The Victoria Natural History Society is conducting its annual Christmas bird count this Saturday (Dec. 20) and is stopping at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site to welcome the public along.

Begun in 1958, the bird count sees natural history society members and avian enthusiasts roaming throughout Greater Victoria, identifying and counting as many species as they can. ItB次元官网网址檚 a way to keep tabs on changing populations, migratory patterns and factors that could pose a threat to native ecosystems.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a good opportunity for the public to learn about whatB次元官网网址檚 in their backyard,B次元官网网址� says Bob Campbell, species-at-risk communications officer at the historic site.

Though the bird count has included Fort Rodd Hill in years past, this is the first time the park has formally partnered with the Natural History Society to extend the invitation to volunteers and the public.

Also new this year is the hot chocolate and apple cider offering in the Garry Oak Learning Meadow, as the public gather and are oriented to the count.

B次元官网网址淭he count is so close to Christmas, itB次元官网网址檚 a way for us to infuse some cheer into the afternoon,B次元官网网址� Campbell says.

And even if no rare birds decide to show their beaks, the meadow itself is a wonder to behold. ItB次元官网网址檚 a one-acre piece of Fort Rodd HillB次元官网网址檚 grounds that has been completely restored to a native Garry Oak ecosystem, a process that has taken over 5,000 volunteer hours.

B次元官网网址淲e were just amazed at how quickly it came back,B次元官网网址� he says. Native species like great camus, Douglas aster and native buttercup and strawberry have come up in much greater numbers than expected, transforming the sparse meadow into a colourful, blooming landscape in spring.

Campbell notes that while the blooms might be a few months away, there are still plenty of chances to see and hear much diversity in the ecosystem.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 always opportunities to see birds and animals,B次元官网网址� he says, including a resident family of river otters that live down by Fisgard Lighthouse.

Regular public admission fees apply: $3.90 for adults, $3.40 for seniors and $1.90 for children over six.

For more information, contact Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site at 250-478-5849, or visit the Natural History SocietyB次元官网网址檚 website at vicnhs.bc.ca.

acowan@goldstreamgazette.com