Dr. Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton Present at NVIT Theatre
Birdwatching during backpacking and wilderness camping along the Trans Canada Trail
The allure of birdwatching in Merritt, BC has never been more apparent. Recently, Tourism Nicola Valley, in collaboration with EH Canada Travel and the Nicola Valley Naturalist Society, welcomed the award-winning naturalist Dr. Sonya Richmond and photographer Sean Morton to Merritt, British Columbia. During a captivating 1-hour presentation at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) on October 20, 2022, they shared their adventurous stories, insights, tips, and various bird sightings from across the nation, all while backpacking the Trans Canada Trail.
Exploring Birdwatching in Merritt, BC with Dr. Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton
Presentation on birdwatching in Merritt BC with Dr. Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton. Photo Credit: Greg Girard
Dr. Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton have a remarkable tale to tell—a four-year journey documenting the relationship between people and nature while cataloging bird species along the 28,000-kilometer Trans Canada Trail. This exciting journey is detailed on their blog, “Come Walk With Us.”
The Journey Begins
They commenced their expedition in Newfoundland, Canada, in 2019, identifying and recording bird species as they traveled westward towards British Columbia and Merritt. In the Nicola Valley, they delivered an impressive slideshow presentation at NVIT, showcasing birdlife from across Canada alongside commentary that highlighted the diverse geographical landscapes and the dynamic wildlife unique to each region. It was an enlightening experience that opened many viewers’ eyes and ears to the wonders around them. We are pleased to share details about their presentation below.
Join Us in Our Adventure
Picking up Dr. Sonya and Sean in Penticton, BC. Photo Credit: Greg Girard
Our journey with this talented duo began as we picked them up near the Trans Canada Trail in Penticton, BC. Meeting Sonya and Sean in person was thrilling after years of connecting online. For years, these award-winning naturalist and photographer have shared their backpacking, wildlife, birding, and camping narratives on their blog, “Come Walk With Us,” as well as through social media. You can follow their adventures and insights on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using hashtags like #hike4birds and #comewalkwithus.
Experiences Along the Trans Canada Trail
Their journey is rich with both triumphs and challenges, filled with wildlife sightings and missed opportunities, sunlit days and snowy nights, as well as moments of quiet and chaos. They have encountered a mix of wonderful and difficult individuals on their travels. Ultimately, it is a personal growth story told through the lens of the beauty of nature and the avian kingdom, marking them as only the third group in history to complete the Trans Canada Trail!
Meet Dr. Sonya
Dr. Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton of Come Walk With Us. Photo Credit: Sean Morton
Dr. Sonya Richmond is not only a friend and scholar but also an award-winning Canadian naturalist and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. She is a proud member of the Explorer’s Club of Canada, and her accolades include:
- Inspire Award Winner – Universal Women’s Network (2021).
- Nature Inspiration Award Finalist – Canadian Museum of Nature (2021).
- Recipient of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society Expedition Grant (2021) and Research Grant (2022).
- Stan Hodgkiss Canadian Outdoor Person of the Year – Canadian Federation of Wildlife (2022).
- Certificate of Appreciation from the Ontario Federation of Ornithologists (2022) for her expertise in ornithology.
Additionally, Dr. Sonya is a member of the award-winning Canadian Adventure Seeker Club, a point of personal pride for me.
Meet Sean Morton
Sean Morton, a friend and scholar, is also a proud member of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and an acclaimed landscape and nature photographer. His stunning work has been featured in several publications, including Broadview Magazine, Ontario Nature, Alberta Nature, and the Bruce Trail Magazine.
Insights on Birdwatching in Merritt, BC
During the presentation, attendees learned about birding in the Nicola Valley. It was enlightening to listen to the naturalists discuss birdwatching in Merritt, BC, leading to ah-ha moments for some and reminding others of the abundant birdwatching opportunities our valley offers. It truly makes sense now!
Understanding Birdwatching in Merritt, BC
Merritt is situated beneath the renowned Pacific Flyway, a major bird migration route, attracting various bird species to the area each year. Our local lakes serve as essential habitats for nesting, feeding, and breeding birds. Notably, the “Douglas Lake Plateau” is one of the largest IBAs (Important Bird Areas) in Western Canada. Approximately 166 bird species have been identified in the Nicola Valley, and the Nicola Valley Naturalist Club can likely provide the exact number.
What is the Douglas Lake Plateau IBA?
An IBA, or Important Birding Area, is a designated region recognized for its significance in bird conservation. The Douglas Lake Plateau IBA extends from Kamloops, BC, in the north to Nicola Lake in the south and east to Salmon Lake. This area is home to remarkable bird sightings, including the Burrowing Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and Sandhill Cranes. Interestingly, the Douglas Lake Plateau serves as both a migration and breeding site for Sandhill Cranes, with numbers reaching up to 10,000 during spring and fall migrations. This region is essential to protect for migratory bird populations.
The Birding Industry in Canada
The Canadian birdwatching industry offers vast opportunities. The market is indeed substantial!
“30.7% (7,605,527) of adult Canadians engaged in wildlife viewing during out-of-town, overnight trips of one or more nights.” – Bird Canada
Moreover, birders often stimulate local economies, spending on various community offerings, including art, entertainment, and historical sites, while also seeking adventures like hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Annually, Canadian wildlife viewers invest around $1.3 billion in wildlife viewing experiences. Beginner birders typically spend an average of $330.68 per day, compared to $549.38 for experienced birders.
Promoting Birdwatching in Merritt, BC
We discussed ways to educate locals, attract more bird enthusiasts to the Nicola Valley, and actively engage our youth. With screen time at an all-time high among young people, utilizing programs like iNaturalist can help shift “screen time to green time,” blending outdoor exploration with a game-like experience. To foster and sustain this tourism sector, it’s crucial for our youth to take the initiative; otherwise, the momentum may fizzle out.
Birding Program at Merritt Library
On a positive note, we operate a birding backpacking program through the Nicola Valley Public Library, which deserves further growth and support. Our birds depend on it!
In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sonya and Sean for their visit and for enlightening us, including this blogger. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and your presence has made a lasting impact in the Nicola Valley. Thank you from all of us, including Melvina White (TNV), Tia Delaney (ENV Blogger), Alan Burger (Nicola Naturalist Society), and the Girard Brothers (Greg & Colin Girard) of EH Canada Travel.
Contact Dr. Sonya and Sean Morton
Website: www.comewalkwithus.online
Email: comewalkwithus@hotmail.com
How You Can Support:
Greg Girard, Dr. Sonya Richmond, Sean Morton, Alan Burger, Colin Girard |
Sean Morton, Melvina White, Dr. Sonya Richmond |
Sean Morton, Dr. Sonya Richmond, Tia Delaney |
Birdwatching in Merritt, BC, Canada
Birding Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer in Merritt, BC, Canada
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Greg Girard is a co-founding brother of the award-winning adventure and travel website and blog, ehCanadaTravel.com. Greg is also a top-ranked Canadian travel blogger who enjoys public speaking and works as a consultant for small and rural communities across Canada.
