Dr. Bob Hay, a local bird expert, is organizing the Ladysmith/Chemainus Christmas Bird Count for 2024 and is looking for volunteers. The count will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 with an alternate date planned for Saturday, Dec. 14 in case of inclement weather.
This will be the fourth count of its kind in the area. The first was held on Dec. 20, 2020 and the count has been conducted annually since then. The 15-mile diameter count circle extends from the Chemainus River Estuary to just north of the 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), and/or by counting birds at their own bird feeders.
Hay will need to know how long participants will be available for bird-watching that day and how far they’ve travelled by road, foot or boat. He will also need their names, addresses and contact information.
Participants will receive instructions and be grouped into sub-areas.
Those interested in volunteering should have basic bird identification skills.
Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact Hay at rbhay2020@gmail.com or at 250-755-5745.
