Wildsight is calling all birders in the area to come out and celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on May 9.
The Columbia Wetlands are used by almost 250 different species of bird, and even more are passing through on their migratory route.
“Birds are so important – they’re pollinators, they act as pest control, handle seed dispersal, and announce environmental dangers,” said Rachel Darvill with Wildsight.
“It’s important to celebrate birds at this time, and bring awareness to their importance to humans.”
Wildsight is hosting a breakfast on May 9 from 7 to 9 a.m., allowing families to participate before the kids have to go to school. Aside from a light breakfast with coffee and juice, there will be some presentations from local birding experts Ellen Zimmerman and Darcy Monchak.
Wildsight has been hosting the event, which also takes place all over the Americas, for several years, and is hoping that bird enthusiasts in the area will make it out for some bird watching, and possibly show interest in an upcoming Wildsight project.
Wildsight is hoping to collect some important data that will help with conservation efforts in this important bird area. Not only is the Columbia Wetlands used by about 250 species, it also provides nesting and rearing capacity for more than 180 species of bird.
The Birding Breakfast at Reflection Lake is free of charge, books and binoculars will be provided, just come with an interest in birds.
The light meal is by donation.
For more information on the data project, you can email Darvill at rachel@wildsight.ca.
