Delta Naturalists Society

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A group of nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and conservationists, located in Delta, British Columbia

Birds & Biodiversity Committee

The Fraser River Delta is an enormous expanse of wetlands, estuarine, and upland habitats, which support the largest wintering populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey in the whole of Canada. In fact, up to five million migratory birds use the Fraser River Estuary and Delta as a stopover on the Pacific Flyway, which is also designated as the #1 Important Bird Area in Canada. In other words: this region—the Delta Naturalists Society’s very own birding playground—plays a critical role in birds and biodiversity, not only in British Columbia but in the Western Hemisphere! This is why the DNS saw fit to create the Birds & Biodiversity Conservation Committee.

From fledging to flight

The DNS Birds & Biodiversity Conservation Committee was formed in 2015 to work towards the protection of birds and biodiversity in Delta. In 2016, we produced two bird brochures, Birds in Delta and Experience Birding in Delta of which tens of thousands of copies were distributed that year and in the ensuing years. 

The Committee then explored the possibility of a municipal birds and biodiversity strategy similar to those enacted elsewhere in BC and other parts of Canada. The fruit of a subsequent year-long research project and collaboration between the Committee, Delta municipal staff, and other Delta nature and environmental organizations, is the following detailed strategy:

Delta municipal Birds & Biodiversity Strategy

The DNS endeavor was led by Committee Chair Anne Murray and then President Tom Bearss.This keystone document, which has since served as a north star to conservation efforts in this area, was adopted by the mayor and council at the time, and continues under each new mayor and council. The DNS Committee presents about once a year to the Mayor and Council or to municipal committees, to encourage persistence in completing the many facets of the strategy. 

Effecting change at the highest levels

The DNS Birds & Biodiversity Conservation Committee ultimately strives to see the strategy fully implemented and the birds and biodiversity of Delta conserved and nurtured for future generations to enjoy. To this end, we are committed to:

  • Monitoring the progress of the municipal strategy’s implementation; 
  • Creating and disseminating educational resources including 10 nature and 2 ‘safe wildlife viewing’ brochures on often-harassed animals like garter snakes and owls, with the hope that the increased awareness of the public will help to curb damaging behavior. Our brochure project was financially supported by City of Delta, Metro Vancouver Parks Foundation, and BC Naturalists Foundation.
  • Participating in round-table discussions with staff and other organizations on various initiatives, seeing to the successful completion of key action items;
  • Helping with nature activities in the municipality such as organizing and participating in the now annual municipal bioblitz. 
  • Liaising with relevant municipal, regional, provincial and federal government agencies in the pursuit of our goals for conservation and change;
  • Providing input on signage, habitat retention, invasive species, the presence of vulnerable / endangered species, and other such topics key to the preservation of biodiversity throughout the Fraser River Delta.

Members of the Committee also help with organizing and leading the regular biweekly DNS birding walks and participate in the annual bird population counts in the Fraser Delta Important Bird Area/Key Biodiversity Areas. A sub-committee of the group is also currently working with municipal staff to review progress on all the specific action items in the Delta’s Birds & Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

Whether through driving education and awareness or working with government agencies at the highest levels to effect change, the mission at the heart of everything the DNS Birds & Biodiversity Conservation Committee does is to protect the key habitats of the Fraser River estuary and delta, ensuring that future generations of birds, animals, and humans can continue to benefit from it.

A special thanks goes to present and past Committee members: Anne Murray (chair), David Hoar, Noreen Rudd, Terry Carr, Chris McVittie, Nicki Brockamp, Pamela Swanigan, and Glen Bodie, who have given so generously of their time and efforts.

Join the Club today!

Together, the Delta Naturalists are champions of the Fraser River Estuary, avid appreciators of nature, and a close-knit community of friends, and we hope to welcome you aboard real soon!

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Keen to learn more? 

Finally, if you have any questions, Contact Us by filling out the form on the linked page. Alternatively, email Delta Naturalists Society for general enquiries and Delta Naturalists Membership for membership-related enquiries.

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