Volunteers observing and recording birds in the Columbia Wetlands

Every year since 1978, volunteers have participated in Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) in the Columbia Valley. It is part of the longest-running wildlife census in the world. There is a specific methodology to the CBC, but everyone can participate. The counts are conducted on any one day between December 14 and January 5 inclusive. They are carried out within a 24-km diameter circle that stays the same from year to year. Each circle is led by a Count Compiler. Therefore, if you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, then you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeder.

But why count birds? First, the event is way to enjoy birds and have fun with others who love them. Secondly, birds are an indicator of what's happening. Changes in numbers over time can reveal changes in habitat and can help measure environmental problems like pollution and global warming.

For more information or to participate

December 27, Golden,
contact Ellen Zimmerman (250) 348 2225

December 26, Lake Windermere District
contact Cam Gillies (250) 342 9605

River Otters

Observations of River Otters in the Columbia Valley have been increasing. The one pictured here was seen swimming in open water off the main river channel below Wilmer, BC.

Otters rely upon the presence of clean, unpolluted water for their food, primarily fish. The ones in the Columbia Valley feed mainly on Northern Pikeminnows (Squawfish) and in the fall eat spawning Kokanee Salmon. South of Toby Creek you can often see the shell remains from where otters have eaten freshwater mollusks.

Because otters are high in the food chain, they are particularly susceptible to the accumulation of organic compounds and heavy metals. This makes them good indicators of contaminant levels in the aquatic environments. So it is a good sign that River Otter numbers are increasing in the upper Columbia Valley.