Bird Friendly Edmonton opens vote for city bird representative [Video]

Edmontonians are being asked to cast their ballot for the local bird they think best represents our city.

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Six bird species are up for nomination to represent Edmonton’s commitment to being a bird friendly city.

“What we’re trying to do is raise awareness of the urban biodiversity in the city by nominating a bird species that lives here,” said Nick Carter, of Nature Alberta.

The contest is open to all ages of Edmonton-area residents and votes can be cast here.

Out of the around 300 bird species that spend time in the Edmonton area, six year-round resident birds were chosen: Downy woodpeckers, red-breasted nuthatches, boreal chickadees, northern saw-whet owls, and the polarizing black-billed magpie. 

Carter said while the social and highly-intelligent magpie is certainly one of the most common local species, it may not be the most popular – though he’d like to see that change.

“I think in a lot of ways, magpies kind …