By Gregor Beck, Senior Advisor, Bird Studies Canada
Western Tanager Photo: Jacob W Frank
With only three months to go, momentum for the 27th International Ornithological Congress is ramping up. The Congress will take place in Vancouver from August 19-26. Early indications suggest that this enriching learning experience will be extremely well attended.
More than 15 Bird Studies Canada staff will be there to lead symposia, give presentations, and talk with you at our exhibitor’s booth. The Congress will be a great opportunity for you, our friends and supporters, to have conversations with us about our organization’s science and conservation work.
Haven’t registered yet? Watch this YouTube video for more great reasons to be in Vancouver this August. Ready to register? Just follow the links on the Congress website!
One highlight of the Congress will no doubt be the Canada Evening reception on August 21. We look forward to hosting a huge number of delegates for a night of refreshments, music, and art, with special remarks by acclaimed Canadian author Margaret Atwood. Your ticket is included with Congress registration.
Canada Evening is being generously supported by a host of sponsors. Bird Studies Canada and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists extend our sincere thanks to three new sponsors at the Silver level: EBB Environmental Consulting Inc., Wildlife Habitat Canada, and World Wildlife Fund Canada. These generous supporters join Platinum sponsor, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Silver level sponsors, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Thompson Rivers University, and University of Northern British Columbia in bringing this special reception to you.
Event co-hosts Bird Studies Canada and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists are particularly pleased that this year’s International Ornithological Congress will include a large number of young ornithology professionals. The two organizations teamed up to offer Student Travel Awards, to make it easier for students to attend and participate. Together, Bird Studies Canada and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists are awarding $10,000 in travel subsidies to over 50 university students (applications are now closed). We are looking forward to welcoming these students for great professional development opportunities!
The Congress won’t be the only show in town this August. The Vancouver International Bird Festival will be taking place at the same time, featuring a range of events, walks, presentations, and more. Check out the Festival website for full details.
Make sure you don’t miss the Stewardship Roundtable on August 24! Bird Studies Canada, the Stewardship Centre for British Columbia, and partners – in collaboration with the International Ornithological Congress and Vancouver International Bird Festival – are gearing up for a day dedicated to birds and stewardship. We hope you will come and join the conversation about actions to assist birds and wildlife in the 21st century.
