This year, Wildsight Golden is wrapping up its fifth and final year of the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS). We hope you can join us to participate in the valuable initiative! Since 2015, 170 volunteers have documented more than 322,000 birds in the Columbia Wetlands.
Bird surveys during the spring migration will be occurring in the Columbia Wetlands from 8am-11am on each of the three following dates:
- Wednesday, April 3rd
- Wednesday, April 10th
- Tuesday, April 16th
We are looking for citizen-scientists to survey for birds near Parson, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Wilmer, Windermere, Invermere and Columbia Lake. A major goal of the CWWS is to collect baseline data necessary for achieving Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) status for the Columbia Wetlands. Data you collect will be used to nominate the Columbia Wetlands into the IBA program! We are also determining where the most significant staging and feeding areas are in the Columbia Wetlands for migratory waterbird species (including several species-at-risk).
A limited number of high quality optical gear sets can be lent to those in need. Free bird ID training is available to all participants!
In-class training sessions with emphasis on bird identification (tentative dates):
- Golden – Monday, March 25th, 5-7pm.
- Invermere – Wednesday, March 27th, 5-7pm.
Building on bird identification skills in the field (weather permitting):
- Wilmer – Saturday, March 30th, 9am-10:30am
- Golden – Sunday, March 31st, 2-3:30pm
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please email racheldarvill@gmail.com or call the Wildsight Golden office at 250-344-5530. Find out more about the CWWS here.