There’s a certain magical chorus at dawn, when songbirds sing their loudest, straining their tiny throats, to assert territory and attract mates.
There’s a chance to catch that chorus at an upcoming nature event with local bird expert George Clulow.
“It’s quite marvelous to hear some many bird singing simultaneously,” said Clulow. “It’s somewhat magical.”
Clulow is leading a nature walk on Saturday, May 9, from 6 to 9 a.m. He will impart knowledge on identifying various bird species through their songs on the two-kilometre walk.
It’s just one of many events the City of Burnaby is hosting for local residents through until June.
“Part of what we’re trying to achieve is to get our residents into our parks and green spaces and appreciate what an amazing environment they are,” said Melinda Yong, an environmental technician with the City of Burnaby. “We are home to native and non-native plants, invasive plants, migratory birds, endangered species, wild cats – so our green spaces are really a jewel of the environment.”
On Sunday, April 26, Pamela Zevit, a local biologist, will introduce participants to the host of endangered wildlife, including the Western painted turtle, around Deer Lake on a walk from 9 to 11 a.m. The walk is two-kilometres. (Use barcode 357783.)
Clulow is leading another bird-watching walk on Tuesday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to noon on Burnaby Mountain. This event focuses on the songbirds, including colourful warblers on their way north to breed. The four-kilometre walk includes scenic views. (Cite barcode 358442)
Remember the Great Snakehead Hunt of 2012, when an invasive fish with a voracious appetite was found idling in one of Central Park’s ponds? That snakehead will be part of the narrative on the May 31 walk through Central Park with Zevit. The event, from 9 to 11 a.m., focuses on the common invasive species and rare wildlife in a major city park.
Zevit is also leading the last event of the summer on June 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Stoney Creek Park, a hotbed of biological diversity. (Use barcode 358445.)
All of the events are $5. To register, go www.burnaby.ca/webreg and use the barcodes listed in this article.
