This Sunday in Blaine is for the birds

By Jack Kintner

This year’s Christmas Bird Count will take place on Sunday, December 28 with a pre-count bird walk this Sunday, December 7.
Novice birders are encouraged to participate as a way of getting to know how to spot various winter species in the area. Experienced birders know that going out in groups means that a lot more birds are seen.

Participants should dress appropriately and bring binoculars and bird books. The counters will meet at Big Al’s restaurant on D Street, off I-5 exit 276, at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, December 28. The count runs from 8 a.m. until mid to late afternoon and will be followed by a post-count gathering to review results at a location to be announced.

For more than a century, the National Audubon Society has sponsored the annual one-day counts as a way of taking stock of bird populations. Surveying is done inside 30-mile circles drawn to include productive birding areas.

For more information contact Gareth Pugh at 604/576-6831 or e-mail him at gareth@intergate.ca. Pugh will also lead the pre-count birding walk this Sunday, December 7, at 9 a.m. at the public pier at the west end of Marine Drive in Blaine.