Bird watchers from Ladner and Richmond were celebrating, of sorts, after unofficially pipping “rivals” Greater Victoria in this year’s annual Christmas Bird Count.
Bird watchers in Ladner and Richmond counted 141 species, compared with Victoria’s 140.
The Christmas count is conducted on any one day from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 within a 24-kilometre diameter area that stays the same each year.
Ladner count coordinator Jude Grass said she was pleased the weather was mild and sunny, making it easier to spot birds. It also encouraged a greater number of volunteers to turn out.
Last year, Delta finished second to the Victoria count, due in big part to miserable weather in these parts and fewer volunteers.
“We had a fantastic day. It was supposed to be a terrible, rotten, wet day, but it was anything but that,” said Grass.
She noted the preliminary number has Ladner at 141, slightly ahead of Victoria, and that number could increase with a couple of other species confirmations, including a great egret, which is similar to a sandhill crane.
The Ladner count, which includes areas of South Delta, southern Richmond and Point Roberts, is part of a continent-wide count.
