Sunday, Oct. 16 the Fanny Bay Community Association hosts a presentation by Mike Yip about Vancouver Island’s rare and interesting birds.
Yip, who has lived in Nanoose Bay for 40 years, has self-published six books, two of which were Canadian best sellers. His works include three books on Vancouver Island birds and one on the Island’s butterflies, Denman & Hornby Nature, and Inuvik. For 10 years he wrote a much loved nature column about birds and butterflies for the North Islander newspaper.
One reason the retired teacher likes to share his passion for birds is to encourage people to be more aware and interested in them and consequently more attuned to the threats to their existence. “People can only care about what they know and like, and there is much to like about birds and nature,” Yip is quoted, on his website, www.vancouverislandbirds.com
In the last 11 years, Yip has photographed over half of the approximately 400 bird species found on Vancouver Island. His Fanny Bay presentation will draw from that extensive collection and will focus on seldom seen birds like the reclusive American bittern and green heron. Also included will be birds Yip refers to as vagrants, including the king eider and citrine wagtail, both of which have made surprise appearances on the Island.
“I consider it a privilege and gift to be able to observe, enjoy, and photograph birds,” Yip states in Birds, Volume One. “There is no substitute for the real thing, but a picture can sometimes tell a story, provide the joy of discovery, or even bring a smile to a face.”
Join us for what is sure to be a fantastic presentation on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 1:30 p.m.
The Fanny Bay Hall is located at 7793 Island Hwy. Admission is by donation.
