Bird Studies Canada reports that the 18th season of the British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey begins on September 11. We are seeking volunteers for several sites in Vancouver, Tofino, and Ucluelet. This long-term monitoring program helps identify population and distribution changes in overwintering waterbirds. Volunteers conduct counts of ducks, loons, grebes, gulls, and other waterbirds on the second Sunday of each month throughout the winter. We welcome all our new and returning volunteers, and hope you enjoy the surveys!


Bird Studies Canada is also seeking Citizen Scientists to assist with the B.C. Beached Bird Survey. Volunteers walk along local beaches and look for bird carcasses. It may sound grim, but observations from this monitoring program provide crucial baseline information on causes and rates of seabird mortality. The results are a good indication of marine ecosystem health, and can help scientists detect changes in ocean conditions. Surveys are conducted anytime during the last week of each month, and all survey equipment will be provided.


To learn more about or volunteer for either of these projects, please contact Karen Devitt at BCvolunteer@birdscanada.org or 1-877-349-2473.


http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/bccws/