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