Birds Canada Leadership Team

Protecting the beauty and diversity of life on Earth – that’s the mission that has underpinned my entire adult life thus far, and it’s what fuels my enthusiasm for the role of President at Birds Canada. A biologist by training, I have a boundless fascination with animal behaviour (including migrations of course), and have had the great privilege of leading environmental non-profits for over a decade.

Not a day goes by where I’m not reminded that North America has lost one in four birds since 1970 – three billion birds. My pledge to you is to work tirelessly to stop that catastrophe in its tracks.

I grew up exploring the shores of Lake Huron on the beautiful Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. My experience in the charitable sector began 20 years ago while coordinating school-based wildlife education programs in South Florida. During this time, I was grateful to work with hundreds of different wildlife species and with thousands of youth. Later, while working as a director at a wildlife hospital, I discovered I could help our environment the most by helping to raise much-needed funding. I joined Birds Canada in 2012 and everyday I am inspired by our dedicated supporters and my expert colleagues. I now also have the great joy of introducing my son to the birds we see and hear around us.

Jody is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Citizen Science and Community Engagement at Birds Canada where he is the co-editor of BirdWatch Canada Magazine and the Coordinator of eBird Canada. Jody delivers various science-focused education and outreach programs to audiences across Canada. He has banded Northern Saw-whet Owls on CBC’s Rick Mercer Report, spoken about Canada Jays at Ideacity, has appeared on the American Birding Association podcast and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.

While I’ve worked in fundraising, supporting various organizations and causes for several years, I’ve always had the greatest passion for birds, wildlife and the environment. I was raised to have a deep respect and love for the natural world. I’m an avid camper, hiker, paddler and general lover of the outdoors. My fondest memories are bird outings with my parents and grandparents. I’m thrilled to contribute to the invaluable work done by Birds Canada in conserving wild birds of Canada so that future generations can experience the joy of birding.

I always enjoyed seeing Barn Swallows, Goldfinches and Red-winged Blackbirds on the farm where I grew up.

My hope is to help Birds Canada keep common birds common by engaging more people in the work of conserving wild birds of Canada.

I joined the Birds Canada team in 2018 and am thoroughly enjoying working with this group of smart, passionate, and dedicated people. My background is in agriculture and horticulture, and I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Guelph. I’ve worked in provincial government, not-for-profit, and charitable organizations.

I manage Project FeederWatch in Canada, a program that turns people’s bird feeding hobby into research for conservation. Participants feed birds in their backyards and send counts of those birds to us online. I love being part of this program and feeling the enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers. We have learned so much about the winter distributions and movements of birds in North America through Project FeederWatch. Prior to my role with FeederWatch, I studied waterfowl diets and invasive Phragmites through Birds Canada’s Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Fund.

Some of my fondest birding memories come from early days spent Christmas Bird Counting around my hometown of Calgary, Alberta.

Those early Christmas Bird Count (CBC) experiences continued later as I moved around British Columbia and Ontario. In fact, the CBC is such an infectious tradition, that it’s part of the reason I got into birds in the first place. Sure, CBCs are fun, but they are also a valuable tool. Counts conducted by Citizen Scientists contribute to a 120-year-old data set, and results are used to monitor trends in population sizes of birds, which can indicate overall environmental health. The perennial devotion of thousands of CBC volunteers, who brave often unforgiving conditions, is truly inspirational, and is the reason I’m certain that birds and the natural world are important to Canadians.

I first got to know my chickadees and cardinals as a kid watching my family’s feeder in Ottawa.

Pursuing opportunities in wild bird rescue and rehabilitation and environmental education galvanized my interest, and sparked my passion for introducing more people to the world of birds. I went on to earn a B.Sc. Biological Science and a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication. In my role at Birds Canada, I share stories of amazing people taking action to help birds and important news about bird research and conservation. It’s incredible to work with a dedicated team of staff and supporters, united by our love of birds and drive to conserve them.

My mission is to create connections between people and the planet. I’m a biologist with a deep passion for animals. In my current role, I work to increase urban engagement with birds and conservation in cities across Ontario. In other words, my mission is to create connections between people and the planet. My previous work unfolded in the most isolated and pristine habitats in Costa Rica. Now, working in the City of Toronto where the human footprint is the deepest is a fascinating opportunity. I have been able to see the full spectrum of the wild, from the tropical rainforest of Osa Peninsula to the ravines and parks in Toronto.

A lifelong birder and passionate conservationist, I bring a global perspective to the Birds Canada local-to-hemispheric conservation science program. I’m something of a long-distance migrant – originally from the UK, I arrived in Canada via a decade in Asia. I’m now a Metro Vancouver homeowner and permanent resident, although currently based remotely in East Africa for much of the year. Prior to my current role, I served as the BC Program Manager for Birds Canada.

My interest in birds began with studying songbirds in the blackfly-infested forests of my home province, New Brunswick, but my heart was stolen by seabirds after my first step onto a stormy, remote seabird colony. Since then, I have devoted the past 20-odd years to bird ecology, physiology, tracking, and conservation on the east and west coasts of Canada. My current role is to build science-based, collaborative partnerships for bird conservation, and to guide our programs for seabirds, owls, forest birds, shorebirds, marsh birds, swifts, and swallows. I am inspired by wild and remote places, by my kids, and by people who strive to tread lightly on this Earth.

I coordinate the High Elevation Landbird Program, monitoring Bicknell’s Thrush and other birds in remote forests of northern New Brunswick and the Cape Breton Highlands. I work with forestry managers and regulators to protect habitat in the industrial forest. I also coordinate the Atlantic Nocturnal Owl Survey, a tremendous Citizen Scientist-based effort to census owls in the Atlantic provinces. My interest in birds started on my family’s farm in Nova Scotia particularly raising and showing chickens as a member of my local 4-H club. My interest expanded to wild birds when my I befriended a family of bird watchers during my undergrad in Ontario, eventually leading to my Ph.D. studying the awe-inspiring seabirds of Newfoundland and British Columbia. The remarkable physical abilities and incredible variation among birds, paired with the passion and perseverance of people who work to conserve them, is what inspires my efforts for birds.

An important part of my role involves reducing human disturbances to birds through projects such as the Nova Scotia Piping Plover Conservation Program. I completed my B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Sociology, and recently finished my Master’s of Resource and Environmental Management at Dalhousie University, where I focused on wildlife conservation and pro-environmental behaviour change. When not at work, I’m either getting up early to go birding, going to bed early (so I can wake up early to go birding), or travelling the world to see new birds.

As a fourth generation lobster fisher I grew up on the seashore and lived from the sea. This gave me a great respect for all that lives in coastal areas. After making a choice to pursue environmental studies I got my first summer job working to protect the endangered Piping Plovers that nest on the beaches of my home province of New Brunswick. I was hooked. From the time I started working with Piping Plovers in 1995 I’ve had the privilege of helping to protect the coastal habitats that I hold so dear. And the birds whose survival depends on coastal habitats have inspired the way I communicate this passion to the people that share my attraction to these remarkable places. It’s been a dream come true to spend so much time on beaches, dunes and in marshes. Getting to know the birds that live there and sharing this passion with the thousands that would join our guided walks and special presentations throughout the years has given me a sense of accomplishment that can’t be measured.

Growing up in coastal British Columbia, my fascination with the natural world was encouraged by my parents and teachers from a young age. When I landed a summer job studying seabirds on the East Coast during university, I discovered a career that fulfills my passion for conservation and love of learning. As the Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program Coordinator in the Atlantic Region, I work with a dedicated team of citizen scientists, landowners and partner organizations to improve monitoring and stewardship of swifts and swallows. Now a parent myself, I’m motivated by my children’s boundless curiosity and eagerness to explore our environment. The creativity and passion of volunteers and colleagues inspire me to seek innovative partnerships and strategies to support the conservation of swifts and swallows in Canada.

Being from Cape Breton Island, I grew up surrounded by nature. Still, my interest in birds only began during my undergraduate degree, when I worked as the Coastal Stewardship Biologist for Birds Canada’s Piping Plover Conservation Program in Nova Scotia. This interest quickly became a passion. It led me to pursue a Master’s degree at the University Centre of the Westfjords in Iceland, where I am studying how conservation social science helps birdlife and biodiversity around the country.

I am fascinated by understanding human motivations, perceptions, and behaviours as they relate to bird conservation worldwide. My position as the Nova Scotia Assistant Program Coordinator allows me to pursue my passions while finding new and innovative ways to connect people and birds.

My passion for nature, conservation, and birds began while growing up in rural Vermont. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to study Leach’s Storm-Petrels on Kent Island, NB and became hooked on bird research/work. Over the course of field technician jobs on Canada Jays, Common Loons, Savannah Sparrows, Island Scrub-Jays (to name a few), followed by a Master’s degree on Thick-billed Murres at the University of Windsor, I became increasingly passionate about birding as a hobby. I am now always birding and contributing sightings with eBird and other Citizen Science portals.

I started with Birds Canada in 2018 and worked for three years in BC coordinating Citizen Science programs, running outreach events, and contributing to and leading research projects. I am now located in New Brunswick where I am filling the role of Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program Coordinator for the Atlantic region. I really enjoy working with Birds Canada where I can share my enthusiasm for birds and conservation with amazing volunteers, partners, and staff.

I’ve been interested in birds and their conservation for as long as I can remember.

Prior to my current role, I completed a postdoc at our Birds Canada head office in Ontario and the University of Guelph on migration and breeding phenology in Tree Swallows. My Ph.D. was conducted in New Zealand on the ecology and conservation of an endangered endemic bird, the North Island Kokako. I’ve also been involved in behavioral studies of Neotropical birds in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Two of my current projects include an invasive mammalian predator study in Haida Gwaii (one of my favourite natural environments) and a Long-billed Curlew migration tracking study in the Kootenay Mountains.

On behalf of Birds Canada, I’m building support for the Fraser Estuary Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in British Columbia. Prior to joining Birds Canada, I earned a Master’s degree in International Environmental Policy at the University of Northern British Columbia and worked with WWF-Canada on topics ranging from eelgrass and marine planning to hydropower and the Water Sustainability Act. This experience established a base of knowledge that I’m now applying to the context of the Fraser Estuary.

After 8 years of work experience with forest birds in eastern Canada – including coordinating the Atlantic Nocturnal Owl Survey and the High Elevation Landbird Program –, I am now thrilled to dedicate my energy to monitoring, research and conservation projects related to western birds. Since I was very young, my passion for wildlife and birds has never faded. Before joining Birds Canada, I obtained my MSc in Ecology in the south of France, and then a PhD at Université de Moncton, NB. I have always been fascinated by the great enthusiasm for birds of Canadian volunteers, and by their considerable investment in collecting important data for science and conservation! This motivates me even more to run and deliver our Citizen Science programs, as well as various education and research projects in BC, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

I am a wildlife biologist and conservation professional with over 25 years of experience in the environmental field.

I’ve worked on conservation, wildlife research, and educational programs throughout my career, and written publications on a diversity of topics – from birds and reptiles to native plants and watershed ecology. I have directed projects for Ontario Nature, Long Point Basin Land Trust, and the Québec-Labrador Foundation, and have served in a number of senior roles at Birds Canada.

The nature of my discipline has made me very aware of the interesting challenges that come with balancing human needs with natural resource protection. By studying birds, and protecting them now and for the future, we have a great way to ensure the protection of other species, including ourselves. Birds can allow us to rectify the disconnect between scientists and the general public. As people from all walks of life can connect over bird watching, birds can provide an avenue where we can have those difficult conversations about conservation that need to be had.

I have always been drawn to the outdoors. However, my introduction to avian research was as a wildlife technician studying aerial insectivores during the summers of my undergraduate studies. This led me to pursue a Master of Science in Biology at Western University studying niche segregation among sympatric Barn, Cliff, and Tree swallows. As the Aerial Insectivore Program Coordinator, I work with different groups to coordinate monitoring, research, stewardship, and outreach for aerial insectivores in Ontario. I am also working as the Assistant Coordinator for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. The Atlas is a collaborative project that aims to map the relative abundance and distribution of the birds that breed in Ontario – data that inform science, conservation, and policy. I feel extremely fortunate to work alongside the dedicated volunteers, collaborators, and Birds Canada staff towards our shared goal of bird conservation

I coordinate the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program. At my heart, I’m a plover myself, gravitating to beaches and sunshine even in my time off. After leaving my home province of Saskatchewan after university, I worked and travelled abroad exploring many occupations. I eventually landed an internship in South Africa researching and protecting the White-Fronted Plover. I was hooked. Upon returning to Canada, I found summer work with Piping Plovers along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan, and now I coordinate the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program.

I draw inspiration and rejuvenation from interacting with the natural world – the wilder and more remote, the stronger the inspiration. I have broad interests in avian monitoring and conservation, which includes experience with estimation of demographic parameters, conservation planning, species-habitat modeling, and bioacoustics monitoring. I was awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan where my studies examined the role of dispersal in population dynamics of breeding Ross’s Geese. For over 20 years, my professional experience has lain primarily in the realm of water-loving birds. I was drawn to the conservation profession seeing a need to protect wildlife and the places where wild critters live.

I grew up on a mixed farm in western Manitoba where I spent many hours in our pastures exploring nature and being captivated by the birds, bugs and mammals that we shared our land with. I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world and our place in it. That interest drove me to continue to learn about agriculture, obtaining my Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba. Agriculture has such an important role to play in the biodiversity and climate crises we find ourselves in and I am passionate about finding solutions that are mutually beneficial for wildlife, the environment, farmers and ranchers, and society at large. As the Grassland Conservation Manager for Birds Canada I get to work at the interface of agriculture and conservation to find solutions to conserve grassland ecosystems and the birds that make their home there.

I have always been drawn to nature; whether I was collecting beetles in my lunch kit or spending hours looking for snakes, nature was a big part of my childhood. After completing a diploma in Environmental and Wildlife Management I began working on avian monitoring projects and was immediately hooked. I went on to complete a BSc in Environmental Biology from McGill University where I received the Tomlinson engagement award for mentoring. I enjoy interacting with people and sharing my love of nature, a trait which serves me well in my current role. This work allows me to help others learn about birds while also affording me time alone in nature, both of which keep me inspired. I do what I do in the hopes that I can motivate others to help protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on.

I’m a biologist with a wide range of experience working with birds. Born in England, I have lived in Québec since 1996. Before taking up my current position, I worked for 10 years as a research officer at Laval University. Before that, in England, I worked for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the Zoological Society of London. I am also a member of the Québec Breeding Bird Atlas Management Committee and the Scientific Committee of the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac, and secretary of the Baillie Fund.

I’ve been hooked on birds ever since I can remember. For example, as a kid I got (a bit) annoyed when my family went on holidays to Disney World, because it meant I missed Canada Jay nest-finding with my Dad for a research project in Algonquin Park. Naturally, my academic and professional career has focused on developing workable conservation solutions for birds, and raising awareness of the importance of these animals. Currently, I work on waterbirds and wetlands by directing the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program, Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, and Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Program.

I am an avid supporter of conservation, habitat stewardship, and biodiversity, in the strength of grassroots community actions, and that each individual can make a difference. I spent my childhood in Long Point, Ontario next to the Big Creek National Wildlife Area. There I formed a great love for boating, wetlands, wildlife, and all things aquatic. I hold an H.B.Sc. in Wildlife Ecology and Environmental Studies from the University of Guelph, a M.Sc.F in Wildlife Management from Lakehead University and Volunteer Management accreditation from Humber College. Past work in tourism, retail, raptor and duck research and data management as well as experience collaborating with Citizen Scientists has led me to my present job. My three beautiful and almost adult children have taught me that yes, your beliefs can be instilled in the next generation and that this is hope for our future.

Being a naturalist I enjoy hiking in any of our great Canadian seasons. I have worked in my current position at Birds Canada for over a decade. During this time have had the fortuity to observe the advancement and betterment of Birds Canada and to have worked on numerous projects across the country. I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization engaged in the guardianship of wild birds and their habitats.

I began exploring the natural world while in the womb, and have been birding since the age of two. In my current role, I’m responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. I hold degrees from the University of Guelph and Western University. Formerly, I served as President of the Ontario Bird Banding Association and Chair of the North American Banding Council. I live in Port Rowan with my wife and two children.

I have been fascinated by birds since a young age.

After completing my Master’s on the post-breeding behavior of Swainson’s Thrushes at Acadia University, I joined the Birds Canada’s team in the Atlantic Region in 2018 to run the Maritimes Marsh Monitoring Program. Since then, I have taken on more responsibilities related to the Motus Wildlife Tracking System – namely, managing the Atlantic array of Motus receiver stations and supporting Motus users worldwide. I am proud to be part of Birds Canada and contributing to a greater understanding of birds and their environment.

Having spent many years witnessing the miracle of avian migration I continue to be both humbled and inspired by how we fit on this planet.

For the past 6 years I have been the Program Coordinator of Thunder Cape Bird Observatory. I recruit and train Volunteers in bird handling and manage the operation of our robust protocol for both of our spring and autumn seasons on the north shore of Lake Superior.

During breeding season geo tagging Grey-cheeked Thrush and Blackpoll Warblers has drawn me to Newfoundland and Labrador. Perhaps with information gleaned by my efforts we humans can learn from the myriad of avian species crossing geographical and human boundaries. Their precious presence and perseverance reflects the best of our abilities.

I’m proud to run the day to day operations at Long Point Bird Observatory, the oldest continually operating bird observatory in the western hemisphere. I have 15 years of experience working for NGO’s, in academia, and in private industry as a wildlife biologist. I also moonlight as an international birding tour guide with experience leading trips in Canada, Australia, the Falkland Islands, and Chile. I did my Master’s degree at Queen’s University studying the evolutionary ecology of wood-warblers, a family of birds that still holds a dear place in my heart.

I’m working to expand the Motus Wildlife Tracking System in Western Canada. Prior to joining Birds Canada, I studied Red Knots on the James Bay coast for my Masters degree. I also spent several years working as a field technician, primarily with shorebirds in the Bay of Fundy and James Bay, but also with seabirds, passerines, and small mammals on various projects. I love being in the field and I’m interested in migration, population ecology, and the conservation of highly mobile species.

My role focuses on supporting the growth of the Motus Wildlife Tracking System and assisting with aspects of our bird observatory operations.

I’m responsible for Motus collaborator outreach and communications and maintaining Motus infrastructure in Ontario and beyond. My past research and conservation experience includes bird banding at various observatories, including Long Point Bird Observatory, and studying mammals such as grizzly bears. I am a co-founder and coordinator of the Ontario Badger Project, which has sought to better understand and conserve Ontario’s endangered badger population.

I’m proud to have pioneered work on mapping the distribution, abundance, and migratory connections of birds that is featured regularly in scientific papers, books, popular publications, websites, and field guides.

My achievements in bird conservation include election to the College of Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. I represent Birds Canada on numerous regional, national, and international conservation initiatives, including Bird Atlases, North American Bird Conservation Initiative, BirdLife International, Partners in Flight, Key Biodiversity Areas, and others. It has been rewarding to see my two decades of leadership at Birds Canada help propel the organization from a locally focused one to a respected national and international partner. I find inspiration in nature, birds, and music, and in sharing these passions with family, friends, and strangers alike.

My role focuses on coordinating the Caretaker Program, a group of on-the-ground stewards for Ontario Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs).

I am lucky to work with these enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to monitor IBAs for priority species, carry out conservation activities, organize events, and increase awareness of the program. I have a background in Environmental Studies and Biology, and have worked with birds, bats, soil, and water. Connecting people with nature is what motivates me to work in conservation. I hope to give the next generation the same (or better!) opportunity to experience the beauty of nature that I’ve enjoyed.

I first fell in love with birds during my undergraduate degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology in the beautiful grassland interior of British Columbia. Since then my career has taken me across to country to study Chimney Swift Roost abundance in northern Ontario, Barn Swallow post-fledging ecology in southern Ontario for my Masters degree, and boreal landbird distribution and abundance in the Northwest Territories. During this time, I have developed many technical skills for the management and automation of count, acoustic, and spatial bird data. In my current role at Birds Canada I am a part of the Landscape Science and Conservation team where I work as GIS Spatial Analyst. Here I am able use my technical expertise to aid in the understanding and conservation of wild bird species.

I enjoy working with the abundant Citizen Science data collected by bird enthusiasts from across Canada to help resolve key conservation challenges.

As a young biologist, I studied birds across North America before completing a Master of Science on American badgers and a Ph.D. on Bobolinks. To date, my research has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to resolve questions that imperil wildlife populations in human-modified landscapes. In my current role, I assess large-scale drivers of avian population dynamics in order to guide science-based habitat management practices and government decision-making.

While I like software development, I especially enjoy being able to pursue it in a relatively untouched natural area instead of a downtown city core.

I’m a software developer currently devoting my time to the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, a collaborative research network that is improving our knowledge of the movements of birds and other animals. My parents were involved in founding Long Point Bird Observatory, which later spawned Birds Canada, so I have a long history with the organization.

My knowledge of birds was limited when I first arrived here, but I quickly noticed that my colleagues were passionate and dedicated to their work, and their enthusiasm was inspiring.

As a result, I have become a Project Feederwatch participant (along with my family), counting bird species and the numbers of birds that come to my bird feeders. This information helps scientists study winter bird populations and informs them of any rarities, like seeing a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in January! I also participate in the yearly Birdathon where I help raise funds for bird conservation. In my role I perform many financial tasks, including nationwide payroll. I’m delighted to tell people I work for this organization and I am proud of Birds Canada’s accomplishments with regard to conservation and the environment.

I grew up on the shores of Lake Wanapitei in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, and developed a passion for nature and observing wildlife in their natural habitat, including my favourite bird, the Common Loon.

I’m honoured to work with such a passionate group who is dedicated to bird conservation using sound science and evidence-based research.

I grew up in the local area and previously worked for Long Point Provincial Park and the Ministry of Natural Resources, always having an appreciation for the environment, wildlife, and bird conservation. Some of my fondest childhood memories include looking out the front window on our family farm, my parents having a bird book in hand as we tried to identify the various beautiful birds that would perch on our feeders.

Fast forward to 2021: I am thrilled to be joining the inspiring and diverse team at Birds Canada.

I am equally appreciative to have the opportunity to share my extensive Leadership and Human Resources industry experience.

As Human Resources Manager, I am very passionate about making a positive impact and I strongly believe that people are an organization’s greatest asset!

One of my favorite quotes is: “Great vision without great people is irrelevant!” – Jim Collins

On a personal note, family is everything to me, which includes our adorable dachshund dog! When I am not working, you will find me enjoying time with family and friends, cooking in the kitchen, enjoying a beautiful nature walk, or curled up in a cozy blanket with a good book