Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Opinion

LETTER: Langley contributed to vital bird count

Annual bird count organizers see bigger volunteer turnout this year
Black Press Media
20182817_web1_191228-LAT-bird-count-7
Joanne Rosenthal and Bob Puls tally birds. The 120th annual bird count was conducted in Langley, as well as other areas of the Lower Mainland, on Saturday (Dec. 28).(Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

Dear Editor,

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who came out for the 119th Christmas Bird Count held on Saturday, Dec. 28.

This count covers White Rock and a large portion of Surrey and Langley, and would not be possible without the help of volunteers.

READ MORE: VIDEO – Drier weather produces larger numbers for 120th annual bird count in Langley

As a direct result of your paper’s assistance in publicising the event around 20 new volunteers showed up on what turned out to be a dry day which made the day more enjoyable. Their attendance certainly showed their dedication and it is much appreciated.

I would also like to thank those who counted birds at their feeders and sent me their results, I hope more people will be able to help us with this very important element in future years.

The Christmas Bird Count is an early-winter census conducted by the National Audubon Society to monitor the numbers and types of species of birds. It is one of many counts carried out between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 every year across North America.

The data collected by participants has created a large data base over the 118 years since the count began and is used to demonstrate how birds are faring. It is also a critical tool in deciding which species are most at risk.

This year volunteers counted approximately 69,000 birds and 129 different species, a very good result for us.

Gareth Pugh, Surrey

RELATED:

Feed the birds this winter

and

Resident hummingbirds suffer in B.C.’s frigid weather

_________________________________

Is there more to this letter?

Email: news@langleyadvancetimes.com

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

_________________________________

20182817_web1_copy_191228-LAT-bird-count-6
Aldergrove resident Herman Van der Leest was among the dozens of volunteer bird watchers who took part in the 120th annual bird count, an event that takes place throughout North America. The 120th annual bird count was conducted in Langley, as well as other areas of the Lower Mainland, on Saturday (Dec. 28).(Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)