Buttertub Bird Santuary, Nanaimo

Male Yellow Rumped Warbler, photographed at Buttertub Bird Santuary, Nanaimo

Bird sanctuaries are more than just safe places for birds; they are habitats for nature.  Given the fact that birds need to eat, it only makes sense that a place that would attract them would have plenty of natural food.  The diet of birds varies widely with the species, but invertebrates, seeds, nuts, berries, and fruits of all descriptions generally works well.  Then there are the more predatory birds that take fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and even other birds.  You will usually find a source of fresh water as well.  Not just for drinking, but also because a great many things live in the water which birds eat directly or indirectly.

The thing I appreciate about bird sanctuaries is they are often designed in such a way as to give people access to the more distant reaches of them.  Walking paths, beaches, and even boat launches allow you and I to wander at will.  The only thing you are asked to do is to show respect to the environment.  Don't litter, disturb the wildlife, or remove anything.  Keep dogs on a leash and pick up after them.  Take lots of pictures and leave with lots of memories.  It is really rather simple.

What is really amazing about such places though is how they end up being a benefit to us.  Most people do not even recognize this.  Consider the benefits listed below:

  - increased vegetation helps clean the air, remove carbon dioxide, and add oxygen
  - natural water systems like ponds, marshes, and bogs serve as reservoirs that help prevent flooding and removes sediments
  - many of the plants present take up toxins like cadmium and prevent them from getting into our water or food supply
  - communities with natural areas tend to be healthier because they promote activity like walking and gives children a place to explore and run around
  - diversity increases which is extremely valuable in terms of disease resistance.  A small population or a population made of genetically identical organisms are at risk of being decimated in the event of an outbreak of some kind
  - people are given an opportunity to interact with nature experientially rather than through media alone and helps produce environmentally aware citizens

I encourage you to go to a bird sanctuary and enjoy all that it has to offer.  You may be amazed.