On December 16, 2023 Kitimat Valley Naturalists took part in the worldwide Christmas Bird Count, with special permission and guidance to view the natural areas of the Kitimat River estuary in both the RIo Tinto and LNG Canada industrial sites.

The weather was cool and overcast, but unlike earlier years no snow or heavy rain which allowed us to count the birds and get some great photographs.

Trumpeter swans hang out at the Kitimat River Oxbow, an area of the river which appeaers dark brown due to heavy iron content in the water.

Just as we arrived on site a flock Canada geese flew over head.