Sign up for Canada Goes Birding 2017 and help us celebrate Bird Protection Quebec’s 100th anniversary!
Take part in a little competitive birding by entering any or all of the following three challenges for birders of all levels of expertise. Beginner to expert, there’s something for everyone and we encourage novice birders to compete against the best we have. So join us, even if only to cheer from the sidelines!
We want 2017 to be the year that Canada goes Birding!
Start anytime as of January 1st, 2017. The most productive challenges will probably be done in April, May or June depending on where you live in Canada; but we encourage winter or fall migration challenges too. We are eager to find out what might be possible! All attempts must be done in Canada and completed up to, but no later than, the second week of October 2017 (Big Year excepted) to allow for tabulation and verification of results.
BIG FOOT HOUR (aka: Sasquatch Hour)
For all ages and skill levels
- May be done alone or in teams of 2-4 birders.
- Competitors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Must be done somewhere in Canada.
- Simply count the species seen or heard while walking for just one hour, any time of day or night, anywhere in the country.
- Use your skill and local knowledge to find the optimum route.
GREEN BIG DAY
This will appeal to experienced or intermediate birders but anyone can take part.
- Teams of 2-4 birders
- Teams may use a car to get to and from the starting point only.
- The count period must be completed entirely using self-powered means of transport.
- No cars etc. at any time at all.
- Walking, cycling, boats etc. are all permitted.
- You may not use the vehicle again until the count period has ended.
- Birds counted must be seen/heard by at least two individuals in the team
MY BIRDING YEAR
A form of achievable-for-most people, somewhat relaxed Big Year. The objective is to involve everyone in Canada in keeping a record of what they see on their local patches during the year. We will be overjoyed if any records are broken, and encourage all to have a go at being the best birder in the country, but that is not the primary objective.
- Green birding rules apply.
- Keep a list of the bird species you see when you go for a walk or a cycle ride from home.
- You can do it very competitively or whenever the mood strikes you.
- MY BIRDING YEAR results will be announced in January 2018.
Note: for most people birding from home will be the most practical but you can use any alternative fixed starting point if you wish, such as your work place or the entry to a local park etc. This can be accessed by car or public transport but ALL birding must be self-powered once you start each day.
General Instructions and Rules for all Challenges
- Register your intention to attempt one of the challenges, ideally at least 2 weeks in advance of your start date. Email the details about the area you will be birding in and the names of your team members (plus name of the team) to greenbirding@gmail.com.
- Report your results with the number of species seen in your hour/day/year by email to greenbirding@gmail.com . Include a list of the species or a link to the relevant checklist on eBird according to the deadlines below. Optional: include a short written summary about your experiences that we can share with others.
- Deadline: All attempts must be done in Canada and completed up to, but no later than, the second week of October 2017 ( Big Year excepted) to allow for tabulation and verification of results.
- Number of Entries: You can make multiple attempts at different times of the year – you are not limited to a single entry.
- Record Keeping: For each challenge record the total number of species seen or heard in the appropriate time.
- Age Limit: All ages are encouraged to participate. Competitors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please read the Birder’s Code of Ethics
For more information email greenbirding@gmail.com. Include your name, location and an email address (your contact details will be kept secure and not shared).