Birds are such fascinating creatures. As an environmentalist and a photographer, I am always raving about the wildlife there is to see in Waterloo and how diverse the bird species are in the area. Along with their gorgeous plumage and unique calls, birds are also an integral part in our ecosystem, which is why it’s important to monitor local and global bird populations.
This event was created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada to involve people in monitoring the bird populations in their area. By counting the birds in your backyard, you can help scientists track migration patterns and get a better understanding of global bird populations.
If you are interested in attracting more birds to your yard, consider planting native species of trees and wildflowers. These plants host caterpillars, which are the main food source for birds. Our upcoming Bloom{in} Box sale is a great chance to get some new plants for your garden that will attract pollinators and caterpillars.
I am not originally from Waterloo so I was pleasantly surprised by the array of bird species that call this city their home. Since living in this city, I have spotted several species of songbirds such as black-capped chickadees, cardinals, and blue jays, but also more impressive bird species like the red-tailed hawk.
This past September, my roommates and I had just finished moving into our new apartment and were exhausted, so to relax after a busy day we went to campus for a campfire that was hosted by the school. Then, out of nowhere, this gorgeous red-tailed hawk flew by and sat on a light pole for about 15 minutes. I was so excited; I had never been so close to a hawk with my camera on me. That day I may have captured my best photo to date.
That being said, the most common bird I’ve encountered here is the unofficial mascot of the University of Waterloo, the Canada goose.
All entries made in those apps throughout the weekend will be submitted to the Great Backyard Bird Count. If you have a nicer camera, binoculars, or a field guide, those are great tools to enhance your birding experience, but all you really need is 15 minutes or more for at least one of the four days to participate in the event.
I would highly encourage you to bundle up, grab some friends, family, a camera, and go birding this weekend to participate in one of the biggest bird events of the year, and help contribute to the local science community with your observations.
