BirdVancouver.com

I love the hands-on experience. There’s nothing quite like getting to hold a bird up close to understand its life cycle and migration. It is also great to know that our data is being used for conservation and research purposes. And of course – it is amazing to see how knowledgeable the volunteers are about birds and wildlife.

Tiffany Khuu

I love volunteering at VARC because it has given me so many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally and develop a variety of skills. VARC not only helped me hone my birding skills, but also gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge on educational outreach and curriculum development which launched me into my new teaching career. Getting to enjoy the sunrise in a beautiful natural setting is the cherry on top!

Tonya Chyzowski

The high standards for volunteer training and ethical treatment of birds set VARC apart from some other banding stations. I love the supportive atmosphere, the diversity of participants and the inclusive nature of the group and have made many great friends, meeting and spending time with awesome like-minded people and contributing to avian conservation. 

Shae Turner

I love the supportive atmosphere, the diversity of participants and the inclusive nature of the group and I apply what I learn every day in observing the birds I see locally

Erin

Having retired from a long career in teaching, I love being a VARC volunteer for 3 main reasons: 1. Spending time outdoors in a peaceful setting doing something useful. 2. Learning each outing more about the birds around me from high level banders/extractors. Field marks, habitat and molt limits get consolidated. Holding a bird in your hand is an incredible experience. 3. Engaging with young adults who are enthusiastic about their academic lives and the potential the future holds for them and I apply what I learn every day in observing the birds I see locally.

Louise

It is a tightly run operation at a beautiful location. The station is big and the diversity is excellent for the region. It was a little intimidating for me as a fairly new bander to try my hand at extracting (under supervision) and banding. But I was encouraged by one of the more senior volunteers. Since volunteering at VARC back in 2013, I have banded for many reputable non-profits and bird observatories (IBP, Point Blue, University of Montana Avian Science Center, Huntsman Marine, Foreman’s Branch BO). VARC is an exemplary banding operation. They respect the birds they band and put their welfare first. Their operation is exceptionally well organized. They see outreach and education as a priority.

Ben Nickley

All of the birds are so amazing, and it was an amazing experience to see them up close in a way that I wouldn’t be able to in my normal life. Everyone was wonderful and it really felt like a family!

Hailey Flikkema

I loved seeing all the birds and the opportunity to learn more about them in a friendly, knowledgeable environment.

Ashley

Volunteering at VARC is so much fun! I am constantly learning and constantly in awe of the beauty of nature. It also feels great to know that the volunteer work makes a difference to the betterment of wild birds and wild bird habitat! Being able to connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds that are passionate about birds and wildlife is such an inspiration and such a pleasure!

Sheri Ellenberger

I love having birds in the hand, doing valuable research, and developing technical skills in identification, ageing, banding, and extracting birds.

Angela Hansen

My husband and I are bird watchers and monitoring the Bluebird boxes is an extension of this hobby we both find enjoyable, interesting and quite exciting!

Bev and Bob Scafe (Bluebird Volunteers)

When I first came to the Nicola Valley about 30 years ago, one of the wonderful attractions of the valley was the number of bluebirds I would see. Sadly, the number has decreased over these years. So I am very pleased to be part of a project to help these birds flourish and nest in the valley again. Checking the bird boxes is always a joy and brings many surprises, not just what birds are nesting in them — tree swallows, house wrens, chickadees — but also other birds and wildlife around me. It never fails to brighten my day, and if there is a flash of blue around, evidence that a bluebird is using a box, so much the better!

Anne Pang (Bluebird Volunteer)

Once we got to know each other it was a friendly group. The expertise by the senior banders was great and I learned a lot!

Sanjo Rose

I learned so much about birds!

Jerry