Two ways to join, and newcomers welcome

This year’s Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18.

The area covered is quite large, so more volunteers are needed to help spot birds. Anyone can help, even if you can’t identify birds, as you can be paired with an experienced birder. In order to cover the whole circle, spotters are assigned areas where it is necessary to use a vehicle to cover it.

If you’re interested in coming out to take part, call Ilka Milne at 274-2988. It’s an enjoyable day in the fresh air and nature, and new faces are always welcome – the experienced birders will happily show you everything you need to know.

Another way to participate, if you have a bird feeder, is to count the birds two or three times during the day and report back to Ilka.

On a warmer note, the results of the bluebird project are encouraging. The population has returned to normal. Thirteen pairs of bluebirds fledged 65 nestlings (only four last year) while 67 pairs of tree swallows fledged 339 young.