Manning Park Bird Blitz 2024

Returning for its 41th year, don’t miss this annual important citizen science initiative!With a diverse mix of coastal, mountain, and interior climates, E.C. Manning Provincial Park supports a massive variety of birds - over 200 species! June is a great time to visit, when forests are alive with a riot of birds exuberantly advertising for mates and defending territory.  This, combined with the park’s extensive network of scenic trails, makes Manning a paradise for birders - experts and novices alike!  

About the Manning Park Bird Blitz Founded by Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission’s (SEEC) Canadian Commissioner Gail Ross in 1983, making it British Columbia’s longest-running bird count! The original intentions were to create an event that would not only promote the activity of birding, but also encourage expert birders to help create continuity by sharing their knowledge and passion with those less experienced. Conducting an annual bird-count would create an official record of presence and absence of bird species in Manning Park during active breeding season (June). The Bird Blitz has provided a multi-year database of Manning Park birds that is shared with park staff, biologists, and the general public.  It is a beloved event the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning is proud to carry on. A fun social event, it is also a nice time for old acquaintances to reconnect, and new birders to join a group of passionate comrades!We are so grateful for Ross creating this lasting tradition that has improved our understanding of Manning Park's ecological richness while also building a strong community of birders who celebrate the beauty and importance of the avian world. 

ITINERARY: 

Friday,  June 14, 2024

• 02:00pm-Birders may arrive and set up camp at Lone Duck 2. Some birders may choose to stay at nearby fixed roof accommodations (at their own cost).
• 06:00pm – Meet at the registration/resources tent at Lone Duck 2 Campground , E.C. Manning Provincial Park and check-in, sign liability waivers. You can avoid the crunch and check in early, anytime between 2:00 – 6:00pm. There is plenty of room for RV’s, campers, trailers and tents.Participants must arrange their own transportation to Manning Provincial Park and to areas chosen for birding within the park.

​Saturday, June 15, 2024 

Early Morning – Friday campers start at various times through the early morning (as arranged Friday evening), birding groups will begin hiking different trails in Manning Park to record species and numbers of birds (by sight or call). 17 birding areas have been identified in the park and birders are welcome to visit as many of these areas as they wish

• 08:00 - 8:40am – New arrivals check in at registration table at Lone Duck 2 campground and join their expert level group.
• 09:00am – “Introduction to Birding” for beginner birders–Kelly Pearce and Scott Denkers will lead a morning outing for beginners ​“Intermediate Birding” for birders with a little more experience. Our guest birder Bill Kinkaid will lead a morning outing with more advanced birders
• 05:00pm – Birders gather at Lone Duck 2 campground for an evening barbecue (we will provide buns/dinner rolls, salads, chips, juice, tea, hot chocolate, coffee and condiments–bring your own choice of protein!)
• 06:30pm – After dinner, birders will meet around the campfire for a quick run-through of the day’s bird and other wildlife sightings, sharing their thrilling moments and exciting debacles!
• 07:30pm – Evening presentation​ by John Gordon

Sunday, June 16, 2024 More birding will occur in those areas not covered on Saturday, with people leaving Sunday afternoon. If you are birding on the way out of the park, please send us your completed checklist as soon as possible.​Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly.

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Full Weekend Birder – $75 Fee covers Friday & Saturday camping fees, Saturday barbecue (bring your own protein), guest speakers' Friday and Saturday evening presentation, birding kit and field data information, educational materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders!
• 1 Night Camping Birder /Friday/– $60 Fee covers Friday night camping fees, guest speakers' Friday evening presentation, Saturday birding, Saturday barbecue (bring your own protein), birding kit and field data information, educational materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders
• 1 Night Camping Birder /Saturday/– $60 Fee covers Saturday night camping fees, Saturday birding, Saturday barbecue (bring your own protein), guest speakers' Saturday evening presentation, birding kit and field data information, educational materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders!
• Day Birder + BBQ – $45 Fee covers Saturday birding with birding kit and field data information, use of educational displays and materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders! Fee also includes the BBQ on Saturday evening (bring your own protein) and Saturday evening presentation . No camping included!
• Day Birder (no BBQ) – $35 Fee covers Saturday OR Sunday birding with birding kit and field data information, use of educational materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders! No camping or BBQ included!
• Young Birder – $0 FREE for children and youth aged 18 and under, must be accompanied by an adult participating in event.​Fee applies to all birders; those camping and those staying at other fixed roof accommodation.For those attending the barbecue, please bring your own protein.  We will provide a variety of salads, buns, coffee/tea, fruit juice and various condiments.  Bringing your own cutlery and plates to help with our cleanup!

PHYSICAL DEMAND: Participants should be in reasonably good physical condition, but there will be plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the birds and surroundings–you’ll be on your own schedule!  It’s also your choice of birding trails, from flat and easy to steep and strenuous.  Please be prepared for all weather conditions. June conditions can be cold or hot, or anything in between! Temperatures at camp typically range from -3C to +20C. Snow may be encountered at higher elevations.

WHAT TO BRING: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials

Recommended items:

• Backpack to carry all your belongings
• Sturdy boots and gaiters
• Water (at least 1 litre)
• High-energy food
• Warm clothes and rain gear
• Binoculars/spotting scope, camera
• Bird ID guidebooks and/or apps downloaded for offline use on phone
• Headlamp
• First aid kit
• Firestarter
• Emergency shelter/blanket
• Map and compass (and/or GPS navigation + spare batteries/powerbank and cord)
• Multitool
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, Chapstick​

AMENITIES

There are no electrical or sewer hookups at the campground. Lone Duck 2 campground has a shelter with some picnic tables, communal fire pit, potable water and outhouses. Picnic tables are limited, so campers are encouraged to bring folding tables and chairs of their own. 

Manning Park Lodge is close by (6mins drive) and has a restaurant, café, and gift shop.

Be prepared to camp in shoulder season conditions (potential for cold and wet) and provide your own food. An exception is the Saturday night barbecue, when you can just arrive with protein for the grill. Alternatively, Manning Park Resort has a few restaurant options: https://www.manningpark.com/food-and-dining/. Come prepared to hike in any weather condition, with temperatures ranging between -3C and +20C.  Snow will likely be found at higher elevations.  Gaiters are helpful to keep mud and snow out of your boots.

ACCOMODATION

Event Camping

Group Camping will be available at Lone Duck 2 campground with plenty of room for our group. Come prepared for tenting or RV camping.  There are no electrical or sewage hookups.  Facilities include outhouses, potable water and a communal campfire pit.  Bring your own folding table and chairs if possible as picnic tables and seating are limited.

Skyview RV CampgroundIf you require electrical or sewer hookup for camping, there is also Skyview Campground nearby. Accommodations other than the Lone Duck 2 are at your own cost and should be booked well in advance as space is limited and fills up quickly. Book your space at Skyview Campground by visiting https://www.manningpark.com/skyview/

Manning Park Lodge 

Note: If you are staying at the resort, you should book soon. Rooms go quickly. To book your room, call Manning Park Lodge at 1-800-330-3321 (toll-free) Accommodation may also be booked online by clicking HERE.Lodging outside of Manning Provincial Park is also available within a 30-to-45-minute drive.Program Partners: 

SPONSORSHIP OF THE BIRD BLITZ

With the support of BC Nature, the Manning Park Bird Blitz is organized and delivered by Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. Both non-profit organizations are devoted to nature appreciation and stewardship, and together, they bring long-term stability and increased promotion to this great Manning Park citizen science tradition.Funding Support We are grateful for the financial support provided by the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission and the Province of British Columbia.

MEET YOUR GUIDES

John Gordon - Guest Speaker

After an eventful thirty year career as a professional photographer John retired in 2011 to follow his passion for birds and birding. He hasn’t looked back! It’s been a life long learning experience that continues today.

"Birding brings me great joy and peace of mind. I have been lucky enough to bird in many countries, some exotic but crossing Canada was one of the most memorable. I hope you enjoy the presentation.

Dedicated to Al Grass

Kelly Pearce - Leader

Kelly first became involved with the Manning Park Bird Blitz when he was hired as a park naturalist in 1993. He took over management of the event in 2000, and by 2009, Kelly brought the Bird Blitz under the wing of Hope Mountain Centre and BC Nature. For 31 years, Kelly has taken pride in seeing the birding tradition at Manning Park change and grow.

Scott Denkers - Leader

Scott's interest in birds and natural history began early in life. His post-secondary education led to degrees in biology and physical geography. Following university, he worked at various natural resource organizations over a couple of decades in the U.S. In 2006, Scott moved to Canada with his wife, Connie, and soon after began working with the nascent Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. After helping grow Hope Mountain Centre for 13 years with an outstanding group of people, Scott retired from his job as Administrative Director in 2021. He is a passionate birder and although retired, he remains involved with Hope Mountain Centre's bird blitzes and other events. His deep interest in birds and nature in general also keeps him active with Nature Chilliwack, an affiliate club of BC Nature, and BC Field Ornithologists. Scott also loves to spend time with gardening, nature photography, family and the most amazing grandkids.

Bill Kinkaid - Intermediate Group Leader

Bill is a member of Nature Vancouver board of directors and a former co-chair of their Botany Section. He leads many hikes and birding walks and is a Field Trip Co-ordinator for Nature Vancouver’s annual field camps. Bill has a life-long passion for birding, botany, and the human history of BC and western Canada.

CANCELLATION

Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone.

A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Liability Waiver

Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions.

Informed Consent Form 

Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.