Nature lovers flock to see Brant geese

The 2018 Brant Wildlife Festival, a spring celebration of nature on Vancouver Island, continues with fun activities for all ages Saturday and Sunday in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and surrounding areas.

The annual festival celebrates nature, particularly Brant geese, who stop by during their annual migration from their wintering grounds in Baja California to breeding grounds in the Arctic.

Visitors can take in wildlifeviewing opportunities as well as learning about the migration from guest speakers.

The arrival of the geese coincides with the Pacific herring spawn. The herring lay their eggs on seaweed. The eggs are an important source of protein for the birds as they put on fat to complete their journey to their northern breeding grounds.

During the herring spawn, flocks of up to 3,000 Brant geese can be found close to shore feeding on the eggs. The event attracts tens of thousands of other water birds as well as marine mammals, such as harbour seals and sea lions. Large numbers of bald eagles are also attracted to the spawn sites.

Brant spend their nights out on the Strait of Georgia. In the morning, as the tide drops, the birds fly in to shore to land on the first exposed sandbars.

You can join bird ID and birdwatching workshops on Saturday or take part in birding tours and a forest bathing walk on both Saturday and Sunday.

Large numbers of Brant geese have been reported this week. Have your nature questions answered by the Arrowsmith Naturalists 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Parksville Community Park, 193 Beachside Dr., Parksville. For a list of events, go to brantfestival.bc.ca/events.