This Kamloops event is for the birds – and environmental science

Flood said the annual count is not a formal study, but the information is shared with the public, scientists, students and researchers.

“This is bird data that is shared very widely. My students at TRU and other students have used it in thesis, honours and Master’s projects,” said Flood.

“All of these lists are downloadable by anybody so people can see what was seen at a specific time, date and area. That’s all useful information. We have used the breeding bird census and Christmas bird count to monitor the decline of avian species across North America, so this is important data to have.”

The event was named after influential biologist Ralph Ritcey, following his passing in 2022. Flood said he left a lasting legacy on the club and in the local ecosystem.

“Ralph and his wife Clara were very active members of the club for a very long time. Ralph was a biologist for the provincial government in Clearwater and when they moved to Kamloops. Ralph was responsible for bringing bighorn sheep to this area, so any sheep that you see in this area are descended from the herd that he got started as a biologist,” said Flood.

“He did everything for the club: he went on field trips, led field trips and contributed his legacy. His son, Frank, did the same for many years and his grandson, Jesse, is our program manager.”

The Naturalist Club welcomes new and inexperienced birders to join and be paired up with a veteran birdwatcher.

Anyone interested in participating can contact info@naturekamloops.ca and indicate what team you would like to be on by Thursday (May 14).

by Elora McCormack

This Kamloops event is for the birds – and environmental science

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