For six years running, A Rocha has conducted weekly bird surveys in the Little Campbell River watershed. A group of up to ten volunteers, interns and staff, ranging in birding skills from novice to quite experienced, visit one of four pre-selected sites each week. The findings they record give us baseline information as to the presence and absence of bird species in the watershed. Besides the scientific worth of the survey, it has proven to be an amazing tool for introducing interns to both species monitoring methodology and the importance of studying indicator species (since birds do serve as a ‘canary in the coal mine’ when it comes to factors like habitat loss and climate change). Glen Carlson, ARC’s past Science Director, ably led the survey for the past five years. Stan Olson, a dedicated volunteer, and Colin Conroy, Ornithologist and Conservation Scientist with 10 years of A Rocha experience in the U.K. and Lebanon, are leading the studies this coming year. They will be keeping an eye on some special species including the Hairy Woodpecker and Barn Owl both of which are included on the Blue List of Birds of Special Concern in BC.

If you’re interested in dusting off your binoculars and joining us for a two hour walk through the woods or along the seashore, please contact britishcolumbiaarocha@gmail.com for more information.