Richmond is hosting Wings Over Iona, a free, family event that will showcase Iona Beach Regional Park and the migration of birds that fly through the city’s backyard.
“(Richmond) has these wetlands, ocean and river, and it’s kind of an all-in-one place and I think people will be excited to learn more about the diversity and abundance of birds that are so close to their own backyard,” said Robyn Worcester, a natural resource management specialist.
Richmond lies on the Fraser River estuary, which is a stopover point for bird to refuel, and that Iona Beach Regional Park is part of the wildlife management area where birds are protected, she added.
Thousands of birds migrate through the area at this time of year, feeding on creatures that live in the park’s mudflats.
Visitors can expect activities and exhibits, including spotting for different species in the area, looking at mudflat organisms that birds feed on, bird identification, real hawks and owls with the Vancouver Airport Raptor Team and OWL Rehabilitation and much more.
Wings over Iona will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Iona Beach Regional Park. A free shuttle will run from 10:45 a.m.to 1:45 p.m. between Templeton station and Iona Beach Regional Park every 20 minutes.
A pre-registration is required for the following free events:
- Intro to Birding (ages 9-12): https://bit.ly/2IfxHec
- Intro to Birding (ages 13 and older): https://bit.ly/2Ig2rvG
- Bird Photography for Beginners: https://bit.ly/2RgsJkk
