Fundraising for feathers

Chances are you have never seen the Confederation Bridge like this before.

An image of the colossal structure bathed in rainbow array of countless dots of light against a black background.

It’s a striking image, with an interesting backstory.

The picture was created using a technology called light detection and ranging (LiDAR).

According to Joe Manning, Division Manager of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), LiDAR is a mapping tool that uses beams of laser light to measure depth and elevation.

CHS is responsible for collecting data needed to produce nautical charts within Canada’s territorial waters. It contracts companies to collect data about ocean depth and potential shipping hazards.

One such contractor, IIC Technologies, captured the image of the Confederation Bridge during one such recent data-colleting venture, using airplane-mounted LiDAR.

“The Northumberland Strait is one of the key areas that CHS is currently focused on to provide modern charting,” said Manning.

“The LiDAR program covers the majority of coastline in the Strait on both the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island coastlines and water depths up to approximately 15 metres.”

The annual Bennett Fall Birding Classic fundraiser will take place today.

Each autumn for the past 22 years, Island Nature Trust and Nature P.E.I. have joined forces in a team event, featuring groups with three- to seven-member teams heading out in the wee hours of the morning to find as many species of birds as possible in one 24hour period.

This fun marathon count is an opportunity to get involved in bird watching or birding at any level.

At least three teams this year will scour P.E.I. from coast to coast, east and west for a glimpse of feathers on migrating and overwintering birds. It’s not all about finding the most bird species. The challenges have already flown from team to team for the most funds raised and the most kilometres travelled in this quest.

For the serious birders, the Bennett, named after the late Neil Bennett (a dedicated Piping Plover volunteer), will gather important information on migrating and overwintering bird species in P.E.I. The Bennett count, when combined with other counts carried out at different times of the year, can identify changes in population levels, migration patterns and timing. Rare birds are often sighted in this one-day event.

Strict rules are followed to avoid interfering with bird behaviour or causing harm.

Teams will collect pledges based on the number of species they find. All funds raised go to Island Nature Trust’s land acquisition and stewardship work. The trust is hoping to raise enough money from this and other events to help with the acquisition of coastal natural areas in important bird areas in Malpeque Bay and Blooming Point.

The Bennett raised $2,930 in 2016 and $38,060 since its inception. For more information, contact the trust at 902-892-7513, visit www.islandnaturetrust.ca or its Facebook page.