The Yukon Bird Club will host its annual birding and fundraising event starting Friday afternoon, but with key alterations to comply with territorial COVID-19 health guidelines.

Birdathon participants try to identify as many bird species as possible within a 24-hour period.

This year, the fun will start at 5 p.m. Friday, and end at 5 p.m. Saturday.

The event is billed as fun, easy, and open to all ages and skill levels.

Participation is free, and fundraising is encouraged but optional. All funds raised will be donated to the Whitehorse Food Bank.

This year, the bird club is asking participants to participate solo or in household groups, maintaining appropriate social distancing from others.

It’s also asking participants to stay close to home, remain within their own community, and to avoid the use of fossil fuels, if possible.

Instead of the usual post-birdathon barbecue, the club will host an online “get-together” on Saturday evening.

The bird club is a registered Canadian charitable non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote awareness and appreciation of Yukon birds and their habitats; to act as an advocate for bird conservation; to encourage and to involve youth.

Based in Whitehorse, the club has members from many communities throughout Yukon as well as some from further afield.