The request from Tara Imlay reads as follows:

Last year, my colleagues and I began a research project to understand the breeding area of bird species that experience high rates of anthropogenic (human-caused) mortality in southwestern British Columbia.  The sources of anthropogenic mortality are varied, but can include things like collisions with windows or vehicles, or from cats and other domestic animals. For this work, we are collecting carcasses from this region until Summer 2021. Last year we received a large number of carcasses from the public, and we gratefully thank those who contributed.

This year, we are again asking your members, and other interested members of the public, to send us carcasses of birds that they find.  We ask that they record the day, time, and location where the bird was found, and freeze the body (placing in a Ziploc bag or similar is sufficient).  I have attached a poster that summarizes this information and this poster can be shared with your members, other organizations, or on social media.

We would also be happy to give a talk to your members about the findings of this work or other research we are involved with.

Thank-you in advance for your assistance,

Tara

Recent events, including the racism directed at Christian Cooper on the Ramble in New York City’s Central Park, demonstrate that racism and discrimination are everywhere, even in the birding world. British Columbia Field Ornithologists is committed to ensuring inclusion and diversity within its own ranks and within the wider birding community. All of us have a responsibility to challenge racism and discrimination whenever they appear and to work towards respect and inclusivity, whether we are in the field or meeting with our members and fellow birders.