Anyone who wants to explore the wonderful world of birds, but isn’t sure how or where to start, can now do so thanks to the free “Budding Birder Backpacks” that can now be borrowed throughout the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) system.
The backpacks are available to be borrowed, for up to two weeks at a time. Each one contains a pair of Vortex binoculars, a guide to the birds of Western North America, a foldout waterproof guide to the birds of B.C., a bookmark with conservation tips to help local birds, and a laminated birding guide sheet that provides tips on how to use the binoculars.
“We were approached by Bird Studies Canada to pilot the program because the Thompson-Nicola Regional District is a special area when it comes to biodiversity and conservation,” says Melissa Lowenberg, the TNRL’s manager of community libraries and engagement. “We were thrilled to say yes.”
Dr. David Bradley, director of the B.C. office of Bird Studies Canada, says that the TNRL was also chosen because Bird Studies Canada has a good working relationship with them. “Williams Lake and the Lower Mainland are other areas with an interest in the program, and we hope to expand to other areas of B.C.”
Bradley says that the Thompson River is a well-known birding hotspot. “The area draws many species in, and several species occur in high enough numbers to trigger IBA [Important Bird and Biodiversity Area] status, including the Trumpeter Swan and the Sage Thrasher.”
He adds that the Douglas Lake plateau is another good area for bird-spotting. “A number of birds congregate there, such as Sandhill Cranes and Lewis’s Woodpeckers. The plateau and the Thompson River are just two of the important bird areas in the region. There are a number of hot birding locations, including the Tranquille area and around Salmon Arm. Those are two great sites that people can take the birding backpacks to.”
Lowenberg says that the backpacks are a great way for people to get an introduction to birding and possibly take it to the next level.
“You can load information about what you find onto the web, where information about birds is amassed. That way you’re contributing to global conservation efforts.” Bradley says that birders can submit their information to eBird (https://ebird.org/home), where birders can also search for birding hotspots in B.C. and beyond.
The Budding Birders Backpack program was launched in Merritt earlier this month, and Lowenberg explains that the location was chosen because it’s a key conservation area. There are four backpacks available throughout the TNRL system, and all four are currently checked out, with 16 people already on the waiting list as at the time of writing on Feb. 22.
She adds that it was also a good time to launch the program: “The spring migration will soon be in full force.”
Lowenberg explains that the two-week loan period gives families more opportunity to spend time together outdoors. “And it gives people two weekends, in case the weather isn’t great.” She notes that those checking the backpacks in should do so in-branch rather than through the book drops, to avoid damage to the contents.
To find out more about the Budding Birders Backpack, or to place one on hold, visit your local library or go to www.tnrl.ca.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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