Young Ornithologists Complete 2008 Workshop

Photo: Stu
Mackenzie
21 August 2008 – Every year, Long Point
Bird Observatory (LPBO) opens its doors to six of Canada’s elite young
ornithologists, and together we explore the wilds of the Long Point
region. The program had its start in the 1970s, and has operated
continuously since 1994 as the Doug Tarry Young Ornithologists’ Workshop
(YOW), thanks to the generosity and foresight of the late Doug Tarry.
This year’s YOWs were Sarah Dobney (ON), Erica Holland (BC), Jeremiah
Kennedy (BC), Jeremy Pauzé (QC), Christopher Stephens (BC), and Brendan
Toews (ON). They arrived at Long Point on August 1 for a comprehensive
and hands-on 10-day introduction to the study of ornithology. LPBO staff
led a variety of excursions, presentations, and ornithological,
scientific, and natural history activities related to bird banding and
migration monitoring, population monitoring, ageing and sexing
techniques, bird taxonomy, breeding bird surveys, and preparing museum
specimens.
As always, the workshop is
supported by BSC’s Doug Tarry Natural History Fund. Visit our website
for more information on the
YOW and other
Long Point Bird Observatory
programs or contact the Landbird Programs Coordinator at
lpbo@birdscanada.org
or (519) 586-3531 ext. 162.
BSC Hosts
Workshop for Elementary School Teachers
19 August 2008 – On Tuesday, August 19,
Bird Studies Canada and Long Point Bird Observatory hosted their first
teacher summer institute. The full-day workshop was coordinated by
Education Specialist Jennifer Miner. Activities included a bird banding
workshop led by Stu Mackenzie and Hugh McArthur, a session on Project
FeederWatch with Kerrie Wilcox, and an introduction to eBird Canada and
the “Eagles in the Classroom” program by Jody Allair. The teachers took
away a wealth of knowledge to share with their schools and students in
the coming year.
BSC and LPBO will offer a second
spring season of educational programming for school groups in 2009. For
more information, email
esecord@birdscanada.org.
Pomquet Youth
Give Beach Sign a Fresh Look

Photo: Claudia Millan
18 August 2008 – Pomquet Beach
Provincial Park, a traditional nesting beach for Endangered Piping
Plovers in Nova Scotia, is designated as an Important Bird Area. The
neighbouring Acadian community of Pomquet has played a key role as local
stewards of the beach and Piping Plovers. In 2005, day camp youth from
Société Acadienne de Ste Croix created a large, colourful sign at the
beach entrance depicting Piping Plovers.
It had been three years since the
sign had been painted, and the community agreed that a new look was
needed. Now, thanks to the creativity of local kids and community
partnerships, the kids have finished their work and the sign is ready to
be placed back at the entrance to Pomquet Beach for future beachgoers to
appreciate and learn about Piping Plovers and the beach ecosystem. This
project was made possible through support by the NS Department of
Natural Resources, the Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program
for Species at Risk, and Heritage Canada.
Les Jeunes de
Pomquet Retouchent une Affiche Artistique
18 août 2008 – Le Parc Provinciale
de la Plage de Pomquet est un site de nidification traditionnel pour le
Pluvier Siffleur qui a été désigné comme une Zone importante pour la
conservation des oiseaux au Canada (ZICO). La communauté Acadienne de
Pomquet joue un rôle essentiel dans l’intendance de la plage et de ses
Pluviers Siffleurs. En 2005, le camp de jour de la Société Acadienne de
Ste Croix a créé une large affiche très colorée pour l’entrée du Parc
qui représentent les Pluviers Siffleurs dans leur habitat. Pendant trois
ans l’affiche a salué les gens qui visitent la plage de Pomquet, et
cette année, la communauté Acadienne a décidé qu’une petite dose de
créativité ranimera l’affiche. Alors, avec de nouvelles perceptions et
beaucoup d’enthousiasme, les enfants de la communauté on pu finir leur
création! Maintenant, l’affiche est prêt à reprendre sa place à l’entrer
de la plage de Pomquet pour que les gens de la région et d’ailleurs
puisse apprendre sur le sujet des Pluviers Siffleurs et leur écosystème
pour les prochaines saisons à suivre. Ce projet a été supporté par le
Département des Ressources Naturels de la NÉ, le Programme d’Intendance
de l’Habitat des Espèces en Périls et Patrimoine Canada.
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