Postcards from the Field: Sheri O'Keefe

Shell Conservation Intern Sheri O'Keefe

Hello from Newfoundland and Labrador!

I have been in Newfoundland all my life, living in a small town called Port au Choix. I attended Memorial University and recently graduated with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry. This winter I hope to pursue a Masters degree in Environmental Biochemistry & Toxicology.

This summer I’ve already had some amazing opportunities, including bird watching in the Codroy Valley (one of the best birding spots in NL), and participating in Conservation Volunteer Events.  

Mackinnion Property, Southwestern Newfoundland

For most of the rest of the summer I will be living in the Codroy Valley, known for its high waterfowl diversity and migratory bird population.  On any given day I may see up to nineteen different species of waterfowl, including the continentally uncommon Eurasian Widgeon (Anas penelope) or the provincially rare Blue-winged Teal (A. discors). While in the valley I’ll be supervising a four-student Green Team in partnership with the Conservation Corps of NL. I will also be spending some time on the island of Sandy Point where the NCC currently owns six properties. This breath-taking area, found off the south-west coast of NL, is home to many rare and endangered birds, including the endangered Piping Plover, as well as numerous rare plants such as Seabeach sedge and Saltwater Cordgrass. There have been 17 Piping Plovers seen here so far this summer --- and I can’t wait to see one myself. 

Hope you all have a great summer!

Sheri