Birdwatchers Unite for Inaugural Big Bird Day in Uplands Park

Bird enthusiasts are set to gather in Uplands Park and Cattle Point on August 30, 2023, for the inaugural Big Bird Day, organized by the Friends of Uplands Park (FOUP). This event aims to engage residents from across Greater Victoria in tracking various bird species throughout the day, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Participants will document their sightings on ebird.org, a platform that allows users to share bird observations, photos, and sounds, contributing to a broader understanding of avian movements and requirements.

Margaret Lidkea, president of FOUP, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the potential for community involvement and data collection. “I’m really excited to see how many people are going to be involved in this and to see what the data is going to look like,” she stated. FOUP, established in 2009, focuses on protecting and educating the public about Uplands Park, a 30-hectare green space that includes meadows and Garry oak woodlands. This area is significant for its biodiversity, hosting one of the highest concentrations of endangered species in Canada.

The park is also home to an impressive variety of birds, boasting a record of 274 species in the Capital Regional District. Over the years, FOUP has undertaken various restoration efforts, including the removal of invasive plants to enhance the habitat for local wildlife. “There have been areas that have had hundreds of invasive trees removed to open up the meadows,” Lidkea explained.

Monitoring the biodiversity within Uplands Park is a key part of FOUP’s mission. The organization has conducted several initiatives, such as insect BioBlitzes and regular bird counts, to assess the health of the ecosystem. “With the restoration of the plant material, we are now providing more habitat for birds,” Lidkea noted. This documentation is crucial for ensuring a healthy population of diverse bird species in the park.

On August 30, the data collected via ebird.org will enable FOUP to identify trends in bird populations, particularly those that may be declining. This information is vital for guiding future conservation efforts. “I’m also excited to meet many of these people,” Lidkea remarked about the anticipated turnout. “There are so many younger birders that are becoming really interested in this whole thing, and connecting the older experienced birders with the young people is just awesome.”

To facilitate the gathering, an information table will be set up at the Cattle Point entrance from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, providing refreshments and seating for attendees. For those interested in learning more about FOUP and their initiatives, further details can be found at friendsofuplandspark.org.

As the community comes together for this event, it marks a significant step in fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural environment and the importance of bird conservation in Uplands Park and beyond.