The area's annual bird counts are popular birdwatching excursions, but also grassroots science in action. Taking account of birds each year is an indicator of the region's overall state of the environment.
The first of these events took place just before Christmas, but two more are on the calendar for the near future. The Prince George Naturalist Club issued the dates they want outdoor enthusiasts to mark on their calendars.
The first is Jan. 3 when the annual Quesnel Christmas Bird Count takes place.
"Prince George birders are a crucial part of this event," said a naturalist club statement. "In their absence last year because of snow, the Quesnel count nearly ground to a halt. If you can help, contact Adrian Leather at [email protected]: he'll be delighted to hear from you."
Closer to home, Jan. 17 is the chosen date for this year's Prince George Swan & Eagle Count. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and requires snowshoes. Anyone interested in heading to the prescribed counting zones is asked to meet near the green Spruceland Shopping Centre sign by Central Street. Dress warmly and pack food and safety provisions. For more information email [email protected] or phone at 250-963-8381.
The naturalist club is focused on the understanding and protection of more natural values than just birds. The group is also encouraging hikers, skiers, backcountry professionals, anyone who ventures out into the forests of the area to think about any porcupine sightings you may have had recently.
"Porcupines appear to have been in real decline over recent years," according to the club. "You can help to get a handle on this by completing a brief survey by Thomson Rivers University."
A direct link to the online data form can be found at http://han29.typeform.com/to/Dh17rm.
The club holds regular meetings and hosts semi-regular presentations pertaining to the local out-of-doors. The next such gathering is Jan. 21 at the Exploration Place where professional agrologist Alex Koiter, a PhD candidate at UNBC, will hold a discussion on his work.
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