Editor:
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who came out for the 118th Christmas Bird Count held on Saturday, Dec. 29. This count covers White Rock and a large portion of Surrey and Langley.
It would not be possible without the help of volunteers and this year’s winter weather certainly didn’t make their task easier.
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.
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 48,000 birds and 112 different species.
Gareth Pugh, Surrey