Are you a bird nerd looking for a guided tour of the valley’s feathered riches?
Well search no longer because on May 31 from 6 to 9 p.m., local naturalist Lee-Anne Walker will be leading a hands-on birding workshop.
Participants are being asked to meet at the Wildsight office at 891 2nd Avenue where they’ll be driven to a few key areas to bird. People are encouraged to bring binoculars and a bird guide book if they have one. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by their parents.
The sky is the limit when it comes to local birdwatching opportunities, said Walker, a long time member of the Federation of BC Naturalists and the Fernie Nature Club.
Over 250 species including great blue herons, harlequin ducks, warblers and osprey can be found in the Elk Valley, she said.
“Birds are everywhere in our environment,” said Walker. “They are easy to view; right out our backdoor. All ages can do it from young children to seniors. People enjoy getting outside, connecting to nature through the avian wonders of song, sight, nesting and amazing behaviours.”
“It is hard to view mega fauna like grizzly bears and moose in an evening,” she continued. “But birds are all around us and are no less significant indicators of environmental health.”
The evening is part of a series of Wild Nature Workshops being organized by Wildsight Elk Valley. They are a hands-on learning opportunities to connect people to nature in our backyard.
Attendance costs $20 for Wildsight members or $30 for non-members. Advance booking is recommended. Register by calling 250-423-3322 or email elkvalley@wildsight.ca.