Anyone interested in learning more about citizen science programs for monitoring the health of local coastal waterbird species will want to take in an upcoming educational workshop.

On Sunday, June 9, Comox Valley Naturalists are hosting a free workshop with R茅mi Torrenta of Birds Canada to promote interest in its coastal waterbird and beached bird surveys.

This two-part workshop will feature an indoor presentation at Comox United Church (250 Beach Dr., Comox) from 3-4:30 p.m., followed by a coastal bird walk along Goose Spit, from 5-7 p.m. Binoculars and a spotting scope will be available. Participants can attend one or both parts of the workshop.

Participants who are interested in joining the team of coastal waterbird surveyors or beached bird surveyors will have the opportunity later this summer to receive specific training, equipment, and identification guides (coastal waterbird ID guide and/or beached bird ID guide) for the surveys.

Torrenta is a biologist and the British Columbia projects co-ordinator at Birds Canada. He obtained his master鈥檚 degree in France, then a PhD in ecology at Universit茅 de Moncton (NB), and he has been involved in avian research for the past 12 years. Torrenta is currently managing a dozen programs in British Columbia, including all the citizen science programs, species-at-risk research, monitoring programs, urban birds, and outreach/education programs. He is convinced that conservation goals are better achieved through public education and citizen science.

Pre-registration is not required. For more information, visit

Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated with BC Nature, consisting only of unpaid volunteers. New memberships are always welcomed. More information about the society can be found at