Local bird expert Dr. Bob Hay is again organizing the Ladysmith/Chemainus Christmas Bird Count for 2022 and is looking for volunteers.
Saturday, Dec. 17 is the date selected for the count.
The first such bird count was held on Dec. 20, 2020. There were 43 participants, who recorded 85 species of birds.
The 2021 count was conducted on Dec. 19, with an increase in the number of species recorded to 92, but a decrease in participation to 27 people.
Hay explained the 15-mile region for the count is a circle that extends from the Chemainus River estuary to just north of Nanaimo Airport and from Thetis Island to inland and upland areas.
”Volunteers are needed to count birds by species in assigned areas to prevent overlaps in counting or by watching their own bird feeders,” he added.
Hay will need to know how long participants are watching birds that day and how far they’ve travelled by road, foot or boat. He’ll also need their names, addresses and contact information. Instructions will be provided, including how to group participants in sub-areas.
Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact Hay at: rbhay2020@gmail.com or at 250-755-5745.
