Ladner Partly-Accessible Christmas Bird Count

Started in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is North America’s longest-running Citizen Science project. Every year thousands of people from all walks of life come together to count birds for conservation. Join us in counting birds this holiday season to add to our understanding of population trends and distribution of birds across the country. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

Description: Organisers of the Ladner count are holding a partly-accessible event using guidance set out by Birdability as part of the official count to be inclusive and accessible to birders with barriers, disabilities, and other health concerns. This is a welcome space for all, especially people with accessibility needs, families, and all equity-deserving groups (Queer, BIPOC).

Date & Time: Sunday, December 15th 1:00 – 3:00 pm (participants may leave at any time)

Location: George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary (get directions). Upon arrival at the gate, inform the sanctuary staff that you are participating in the Partly-accessible Ladner Christmas Bird Count event.

Expectations: We will be slow birding, using our different senses (eyes and ears) to shift into a different frame of mind that pays attention to the bird world around us. A naturalist will deliver an interpretive talk while we sit and watch/listen for birds around the ponds. We will learn how to collect citizen science data that contributes to the conservation of wild birds, while enjoying the beauty and entertainment birds have to offer. Optional: For those that are comfortable, after the bird sit, we will be doing a short walk from the Sanctuary Warming Hut to the London Pond overview, approximately a distance of 200 meters.

Agenda:

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Slow birding (sitting/standing): Introduction to birding, citizen science, and the Christmas Bird Count.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Slow birding (walking): Guided Bird Walk

Accessibility Description:  We will be walking primarily on level dirt, gravel trails, and a wooden boardwalk. Trail slopes are no steeper than a 1:20 ratio and a 5% gradient which is suitable for people using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices.

Parking: Parking is free and there are van accessible parking spots. The parking lot has a gravel surface.

Meeting Location: Our meeting location is approximately 75 meters from the parking lot to the Bird Sanctuary Warming Hut. https://maps.app.goo.gl/WwmawjyUrkPCj2xn6

Bathrooms: Bathrooms with flush toilets are available next to the parking lot. It is approximately a 21 meter walk from the parking lot to the bathroom.

Additional Information: 6 pairs of loaner binoculars will be available on a first come first serve basis. To register, please email Joanna Chin at joachin@yorku.ca and indicate whether you will be bringing an attendant. Our maximum capacity is 25 participants (not including attendants).

All participants are invited to a post-count Wrap-up (in-person gathering) at the RiverHouse Restaurant & Pub to share sightings, compile a preliminary species total, and enjoy some food and drink. This venue is fully wheelchair accessible.