Join the Derby Reach Bird Count

DRBIPA Bird Count

Over there years I have taken part in the DRBIPA count and believe me it's a lot of fun. All comers are welcome, see below for more information. Dress warmly and bring a snack. See you there.

DRBIPA stands for Derby Reach Brae Island Parks Association. It consists of a bunch of swell people providing input, guidance, volunteer hours and passion to Metro Vancouver on behalf of Derby Reach – Brae Island parks.

The count was established initially for DRBIPA members to explore and learn about the bird life in their parks. It is of course open to everyone, young and old, and is a great way to get to know birds in new areas and to become more familiar with birds in areas you think you know. No matter how well you know a place you can always know it better.

Below are the basics of how to participate; details are provided in the attachment. For those who have read in past years the “pretty much the same” attachment (maps, site details, etc.), you can ignore it.

We hope to see you there.

I guess I didn’t mention that coffee, hot chocolate and donuts or similarly delicious but unwholesome treats will be available. You can’t have any if you’re not there.

Please pass this along to anyone you think may be interested or anyone I may have missed.



Date:

February 17, 2018 (Saturday)*

Where:

Derby Reach and Brae Island Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, Fort Langley area.

Meet at St. George's Church, 9160 Church St., Fort Langley
Across the street from the Post Office. Downstairs Lounge: Enter from Mary Street.

Time:

08:00 to 12:00
Please arrive between 07:30 and 08:00. We depart at 08:00. Plan to be back at the church at 12:00.

Dress:

Dress for rain, snow, cold, whatever.

Equipment:

Binoculars, notepad (optional), bird book (optional), camera (optional), water, tea (thermos), snacks, etc.

Equipment Supplied:

Clip board and pencil for recorder; route maps

 * Note that a local publication (What's On, Langley) available in libraries and online recently published events and erroneously listed (not their fault) the date of the count as January 27th. February 17 is the correct date. Please let others know.

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1. Choose from six routes along different sections of the parks.

1. Houston Trail

2. Brae Island

3. Fort to Fort Trail, West: Heritage Area cairn west to Edgewater Bar (dog off-leash park)

4. Fort to Fort Trail, East: Heritage Area cairn east to Fort Langley

5. Derby Bog/Langley Peatlands

6. Edgewater Bar off-leash area to 208th St.

2. Experienced bird watchers will be present in each group for each area.

3. We try to cover as many routes as possible.

4. For the bog/peatland we require that at least one participant is familiar with the area and its hazards. We enter by permit and require that all participants abide by the rules set out by Metro Vancouver.

5. When observing birds on the Fraser River, only count those that occur in the half closest to you (south half).

6. Remember that we are counting birds in the park and while it is tempting to include those seen outside or between parks, they should be excluded from the official list. Be mindful of the approximate boundaries that define your area.

7. Each group will be provided with a clipboard, pencil and a checklist for recording observations.

8. You can record birds seen or heard. The only requirement is that you know what kind of bird it is. If you don’t know it, you can record details, thoughts, etc.

9. Fun is not mandatory and you won’t be kicked out of the group for not having it, but it is pretty much unavoidable. If you can’t handle fun, stay home.