Bird Counts

[The Peregrine Chick]

Alberni Valley’s annual bird count reveals continuing decline
Eric Plummer / Alberni Valley Times / 7 Jan 2014

The most recent count of birds in the Alberni Valley has brought in the lowest numbers since the annual activity began in 1993.

On Dec. 29, a total of 76 species of birds were seen and heard in the area by the count's 21 participants. The annual count covered a circle 24 kilometres in diameter, ending with Stamp Falls Provincial Park to the north and China Creek Marina to the south. Working in groups led by experienced birders, participants recorded 6,537 over the day — nearly half the average number of birds seen and heard in past years.

"Last year was low as well — we got 8,345," said bird count organizer Sandy McRuer.

Read the rest here:
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/world/alberni-valley-s-annual-bird-count-reveals-continuing-decline-1.780791