Bird count set for today at Waterton Lakes National Park

How did this year’s wildfire affect the birds living in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Volunteers and park staff will soon find out, during the annual bird count set for today.

After the fire, park employees reported hearing many woodpeckers — attracted by the burnt trees. What other species have been impacted?

John Stoesser, the engagement and communications officer, is inviting volunteers to sign up for the no-charge event. They can do that this morning at the Waterton fire hall.

The Waterton count has taken place for 41 years, he says. But it’s just the second time that wildfire has affected the habitat so severely.

The count, he adds, is part of the longest-running “citizen science project” in North America, started in the year 1900 by the Audubon Society. Data collected each year is sent to Bird Studies Canada and to Audubon, helping scientists and wildlife agencies study the long-term health and status of bird populations.

Volunteers today will pick up their bird check list and data sheets when they register. Later, they’re asked to come to the Waterton Lakes Lodge at 2 p.m. to share their information.

Stoesser says would-be volunteers who can’t take part today — or who want to return for a second day — may assist by recording all the species they see in the park during “count week,” Dec. 12-18.

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