ROCKY POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY SOCIETY

Ongoing programs include MAPS (monitoring avian productivity and survivorship) migration monitoring of songbirds and Northern Saw-whet Owls hummingbird monitoring and monitoring of seabird population. In 2024 more than 130 volunteers contributed over 15 000 hours to our monitoring projects on southern Vancouver Island and hummingbird monitoring throughout the province. Even more hours were provided behind the scenes with volunteers washing and sewing bird bags conducting research assisting with community education managing inventory mending nets and organizing presentations. Health and safety protocols continue to be in place allowing us to continue to increase volunteer training and welcome visitors to the banding stations. 2024 was very successful year for Education and Outreach. RPBO held the fourth annual Victoria Bird Week bringing awareness of bird conservation to the community at large. Educational events were offered in-person online and through social media including on World Migratory Bird Day when the RPBO team participated in the Great Canadian Birdathon and raised funds in support of RPBO and Birds Canada. We gave presentations for garden clubs seniors' groups and assisted living residents and expanded our programs in the community at events. Site visits to our banding station at Pedder Bay continued with regulated small groups. We saw 498 visitors for Owl banding. Our presence on social media continued to grow.