GVSEA and The Rocky Point Bird Observatory

Photo Credit:  Alison Moran


Below is a forwarded email newsletter from our friends at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. GVSEA has enjoyed helping this group perform data collection with the annual hummingbird banding project that took place at our hatchery. However, due to COVID-19 protocols, we will be unable to have this team perform the banding project at our facility this year. Please see how you can still help with this project and additional details below! 

"In 2019, you made it possible for the
Rocky Point Bird Observatory to have a very successful year.

In addition to banding over 2000 hummingbirds at 37 locations across BC,
RPBO hosted a well attended hummingbird symposium in Chilliwack, published
research on the diet of Rufous Hummingbird nestings, and used eDNA analysis of faecal samples to provide the first insight into what these warm-blooded pollinators
need to rear the next generation successfully.

Our star recapture was a Rufous hummingbird over nine years old!
This longevity is rarely seen and is especially rare among males.

Your support allows us to look forward to making
an even greater impact in the future.

Thank you for being a part of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory!"

---

"From the leader of our Hummingbird project...

Alison Moran

"Birds provide many essential ecosystem services free of charge, 
from controlling pests to pollination and seed dispersal. We need to understand 
how they are doing and how our activities affect them.

My focus is RPBO's Hummingbird Project.
Our team engages in a range of research projects, from monitoring 
populations changes, to examining diet and habitat use, and looking at the
effects of pesticide use on hummingbirds in agricultural areas.  These data are
important for decision making by land managers.

Public understanding and interest in the well being of wildlife is vital for 
protection of ecosystems. When people develop an interest in birds, they build an
emotional connection with nature. For example, feeding a hummingbird at your
window, you will see details in behaviour, care about an individual of another species
and feel a deep responsibility for their well being. This means that conversations
between hummingbird enthusiasts and knowledgable volunteers can become valuable opportunities for spreading accurate information.  

As volunteers, we develop an intimate understanding of the birds we study.
We dedicate our time and energy to vital citizen science work and we share our in depth knowledge widely. Your support makes a huge difference to what we can do."

Thank you,

Alison Moran, PhD.
Hummingbird Project, RPBO"
​

<< Click HERE to help Rocky Point Bird Observatory >>