For the fourth consecutive year, local Airdrie bird watcher Andrew Hart spent part of his Victoria Day long weekend with his binoculars pointed upward, on the lookout for the many bird species that inhabit the city.
But unlike last year, when the self-proclaimed “birder” saw an increase in different bird species as part of his local May long weekend bird count, this year's activity on May 20 resulted in a slight decline.
After years of taking part in Calgary’s annual bird species count – which has gone on for over 20 years – Hart wanted to replicate something similar in Airdrie. Since moving to the city four years ago, he has gone out annually to explore the birds that can be spotted throughout Airdrie, and has created a route that takes him right to the city limits.
In his first two counts in 2020 and 2021, the Victoria Day weekend count remained consistent, with Hart spotting 69 different types of birds in 2020, 64 in 2021, and 78 in 2022. This year, however, Hart saw the number drop to its lowest level in the four years he's conducted the count, with 65 different species.
Hart believes there are two factors for this decline. One could be from birds changing their migration patterns, while the second could be due to the northern Alberta wildfires producing high levels of smoke throughout the province in recent weeks.
“Some of the birds that you see on their way through had already gone,” he said. “And it was really, really smoky last Saturday, and I'm sure that had some impact on what we saw.”
Some of the more rare species that Hart encountered on May 20 included the ruby-crowned kinglet, green-winged teal, and American coot.
The most common types of birds Hart spotted were Canada geese, mallards, red-winged blackbirds, and house sparrows.
Hart said that he’s spent time mapping out a route for his Victoria Day bird count over the four years. He said that sometimes, his route needs to be modified due to ongoing changes within the city, such as the construction of new housing developments.
Once new neighbourhoods are complete, Hart highlighted they always have stormwater ponds that generally have cattails – something he said are “magnets” for many bird species.
“The city's developing at the moment,” Hart said. “Things change from year to year.”
Hart said that going out with his binoculars and his notebook every May long weekend is a tradition he’s come to enjoy. Although he’s not sure his count has any scientific backing, he feels it gives the city a benchmark of what birds are currently in the city.
He added that he makes it a point to share his results with the public via a detailed report, and that many local residents have found interest in his work.
Hart provided a map that highlighted multiple hotspots for bird-sighting in Airdrie. Some of his busiest areas include East Lake, Nose Creek Park, Willow Pond, and Chinook Winds Regional Park.
“It's what's called an E-bird hotspot, which is a really good place to go and see birds, or just a regular place to go see birds,” Hart said.
Not going out alone, Hart has a companion named Bob Lefebvre, who accompanies him throughout their day-long venture. They met going on nature events within Calgary and have both organized different bird counts in the past.
“We both appreciate how helpful it is to have someone with you,” he said.
Starting in the early morning on the Saturday before Victoria Day, the pair set out at 6:15 a.m. and wrapped up the day around 5 p.m.
With the four years combined, Hart has a spotted a total of 101 different bird species during his counts. He argued this shows that Airdrie remains a good destination for keen-eyed birdwatchers.
To see Hart's report on this year's count, visit ebird.org/tripreport/132538
