average 61 spp) with 2 added in count week No. of birds: 5,846 (well above the average 4,172) No. of participants: 27 plus 5 feeder-watchers Highlight species: Ring-billed Gull (2) – a first for the Merritt count Wood Duck: 1 – only the third record for this CBC To see our full count data and photographs: http://www.nicolanaturalists.ca/2024/12/18/merritt-christmas-bird-count-2024/ Alan Burger, compiler |
| Naden Harbour | ||
| Nakusp | Dec 29 | The Nakusp Christmas Bird Count enjoyed a near record number of species this year. We had 50, surpassing our previous record of 51 species in 2011. The number of individuals was also above average, around 1550, (average is 1444). We recorded 2 species not seen before in our 47 year history: Snow Goose and Great Gray Owl. The mild winter we are experiencing meant that both Summit Lake and Box Lake were almost completely free of ice. This has never happened before on count day. This allowed some species to linger later than usual: Snow Goose, Trumpeter Swan, (recorded only once before), Greater Scaup, (recorded only twice before), and Killdeer, (22 years since our last sighting). Even some of the more common species such as Canada Goose, (which are far from regular in winter), were abundant this year. Unexpected “misses” included Belted Kingfisher, Hairy Woodpecker, Bohemian Waxwing, and Red-winged Blackbird. Gary Davidson, compiler |
| Nanaimo | Dec 27 | |
| Nanoose Bay/Lantzville | Dec 20 | |
| Narcosli | ||
| Nelson | Jan 4 | We had our youngest birder ever this year – the two-year-old grandson of one of our participants. He was able to identify, without prompting, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, and Bufflehead, plus a Bald Eagle as they were leaving – pretty amazing for such a little guy! Then he asked his grandmother to look up Goldeneye when they got home so he could identify them when he saw them again. He only lasted an hour because it was cold so close to the lake, but wow!! For this year’s count, while variously overcast for most of the day, the weather held with no precipitation to speak of, temperatures between -5º C and +3°C throughout the day, and not too much snow on the ground. With 36 participants out in the elements and seven feeder/yard watchers we ended up with a total of 47 species of birds, for a total of 2,261 birds, which is 355 more than our 2023 count. The total number of birds is slightly below the average from 2006 to 2024 of 2,416 birds, and the species total of 47 is also a bit below the 19-year average of 49 species. There were no new species seen this year, and no species added as count weak birds. Elaine Moore, compiler |
| Oliver-Osoyoos | Dec 28 | |
| Parksville-Qualicum Beach | Jan 5 | |
| Peachland | Dec 30 | We ended up with 64 total species, just one shy of the average of 65 since 2013. Great turn out with 21 observers and our second highest year for total kilometers on foot at a whopping 93.55 kms! Some uncommon sightings included the Chestnut-backed Chickadee and Green-winged Teal, both having only been seen in two other years, and the first ever for this area was the Ring-necked Pheasant. Notable misses included Red-necked Grebe, American Coot, Herring Gull, Merlin, and Bohemian Waxwings (first time ever we didn’t get any, the average is 739). Leanne McDonald, compiler |
| Pemberton-Mt. Currie | ||
| Pender Harbour | Dec 18 | |
| Pender Islands (incl. Mayne & Saturna) | Dec 14 | |
| Penticton | Dec 15 | |
| Pitt Meadows, Tri-Cities | Jan 4 | |
| Port Alberni | Dec 28 | |
| Port Clements | Dec 18 | |
| Powell River | Dec 21 | |
| Prince George | Jan 5 | Forty-eight field birders in twenty parties (max) and nineteen feeder-watchers participated in the count. Despite flurries throughout the day, the temperature reached a pleasant -4C, and bird activity was high. We tallied 47 species (slightly above average) and 19,641 birds, setting a new high count for the CBC. Additionally, ten species reached all-time high counts including 45 American Robins and 996 Mallards that decided to spend the winter in Prince George. Bohemian Waxwing flocks were widespread, with an impressive 11,281 tallied. We also observed good numbers of winter finches, including Pine Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, and Redpolls. House Finch and American Goldfinch numbers continue to increase. Five owl species were found. However, European Starling, House Sparrow, and Rock Pigeon numbers continue to decline, and no Eurasian Collared-Doves were observed. Cathy Antoniazzi, compiler |
| Princeton | Dec 15 | |
| Quesnel | Dec 22 | |
| Revelstoke | Dec 14 | Revelstoke bird count was a total of 40 species and 6 for count week. There were a total of 11 people that took part in the snow and rain. A Swainson’s Thrush was found, which is not usually here during the winter months. Don Manson, compiler |
| Rivers Inlet Mouth | ||
| Rose Spit | Dec 20 | |
| Rossland-Warfield | Dec 15 | There were 8 field observers and 13 feeder observers. (Less participants than usual) for a species count total of 31 and a total of 925 birds. Bohemian Waxwings( 40) were back this year after absence last year. Up to 120 were observed in January 2025. Pine Siskins also were back in average numbers (256) after near absence last year. Pine Grosbeaks (14) were sighted on the count day but up to 25 observed after the count. No Red Crossbills were observed on count day and few were observed after. One White-throated Sparrow was observed in Warfield. One was last observed on the 2021 count, also in Warfield. The count circle has elevation from 1355 feet (451 metres) at Trail to 4725 feet (1575 metres) at Strawberry Pass on Hwy 3B outside of Rossland. Most birds were observed at lower elevations where there was open water, minimal snow cover, and tree branches free of snow or hoar frost. Linda Szymkowiak, compiler |
| Salmon Arm | Dec 15 | |
| Savona-Walhachin | Dec 22 | 14th year for the CBC with 31 species and a total of 765, there were 4 people in 3 groups. Golden Eagle,1 Hawk Owl ,1 Red-breasted Merganser were interesting species seen. Ray Town, compiler |
| Shuswap Lake P.P. | Dec | |
| Sidney-South Saltspring | Dec 14 | |
| Skidegate Inlet | Dec 15 | |
| Slocan Lake | Dec 28 | 26 birders counted 598 birds for a total of 30 species. Conditions were warm and rainy, with open water and no snow in some areas, and some teams saw no birds. Our numbers were significantly down, perhaps because of the intense wildfires over the summer driving out some birds and the unusually warm, sodden conditions keeping some birds at higher elevations or farther north. Our count is from Hills to Red Mountain Rd., along Slocan Lake and over to Sandon along Hwy 31A. Some highlights were our first redstart (during count week) and a few Blue-winged Teals, a Barred Owl and two Northern Pygmy Owls on count day. Anne Champagne, compiler |
| Smithers | Dec 27 | There were 53 birders in 23 parties out in the field counting the birds as well as a few watching feeders at home. Many new birders, some of which came specifically from out of town, joined us. This year’s total number of birds was 4975 with 55 species. We usually get around 4000. The total was bigger this year largely due to the high number of Bohemian Waxwings (1473) gorging on all the fermented tree fruits. Yet again the Smithers count got the ‘Grand Slam’ of seeing all four Chickadee species. In the past we have been the only count in BC that got all four. Lots of tiny, but fierce, Northern Pygmy Owls were out hunting, and we watched one scare off a large flock of waxwings – birds that are twice their own size. The number of Red-breasted Nuthatches was up this year at 50. Apparently, their numbers are cyclical, and this was a high year. The presence of open water due to mild weather meant we also saw quite a few different waterfowl. Not often seen on the count was a Northern Goshawk , one Great Gray and one Barred Owl, as well as a single Varied Thrush. Rosamund Pojar, compiler |
| Soda Creek | Dec 29 | |
| Sooke | Dec 27 | |
| Squamish | Dec 15 | |
| Stuix-Tweedsmuir | Dec 21 | 42 Mallards 11 Buffleheads 36 Common Mergansers 3 Ruffed Grouse 25 Bald Eagles 47 gulls of various species 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpeckers 9 Northwestern Crows 6 Common Ravens 5 Chestnut-backed Chickadees 4 Black-capped Chickadees 14 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Pacific Wren 12 American Dippers 6 Golden-crowned Kinglets 228 Pine Siskins 3 Kingfisher 3 Harlequin Ducks 1 Northern Harrier 1 Junco Dennis Kuch, compiler |
| Sunshine Coast | Dec 14 | |
| Terrace | Dec 15 | The weather was good on our day (December 15). We saw 59 species on count day and 1 Anna’s Hummingbird that was probably at the feeder but wasn’t seen because the observer was out counting in other areas. We had 22 participants. This was a good owl year . Seven Northern Pygmy Owls were seen, 2 great Gray Owls, 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Barred Owl was heard. Our most unusual bird was a Western Meadowlark. Several of our participants were able to see and photograph it. My daughter and I also saw one on a Christmas Count in 1983! Juncos, flickers and robins showed up in good numbers but others like Steller’s Jay were low. Diane Weismiller, compiler |
| Tlell | Dec 21 | |
| Tofino | Jan 4 | Had fun this past weekend doing a last-minute trial-run at starting up a long-overdue pair of Christmas Bird Counts in Tofino and Ucluelet ..really happy to be able to have 23 participants out between the 2 counts (max 10 parties in field simultaneously) ..Tofino’s was on a rainy and windy day, but not nearly as rainy and windy as it often is out here. 83 species for Tofino, 97 species for the weekend. Bird of the count goes to Northern Mockingbird – two of them! One found a week pre-count , which had its full tail intact the day before the count, but when we eventually found it on count day, it had no tail… Here are the numbers (and more details/discussion in the reports): Both counts combined: https://ebird.org/tripreport/317914 Tofino: https://ebird.org/tripreport/315561 Ian Cruickshank, compiler |
| Tumbler Ridge | Jan 5 | It was fairly cold but thankfully little wind. We had 11 participants who put in a lot of hours at feeders, on skis, hiking and driving. We managed 21 species and 496 birds, which compares favourably with previous counts. There were some surprises: no three-toed woodpeckers, no boreal chickadees, no crossbills, pine siskins outnumbering snow buntings and redpolls, and the first-time Christmastime records of great gray owl. American dipper is always nice to see as well, and we were not expecting waxwings or evening grosbeaks. Charles Helm, compiler |
| Ucluelet | Jan 5 | Had fun this past weekend doing a last-minute trial-run at starting up a long-overdue pair of Christmas Bird Counts in Tofino and Ucluelet .. really happy to be able to have 23 participants out between the 2 counts (max 10 parties in field simultaneously), and to have calm and dry weather for the Ukee count! ..88 species for Ucluelet, 97 species for the weekend. Bird of the count goes to Northern Mockingbird – two of them! ..found another one at Alder Park in Ucluelet on Sunday! (this one had its tail…) Here are the numbers (and more details/discussion in the reports): Both counts combined: https://ebird.org/tripreport/317914 Ucluelet: https://ebird.org/tripreport/315566 Ian Cruickshank, compiler |
| Vancouver | Dec 14 | The 2024 Vancouver Christmas Bird Count took place on Saturday December 14th. We had a total of 213 participants this year. On count day a powerful windstorm swept over the Vancouver area with gusts up to 100 kph. This severely affected observation conditions, particularly in areas near the water. Heavy wave action made visibility of birds on the water extremely difficult, and coverage of Area Y (English Bay) by boat was not possible. This explains the low numbers of sea ducks, cormorants, grebes and loons on the count. Coverage of forested areas was also limited due to danger of falling trees and branches. Precipitation was light until mid-day, with showers in the afternoon. Temperatures ranged from 6-10 C during the day. As was the case last year, winter finches and grosbeaks were in short supply, with very few Red Crossbills (reported from only 2 areas) and no Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks or Redpolls. The species total stands at 114 and 53, 824 individuals, compared to 125 species and 63, 557 individuals in 2023. Peter Candido, compiler |
| Vaseux Lake | Dec 21 | |
| Vernon | Dec 15 | |
| Victoria | Dec 14 | |
| Wells & Bowron Lakes | Dec 28 | We had a good turnout with 7 separate parties out looking for birds. There was a noticeable lack of birds this year. We had a big wind storm that broke the ice off Bowron Lake a couple days before count day. This may have chased the swans and ducks further down river outside the count circle. One Barrow’s Goldeneye was seen just outside the circle that we weren’t able to include in the count. It was the only duck seen all day. We also noted that no one saw a bird on the road collecting grit, which is rather odd. There were no crossbills, finches or siskins identified at all. We did identify a species new to the Wells/Bowron count. A Great Horned Owl was heard near Bowron River just after sundown. Birch Kuch, compiler |
| Whistler | Dec | |
| White Rock-Surrey-Langley | Dec 14 | |
| Williams Lake | Dec 15 | |
| Yalakom Valley | Jan 4 | We’ve been having a mild winter and not much snow here in the rugged Yalakom Valley outside of Lillooet. Both Yalakom and Bridge Rivers were ice free in our count area, temperature varied from +2 at Valley bottom to -5 as far up in elevation as was observed. 23 participants saw 363 birds (+4 count week) and 33 species (our average over 19 years is 29. Two new species were added this year: American 3-toed Woodpecker (probably thanks to local fires and bug kills) and Common Loon (due to open water). Highest count ever for Townsend’s solitaire at 71.Northern Pygmy Owl seen day before count week began and Great Horned Owl called the day after count week ended! Eleanor Wright, compiler |
| Yoho National Park | Dec 21 |
Updated Jan 13, 2025