This year the Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, December 18, a day when thousands of volunteers will collect wildlife survey data in over 2000 locations around the Western Hemisphere. These results are crucial in the day-to-day study by conservation biologists to understand bird population trends.

Michael Dunn, Executive Director of the Mayne Island Conservancy, has organised the Christmas Bird Count for many years, and has recently published his revised and updated “Birds of Mayne Island: a checklist”. This useful guide is available for just $8 and really helps new birders or newcomers to Mayne to narrow down those species they observe. There are currently 192 bird species recorded on Mayne Island and the rocky islets and shoals within one kilometre of our surrounding waters. To get a copy of the new bird guide, or to express your interest in taking part in the Christmas Bird Count, please email Michael at ed@mayneconservancy.ca.