Robert Hay is looking for volunteers to conduct a Christmas bird count in the Ladysmith/Chemainus area.
The 15 mile count circle extends from just south of Chemainus to south of Cedar and from Thetis Island to inland areas. Hay intends to hold the count on Sunday, December 20. In the event of inclement weather, Hay will conduct the count on Monday, December 21.
Volunteers can count birds around their area, or conduct counts by watching their bird feeders. Hay hopes that volunteers will know their bird species, as he needs to tabulate results by species of bird.
“I can give them a couple of instructions if they haven’t done it before, just so they don’t double count their birds,” Hay said. “Also I need to know how long they’re bird watching, and how far they’ve travelled either by road or foot.”
Once the bird count is completed, it’ll join data from previous years. Hay said that data compiled over the years will point to trends in birds in the specific area around Christmas time.
Christmas bird counts have occurred since 1900. Last year, 469 Christmas bird counts occurred in Canada.
Hay said that another benefit the Christmas bird count is a good way to get people outside and active in their community.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the Christmas bird count is encouraged to email Hay at: rbhay2020@gmail.com, or by phone at 250-755-5745. Hay will need names, addresses, and contact information for any participants.