Nuu-chah-nulth Land & Waters - TAP Session
2019-05-28 17:00 - 20:00, 2019-05-27 17:30 - 20:30, 2019-05-13 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Tofino Community Hall, 351 Arnet Road, Tofino, British Columbia, V0R3A0, Canada
This three-hour session is an introduction to Nuu-chah-nulth homelands, culture, and language. Learn about local history, cross cultural understanding, Nuu-chah-nulth language, and cultural world view. Explore the ancient and continued interconnections between the local landscape, the ocean and First Nations culture.
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Tofino Community Hall in the multi-purpose room (351 Arnet Road)
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm or *5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Dates: May 13*, May 27 *, May 28, May 30, June 6, June 10*
Participants of the Ambassador course will receive an Ambassador Card. Show your card for discounts and benefits at many local businesses!
This program is offered as a joint initiative of the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Raincoast Education Society. Thank you to the District of Tofino for donating this space. Tourism Tofino is the main sponsor of this FREE program, along with the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards gala event (May 9th).

Terrestrial Ecology - TAP Session
2019-05-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Tofino Community Hall, 351 Arnet Road, Tofino, British Columbia, V0R3A0, Canada
This three-hour session, taught by Barb Beasley, focuses on coastal terrestrial ecosystems. From the forest floor to the top of the canopy, this course will explore the interactions that occur in our local terrestrial ecosystems and the many species that inhabit them.
This course is run outdoors, so please come prepared with a sweater or jacket and some sturdy shoes. You may also like to bring a cushion or small pad/tarp to sit on for a few of the lessons (stops in the forest or elsewhere) as well as a portable notebook. We will meet outside the Tofino Community Hall multi-purpose room, then walk from there.
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: meet outside the Tofino Community Hall multi-purpose room (351 Arnet Road)
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: May 23, May 29, June 4
Participants of the Ambassador course will receive an Ambassador Card. Show your card for discounts and benefits at many local businesses!
This program is offered as a joint initiative of the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Raincoast Education Society. Thank you to the District of Tofino for donating this space. Tourism Tofino is the main sponsor of this FREE program, along with the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards gala event (May 9th).

Seaweeds of the West Coast 2019
2019-05-17 19:00 - 2019-05-19 13:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
This weekend field course, based out of the Tofino Botanical Gardens, will introduce participants to the world of west coast seaweeds. This year we are running the course on the Victoria Day long weekend to give everyone (and the instructors) a little bit more time to enjoy the beautiful west coast. Come spend your holiday with us in Tofino!
Topics to be covered in this year’s course include an introduction to seaweeds (What are they? What is their role in coastal ecology?), biodiversity of west coast seaweeds, essentials of collecting and identifying seaweeds, seaweed foraging, the relationship between seaweeds and people, pressing and preserving seaweeds, and more!

Course fee is $240 and includes lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Dr. Bridgette Clarkston is a seaweed enthusiast and co-author of the field guide, Pacific Seaweeds: A Guide to Common Seaweeds of the West Coast. She is a science educator and avid photographer with over 11 years of teaching and outreach experience. She has worked with initiatives such as the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative at the University of British Columbia. She specialized in seaweed taxonomy during her PhD at the University of New Brunswick where she discovered several new species of red seaweed, including one she named Euthora timburtonii. Currently, she is a faculty member in the Botany department at the University of British Columbia. To find out more about Bridgette visit http://bridgetteclarkston.blogspot.com/p/im-nature-nerd.html

Dr. Katy Hind is a seaweed biologist and Hakai Scholar. She is currently working as the Senior Laboratory Coordinator at UVic. In her research, she has described new species of seaweed using an integrative approach that combines molecular techniques, historical DNA, morphology, biogeography, and ecology. To find out more about Katy’s research visit www.katyhind.com.

COURSE SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Friday (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
Evening Classroom
• Introductory presentation: An overview of west coast seaweeds, different seaweed groups, role of seaweeds in coastal marine ecosystems.
Saturday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm; 7:00 – 8:30 pm)
Field and Classroom
• Field trip to explore seaweeds on Tofino’s rocky coast and practice naturalist skills, including fundamentals of seaweed identification.
• Collection of seaweeds at field site – bring journals and cameras to record habitat info.
Low tide is at 7:11 am (1.7 feet / 0.52 m)
• Seaweed identification and pressing workshop.
• Practice using dichotomous keys, field guides and online databases to identify unknown specimens.
• Create your own scientific and artistic seaweed presses.
• Seaweeds and people: from traditional uses to modern foraging, and everything in between
Sunday (8:00 am – 1:00 pm)
Field
• Putting it all together: field trip to identify seaweeds and their communities in nature, including opportunities to share what you’ve learned with the group. Group lunch and course wrap-up.
Low tide is at 7:53 am (1.4 feet / 0.43 m)

Our Seaweeds of the West Coast course has been featured on Ocean Outfitters’ blog!

Marine Ecology - TAP Session
2019-05-16 17:00 - 20:00, 2019-04-30 17:00 - 20:00 | Tofino Community Hall, 351 Arnet Road, Tofino, British Columbia, V0R3A0, Canada
This three-hour session focuses on the rich marine environment that plays an integral role in life on this coast. This course will cover the intertidal and pelagic ecosystems of Clayoquot Sound, including seaweeds, invertebrates, and marine mammals (and more!) as well as local oceanographic conditions.
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Tofino Community Hall in the multi-purpose room (351 Arnet Road)
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: April 30, May 16, June 3
Participants of the Ambassador course will receive an Ambassador Card. Show your card for discounts and benefits at many local businesses!
This program is offered as a joint initiative of the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Raincoast Education Society. Thank you to the District of Tofino for donating this space. Tourism Tofino is the main sponsor of this FREE program, along with the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards gala event (May 9th).

Small Town, Big Picture - TAP Session
2019-05-15 17:00 - 20:00, 2019-05-09 17:00 - 20:00, 2019-05-08 17:00 - 20:00, 2019-05-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Tofino Community Hall, 351 Arnet Road, Tofino, British Columbia, V0R3A0, Canada
This three-hour orientation session delivers the “big picture” of living in Tofino. Learn about local history and basic ecology, cross-cultural understanding, businesses and activities, festivals, host etiquette, and important civic information. This is a great way to get up-to-date locals information about living and working in Tofino.
This course is a suggested prerequisite for other courses.
Location: Tofino Community Hall in the multi-purpose room (351 Arnet Road)
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: May 1, May 8, May 9, May 15, May 22, June 5, June 12, June 13
Participants of the Ambassador course will receive an Ambassador Card. Show your card for discounts and benefits at many local businesses!
This program is offered as a joint initiative of the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Raincoast Education Society. Thank you to the District of Tofino for donating this space. Tourism Tofino is the main sponsor of this FREE program, along with the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards gala event (May 9th).

Birds & Botanicals Artist Workshop - Printmaking
2019-05-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with Allison Tremain
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Darwin’s Café @ the Tofino Botanical Gardens (1084 Pacific Rim Highway)
Beginners welcome, open to all ages, 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
$60 per person materials included
Allison will guide you through an ancient technique of printing with real plants from the rainforest. You will bring a visual and personal representation of the west coast home creating your very own authentic botanical print. Plants will be provided, please do not gather plants from the national or regional parks.
Please preregister for these workshops by calling 250-726-3934 or emailing allison.tremain@gmail.com

Shorebird Interpretation Hike (Tofino Shorebird Festival)
2019-05-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Combers Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with birding guide Ian Cruickshank from Parks Canada
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Combers Beach Parking Lot to Greenpoint Campground (meet in Comber’s Beach parking lot)
FREE event
Join us for an interpretive birding hike starting at Combers Beach parking lot in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This hike (moderate pace on mostly level ground) will cover some of the prime beach habitat used by migrating shorebirds. Enjoy the spectacular scenery along one of the region’s most dynamic beaches and bird along the way with Ian Cruickshank – Parks Canada interpreter, bird biologist, and birder extraordinaire! Park entry pass required. Please note that pets are not permitted.

Birds & Botanicals Art Show
2019-05-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with Allison Tremain and Coral Barclay
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Darwin’s Café @ the Tofino Botanical Gardens (1084 Pacific Rim Highway)
FREE event, items available for purchase
Join local artist Allison Tremain and Cowichan Bay artist Coral Barclay at the Tofino Botanical Gardens celebrating the return of spring with an art show focusing on botanicals and regional and migratory birds.
Note: Birds & Botanicals Artist Workshops available 10-12 and 2-4 during this time (see below)

Birds & Botanicals Artist Workshop - Watercolours
2019-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with Coral Barclay
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Darwin’s Café @ the Tofino Botanical Gardens (1084 Pacific Rim Highway)
Beginners welcome, open to all ages, 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
$60 per person materials included
Coral will guide you through watercolour techniques for painting birds and flowers. Bring your own reference photo or samples will be provided. A great opportunity to personally capture a shorebird during your visit.
Please pre-register for these workshops by calling 250-726-3934 or emailing allison.tremain@gmail.com

Voyage to Cleland Island Seabird Colony
2019-05-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Jamie’s Whaling Station, 606 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with birding guide Mark Maftei from the Raincoast Education Society
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Jamie’s Whaling Station (606 Campbell Street)
$79 + tax/fee
Join us for a unique trip through some of the most ecologically important and spectacular habitats on the west coast. This trip leaves Tofino and explores the waterways of Clayoquot Sound as we venture offshore to the Cleland Island Ecological Reserve, one of the premier sites in Clayoquot Sound for seabirds. Past trips have enjoyed great looks at spectacular Tufted Puffins, Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Black Oystercatchers, as well as a variety of other species. Whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters can also be seen in this area.
This is an unparalleled opportunity to bird two unique habitats with options from the comfort of a large cruiser with indoor/outdoor seating, toilets and hot drinks, or from the hardy open seating of an adventurous Zodiac vessel.
This three-hour trip will be led by an experienced guide who can help with spotting and identification.
Departing at 9:00am from Tofino on the Zodiac vessel (12 passengers, open seating)
Please book online at Jamie’s Whaling Station or call 1-800-667-9913.

Birding by Kayak
2019-05-05 08:00 - 13:00 | Paddle West Kayaking, 606 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with bird guide Shanti Davis from the Raincoast Education Society
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Paddle West Kayaking (606 Campbell Street, same as Jamie’s Whaling Station)
$115 per person + tax
This five-hour sea kayaking tour will take you on a journey to experience extensive areas of prime shorebird habitat only accessible by water. The trip will leave at low tide and paddle into Lemmens Inlet to observe birds in the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area. We will return near high tide and have the opportunity to paddle while the tide is flooding for a more intimate experience. Sea kayaking experience is not necessary – double kayaks available so you can alternate with your partner paddling and birding!
Space is limited to 12 people. Please book online through Paddle West Kayaking or call 1-877-479-3232 *Note: bookings go through Jamie’s Whaling Station.

Birding on the Mudflats
2019-05-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Grice Bay, Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC, Canada
with birding guide Ian Cruickshank from Parks Canada
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Grice Bay
FREE event
Join us for some more birding on the Tofino mudflats! Grice Bay is a local hotspot for migrating shorebirds, and is timed to coincide with an ideal tide to permit close observation of feeding shorebirds (low tide at 7:59 am). This is a great event for both new and experienced birders, and Ian will be setup to help with spotting and identification. Park pass required.
Bring your binoculars or spotting scope, or else we will have a couple to share. No dogs please.

Birder's Breakfast
2019-05-05 07:30 - 11:30 | Long Beach Lodge Great Room, 1441 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with Chef Shaun Snelling from the Long Beach Lodge Resort
7:30 am – 11:30 am
Long Beach Lodge Great Room (1441 Pacific Rim Highway)
Menu price
Take advantage of all Tofino has to offer by starting your day with breakfast at the spectacular Long Beach Lodge Resort. Chef Snelling has prepared a special “birders breakfast” for this year’s Shorebird Festival – fuel up for a big day of events while enjoying the crashing waves and sanderlings at Cox Bay.

Offshore Birding
2019-05-05 07:00 - 16:00 | Ocean Outfitters, 368 Main Street, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with seabird guide Mark Maftei (Sat) and Daniel Donnecke (Sun) from the Raincoast Education Society
7:00 am (depart dock) to ~ 4:00 pm
Ocean Outfitters (368 Main Street)
$220 per person + tax
This trip will be an all-day excursion to some of the offshore banks and canyons in search of albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels and other pelagic birds. Exact route to be determined based on local weather, fishing activity, and recon of where birds seem to be concentrating. Our goal is to bird out to, and then along, the shelf edge near some of the large offshore canyons about 55 km off the coast.
Previous years have turned up some amazing birds and marine mammals and this is a one-of-a-kind experience and a unique opportunity to explore the pelagic waters off of Vancouver Island. Early May is the transition when wintering species begin to move out and summer migrants arrive. This is a trip specifically designed around finding seabirds, led by seabird scientists, and is not a pleasure cruise.
Space is limited to 12 people, and seats are first-come, first-serve. Book online at Ocean Outfitters or call 1-877-906-2326. The trip is weather dependent. In the event of cancellation, there will be a 100% refund. No refund for no-shows. Dress warm, bring your own lunch and water.

Shorebird Science in the Pacific Rim National Park
2019-05-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with Parks Canada Ecologist Dr. Yuri Zharikov
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ecolodge Classroom @ Tofino Botanical Gardens (1084 Pacific Rim Highway)
$5 admission at the door
We will get together after a full day of adventure and birding to recap the highlights of the day and share observations.
Dr. Yuri Zharikov, Parks Canada Ecologist will then present “Shorebird Monitoring and Beach Patrol in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve”. The talk will focus on PRNPR efforts to monitor seasonal and spatial distribution of shorebirds in the Long Beach area and their interactions with park visitors over an 8 year period. Yuri will discuss the issues facing shorebirds here in Tofino, as well as PRNPR efforts to mitigate disturbance to migrating birds. Yuri will also present some preliminary results from a recently initiated collaborative study of shorebirds in Tofino that seeks to clarify the patterns of occurrence and habitat use of several different species using radio telemetry.

Dr. Yuri Zharikov was born in the city of Odessa on the Black Sea in what was then the USSR. He graduated from Acadia U in 1994 and Trent U in 1998 with BSc (Hon) and MSc respectively. He then graduated from Uni of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia in 2002 (PhD). Yuri briefly worked at SFU and Uni of Queensland doing post-doctoral research. Since 2007, Yuri has been with Parks Canada Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Most of his research and professional involvement has focussed on coastal environments in general and shorebirds in particular.

Voyage to Cleland Island Seabird Colony
2019-05-04 14:00 - 17:00 | Jamie’s Whaling Station, 606 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with birding guide Ian Cruickshank from Parks Canada
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Saturday
Jamie’s Whaling Station (606 Campbell Street)
$79 + tax/fee
Join us for a unique trip through some of the most ecologically important and spectacular habitats on the west coast. This trip leaves Tofino and explores the waterways of Clayoquot Sound as we venture offshore to the Cleland Island Ecological Reserve, one of the premier sites in Clayoquot Sound for seabirds. Past trips have enjoyed great looks at spectacular Tufted Puffins, Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Black Oystercatchers, as well as a variety of other species. Whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters can also be seen in this area.
This is an unparalleled opportunity to bird two unique habitats with options from the comfort of a large cruiser with indoor/outdoor seating, toilets and hot drinks, or from the hardy open seating of an adventurous Zodiac vessel.
This three-hour trip will be led by an experienced guide who can help with spotting and identification.
Departing at 2:00pm from Tofino on the M.V. Lukwa (45 passengers, washroom, snack bar, inside heated seating, and outdoor viewing decks)
Please book online at Jamie’s Whaling Station or call 1-800-667-9913.

Birding Adventure for Kids
2019-05-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with Heather Fleming from Tofino Nature Kids
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tofino Nature Kids @ Tofino Botanical Gardens (meet at the barn; 1084 Pacific Rim Highway)
Kids age 3 – 12 years old
By donation (to Tofino Nature Kids)
It’s never too early to get into birds! For this fun event, we will craft our own sets of ‘binoculars’ and go for a walk to see what we can see. We’ll tune into our senses, listen and look for movement in the bushes and on the mudflats to see what kinds of feathered friends we can spot in the woods and on the water.
This is a drop-off-your-kid event! Tofino Nature Kids waiver must be signed by prior to event.
Register your child here (in details panel to the left), only 8 spots available for this creative event for kids!

Tofino Nature Kids asks that a parent/guardian sign the waiver and release form found below. If you are unable to bring the signed form with you to the event, Heather will have some ready for signing upon arrival!

Shorebirding by Traditional Style Canoe
2019-05-04 12:30 - 16:30 | T’ashii Paddle School, 1258 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
With Nuu-chah-nulth guide Tsimka Martin and Raincoast Education Society birding guide
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
T’ashii Paddle School
$89 per person + tax
One of the most unique experiences in Tofino, join a Nuu-chah nulth guide for a paddle in a traditional dugout cedar canoe up Lemmens Inlet to the mudflat area to explore the mudflats at high tide – a perfect way to get up close to shorebirds foraging during their annual migration north. This is a form of transportation that has been used on the west coast of Vancouver Island for thousands of years, making it a special way to learn about local indigenous history and culture as well enjoy some wonderful birding.
Space is limited to 5 people. Please book your trip online at T’ashii Paddle School or call 250-266-3787.

Birding on the Mudflats
2019-05-04 09:30 - 12:30 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
with bird guide Ian Cruickshank from Parks Canada
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Tofino Mudflats @ the Tofino Botanical Gardens – follow trail to beach area (1084 Pacific Rim Highway)
FREE event
This is the best opportunity to spend some time down on the Tofino mudflats to view flocks of shorebirds foraging and resting during their annual migration north. The mudflats at this location offers a viewing platform, a beach area, as well as a forest trail walk to another open bay for shorebird viewing. Several expert birders will be on hand to help you make the most of the best time of day for watching shorebirds – the rising tide when birds are pushed up towards the upper mudflats for a better view (high of 3.1 m @ 13:31 pm). This is a great event for both new and experienced birders, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area.
Bring your binoculars or spotting scope, or else we will have a couple to share. No dogs please.

Shorebirding 101
2019-05-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Long Beach Lodge Rainforest Room, 1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, Canada
with Shanti Davis from the Raincoast Education Society
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Long Beach Lodge Function Room (1441 Pacific Rim Highway)
FREE event
After Birder’s Breakfast in the Great Room, come downstairs for an introduction to birding and shorebird identification. We will go over some key points to help you identify and recognize the common shorebird species you can expect to see around Tofino in the spring. Identifying shorebirds can seem daunting at first, but becoming familiar with a few basic features such as bill shape and size is a sure-fire way to take your birding to the next level.
We encourage you to head over to the Tofino Botanical Gardens after this presentation wraps up for some first-hand observations of shorebirds on the mudflats.

Opening Night of the Tofino Shorebird Festival
2019-05-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Middle Beach Lodge, Middle Beach Lodge, 400 MacKenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
Welcome to the 22nd Annual Tofino Shorebird Festival!
with guest speaker Dr. Grant Gilchrist, Research Scientist with ECCC
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Middle Beach Lodge Conference Room (400 MacKenzie Beach Road)
$20 per person ($15 for kids) *tickets must be purchased in advance, limited seating
We will kick off the Tofino Shorebird Festival with a social evening to celebrate the migration of the shorebirds, meet other bird enthusiasts, and go over the festival schedule while enjoying food and drink. The meet and greet will be followed by a presentation from Dr. Grant Gilchrist, an ECCC Research Scientist.
Research in a Changing Arctic: Conservation Biology of Arctic Birds
We often view the Arctic as a pristine wilderness largely free of environmental threats, but times are changing. Climate change can influence species directly by modifying their physical environment, or indirectly by altering interactions among organisms. For example, changes affecting the ecology of top predators are expected to be a particular concern because variation in predator behaviour has the potential to restructure food webs and lead to cascading ecological impacts on prey populations. From egg-eating polar bears to insatiable snow geese, Grant will examine a number of fascinating case studies tracking the response of waterfowl, seabirds and shorebirds to shifts in climate and local conditions on their Arctic breeding grounds.
Space is limited, with tickets available for purchase to the left of this page.
Ticket purchase includes hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, and the evening presentation. This event will fill up quick so please get your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!

Dr. Grant Gilchrist is a Research Scientist at the National Wildlife Research Centre in Ottawa (Environment and Climate Change Canada) and currently an adjunct professor at Carleton University, Acadia University, McGill University, and the University of Windsor. Early in his career he was influenced and inspired by several long-term ecological studies led by Jamie Smith (song sparrows, University of British Columbia), Tony Gaston (seabirds, Environment Canada), and Ian Stirling (Polar Bears, Environment Canada). These studies not only quantified environmental change over time, but also the often-complex responses of wildlife to these changes. These rare studies were instrumental when detecting ecological change driven by extreme weather events, diet shifts, the emergence of diseases, and climate change; all issues that might otherwise have gone undetected.
After joining Environment Canada in 1995, Grant worked to emulate these studies when designing his own research program to address Federal priorities to conserve Arctic birds and ecosystems. He now leads multidisciplinary research programs in the field to provide insights into the underlying processes of Arctic bird ecology. These include foraging behaviour, reproduction, migration, winter distribution, and how birds are affected by changing climate and emerging diseases in the north. His studies are very collaborative and multidisciplinary in nature; linking academia, government, industry, and Indigenous organizations. He takes a particular interest in communicating his scientific discoveries to the public and supporting early career scientists.

Birds of the West Coast 2019
2019-04-26 19:00 - 2019-04-28 13:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
This course is now full! Email us to be added to the waitlist in case of cancellation.

The west coast of Vancouver Island features some of the best birding opportunities in North America. Lying directly along the Pacific Flyway, this region hosts huge numbers of migrating birds of all kinds each spring and fall. In the winter, the diversity and abundance of non-breeding birds remains high thanks to wide range of habitats and a mild climate. Tofino in particular is well-known birding hot-spot. Expansive mudflats provide an ideal stopover site used by tens of thousands of shorebirds each spring and fall, highly productive coastal waters sustain several large colonies of seabirds, and a mix of coastal rainforest and deciduous forest habitats attract a wide variety of breeding songbirds.
In this three day workshop (Friday evening until Sunday noon), participants will be introduced to the general ecology and biology of birds with an emphasis on the species commonly found in and around Clayoquot Sound. Topics covered will include basic ID skills, breeding biology, physiological adaptations, migration ecology, and conservation issues. This course is designed as a way to learn more about birds in general rather than how to ID specific species. Although participants will certainly learn how to ID common species, extensive birding experience is NOT required.

Course Registration is $280 per person, and includes Sunday’s boat trip and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Course instructor Mark Maftei’s passion for birds has taken him around the globe, from Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic to South Georgia Island in the Southern Ocean. Although he specializes in Arctic species, Mark’s more recent work with Environment Canada focused on ecological studies of colonial seabirds along the BC coast. Mark has been involved with several projects right here in Clayoquot Sound, and he has a unique insight into the ecology of the region. Mark is also the Executive Director of the Raincoast Education Society.

Weekend Schedule (subject to change):
Friday (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Darwin’s Cafe at the Tofino Botanical Gardens

Introduction to the general biology and ecology of birds.
What makes birds unique?
How have they adapted to the habitats in which they live?

Note: this evening talk will be open to the public. Course participants do not have to pay admission as it is included in the cost of the course.
Saturday (8:30 am – 10:00 am)
Darwin’s Café

· Basic ID skills – what to look for in the field

(10:00 am – 4:00 pm) Field

We will spend the day outside looking at birds in a number of habitats around Tofino

(6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) Darwin’s Café

Life History – what are the strategies and adaptations birds have evolved to thrive in virtually every single habitat on earth?

Sunday (6:00 am – 1:00 pm)
Field

Boat trip! We will spend the day on the water observing and learning more about seabirds, the coolest birds of all!

Recommended Equipment and Reading
Any good bird guide (Sibley’s, Peterson’s, National Geographic)
A decent pair of binoculars
Field notebook and pencil
Camera
Appropriate clothing for all day in the field—rain or shine

Shorebird Shoreline Clean up
2019-04-13 10:30 - 13:30 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
In preparation for an annual feeding frenzy, and to salute World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), the Raincoast Education Society, along with partners, the Tofino Botanical Gardens, Surfrider Pacific Rim, and Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society, will be cleaning up plastic pollution from the mudflats shoreline.
The Tofino Mudflat areas and adjacent beaches bustle with busy bills frantically fueling up for a long and arduous journey. With 10’s of 1000’s of these feathered friends due to arrive on the shorelines, and the 22nd annual Tofino Shorebird Festival both quickly approaching, the aim is to help restore this critical stopover site and ensure the success of each bird along its migration route.
If you’d like to learn more, stop by The Tofino Botanical Gardens, on April 13, 2019, from 10:30-1:30. Better yet, grab a bucket and some friends, head to your favourite beach or area of the Inlet, and help us this spring, as we welcome back the birds.

Raincoast Walk
2019-04-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Tofino, Tofino, BC, Canada
Come learn about local ecology and the connection between the land and the sea, with Raincoast Education Society biologist. Meet at the Whale Lot (Lighthouse Loop). Rain or shine!
