SYDNEY, N.S. — Water: We use it, then we lose it. Then it gets used again, by animals in our local ecosystems.
The water that comes out of our taps and flows down our drains ultimately ends up in the ocean. Sea birds and vibrant diving ducks then feed on the plants and small animals that snack on the nutrients in that wastewater.
That’s the story that ACAP Cape Breton and CBRM wastewater operations are hoping to demonstrate at the sixth annual Harbour Hop this Sunday.
The free community event is open to all birders, experienced and novice alike, as well as families and anyone else looking to observe local wildlife. The educational outing will illustrate “the ecosystems that many of us are connected to every day via our wastewater,” said ACAP Cape Breton project manager Jen Cooper.
“But it's also an event that brings (the) community together to enjoy the diving birds that come to Sydney harbour in the winter.”
The caravan-style tour — which will be led by Dave McCorquodale and Dave Harris of CBC’s The Bird Hour — is an opportunity to view a variety of birds that often don’t appear any other time of year. Those who wish to participate can meet the organizers at the Bayside parking lot in River Ryan.
After that first stop, the tour will move to Lingan Wharf, then head out to the Barachois in New Waterford and conclude at the Low Point Lighthouse.
Participants will stay in the groups that they came with to maintain pandemic safety, and scopes that will be set up will be sanitized after each use. However, the organizers are asking anyone with their own binoculars to bring them and are reminding everyone to dress for the weather.
