Birds are wonderful creatures. They can help pollinate, decompose materials, disperse seeds and control insect populations.
Many birds also make a long journey every year to reach Nanaimo. It is fascinating how a small bird can fly thousands of kilometres in a short amount of time to either reach their breeding grounds or wintering habitat.
Varied Thrush photo by Minette Layne
World Migratory Bird Day is held the second weekend of May to rasie awareness of the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. This campaign was started in 2006 and events are held on every continent except Antarctica.
Formal events near Nanaimo are being held in Victoria and Vancouver or you can celebrate on your by doing some bird watching in places like Buttertubs Marsh, Richards Marsh, Chase River Estuary or one of these other parks in Nanaimo.