By Kaelyn Bumelis, ON Atlas 3 Project Manager, Birds Canada
From left to right. Common Nighthawk. Photo: Chantale Malo. Least Bittern. Photo: Ken MacDonald. Red-headed Woodpecker. Photo: Geoff Stimpson
What do these three species have in common? They can all be found in the Ontario Greenbelt this spring!
With over two million acres of protected land, the Greenbelt provides essential habitat for these iconic species, while providing clear air, fresh water, climate resilience, and a reliable food source for the 20% of Canada’s population that lives within 20km of the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt offers essential stopover habitat for migratory birds, and breeding habitat for 13 of Canada’s at-risk species, including Common Nighthawk, Least Bittern, and Red-headed Woodpecker.
This year is the 20th anniversary of the Greenbelt, and we are excited to announce a new collaboration to mark this occasion, between Birds Canada and The Greenbelt Foundation through the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 3 Project!
The Atlas is a five-year project that happens every 20 years, which collects information about where birds are breeding across the province. This is our third Atlas in Ontario, and this year – 2025 – is the final year of the project. Comparing information from all three Ontario Atlases will show us if and how bird populations are changing over time, providing a clear picture of which species are thriving and where conservation action is needed. It’s like a census for breeding birds, and the information is used for research, management, policy, protections, and recovery strategies for species at risk. Atlassing isn’t an Ontario-specific effort. Newfoundland is currently conducting their first Atlas, and most other provinces have completed Atlases as well.
We have certain coverage goals to ensure we are getting an accurate snapshot of breeding bird activity across the province – which means we need to collect a LOT of data over five years. How can we possibly get all this data, you ask? Well, along with a combination of partners leading the work, what makes the Atlas so impactful (and possible, really) are the thousands of volunteers living or travelling around the province collecting this information. From brand-new to seasoned birders, these volunteers spend time outdoors observing birds during the breeding season each year, recording behaviour like nest building, singing, or feeding young. When they spot ‘breeding evidence’, they record their findings in the NatureCounts app, which goes into a giant database that helps us build a comprehensive picture of breeding birds across Ontario.
For many volunteers, the Greenbelt is a special place to Atlas, with its mix of forests, wetlands, rivers, and farmland. However, several key areas within the Greenbelt still need more observations in this final year to ensure we have the best information about birds throughout this protected landscape (Fig.1). If you live near or plan to visit the Ontario Greenbelt, it’s time to get birding!
Blue squares highlight the key areas that need more observations this summer. If you live near one of these, please consider volunteering.
The best time to survey is from late May through July, after we’ve welcomed migratory species back and nesting activities are in full gear. As you explore the Greenbelt, make sure to keep an ear out for the flute-like song of the Wood Thrush, look up for flashes of red from the Scarlet Tanager high in the canopy, or listen for the sweet call of an Eastern Meadowlark echoing across open fields. Keep an eye or ear open for other memorable species like the colourful Wood Duck, the elusive Virginia Rail hidden in wetland reeds, and the Ruffed Grouse, often heard before it’s seen as it drums its wings deep in the forest.
Scarlet Tanager. Photo: Bill McDonald
Ruffed Grouse. Photo: Jeff Skevington
Virginia Rail. Photo: Jax Nasimok
Supporting the Atlas will help us better understand how birds are doing across the Greenbelt so we can continue to protect, enjoy, benefit from, and appreciate this incredible place. Sounds like a pretty great 20th anniversary present!
You don’t need to be an expert to join the Atlas—just interested, observant, and eager to spend time in nature. Visit www.birdsontario.org to get started!