BY WGO STAFF – February 2, 2016
ACAP Cape Breton and CBRM Wastewater Operations invite the community to a free birding event along the Sydney Harbour coast Sunday, February 7th. Participants will meet at the Sobey’s parking lot in Sydney River (in the corner toward Keltic Drive) at 1pm before exploring waterfowl hot spots beginning with a drive to Westmount that ends at Battery Point in Sydney.
“Sewer Stroll” is a common term among Atlantic birders for a bird watching tour that touches on wastewater outfalls because birders know that these are the best places for winter diving ducks. The number and diversity of birds on the surface can give clues as to what is going on ecologically below. The tour will be led by Dave McCorquodale and Dave Harris of CBC’s The Bird Hour. CBRM Wastewater Operations staff will discuss the past, present, and future of wastewater outfalls as Dave and Dave discuss how and why birds use these areas.
Sydney Harbour is a fascinating ecosystem that is used by both wildlife and people. Many residents of the CBRM affect the quality of the harbour everyday through residential wastewater, transportation, and development. “CBRM residents provide nutrients and energy for many birds that come south and spend their winters in Sydney Harbour,” says Dave McCorquodale, “We will see Iceland Gulls and Barrow’s Goldeneye for example.”
“Although we are not always aware that we are a part of a complex ecosystem, we do always have the opportunity to preserve and conserve”, says Jen Cooper, project coordinator at ACAP Cape Breton. “Participants in the Waterfowl Walk will get to observe firsthand a rarely explored link between humans and the environment in which we live. After enjoying the bold plumage of winter diving birds participants will have a better understanding of the benefits of personal choices like using biodegradable products.”
Participants are encouraged to carpool. To register and for more information, please phone ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628 or visit www.acapcb.ns.ca . Dress for the weather and please bring binoculars if you have them.
ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is registered charity with a clear vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable community.
