Bird lovers across Jasper are gearing up for the return of the Christmas bird count. The bird count has been running for about 50 years in Jasper – and about 37 following official bird count criteria.

“We’ve had 67 species of birds spotted in Jasper,” said Gord Ruddy, vice chairperson of Friends of Jasper National Park. “Our count can vary dramatically. One year we had 23, because it rained. Our best year, we had 44. It had good weather.”

The count was begun by Roy Richards, Lorne Howard and others who would get together to count birds in the park every year.

The count encircles a 12 kilometre radius around the town, including the peaks of Whistlers and Signal.

While the most common species are ravens (spotted by the landfill site) and waxwings, there are several interesting species, such as grouse, ptarmagins and owls. The event usually has 15 counters, as well as several bird feeder watchers.

Ruddy said there are five species of owls that live in the area, including snowy owls, pygmy owls and hawk owls. Owls can be spotted by Old Fort Point and by the golf course, Ruddy said.

“I’m happy if we see 32 species,” Ruddy said.

Those interested in participating in the Christmas bird count can contact the Friends of Jasper office.