Binoculars in hand, B.C. birders unite for the annual Christmas Bird Count [Video]

It’s Braeden Hallam’s second year counting birds during the holiday season.

Armed with a pair of binoculars and bird watching apps, he says participating in the annual bird census has been an “exciting and fascinating” experience. 

Hallam, currently enrolled in a diploma course in fish, wildlife and recreation at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), says bird watching is not just about spotting birds but also about contributing to science.

“Birds are one of the biggest indicators of ecosystem health,” he told CBC News. “By knowing what species are in an area, and in what numbers, we get an idea of the overall biodiversity.”

On Saturday, Hallam joined seasoned bird watcher Kristina Breit on the trails of Mud Bay Park in Surrey, scanning the area for various bird species.

Their efforts are part of the annual …