Local bird expert Dr Bob Hay is again organizing the Ladysmith Christmas Bird Count for 2021 that includes Chemainus and he’s looking for volunteers.
The first such bird count on Dec. 20 last year attracted 43 participants, who recorded 85 species of birds.
This year’s count is being conducted Sunday, Dec. 19, with an alternate date of Monday, Dec. 20 in the event of inclement weather.
“The 15-mile diameter count circle extends from the Chemainus River estuary to just north of Nanaimo Airport and from Thetis Island to inland areas,” explained Hay. “Volunteers are needed to count birds by species in assigned areas to prevent overlaps in counting or by watching their own bird feeders.”
Hay will need to know how long participants are bird watching that day and how far they’ve travelled by road, foot or boat. He’ll also need their names, addresses and other contact information.
Instructions will be provided, including how to group participants in sub-areas.
“There was good community interest in this event last year and I’d like to have more participants this year,” Hay added.
Related story: Volunteers needed for Ladysmith/Chemainus Christmas bird count
Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Hay by email at rbhay2020@gmail.com or by calling 250-755-5745.
The bird count is part of an international event held annually by the Audubon Society in the United States. For details on the Canadian counts, see birdscanada.org.
