Every year, Long Point Bird Observatory hosts the Doug Tarry Young Ornithologists’ Workshop (YOW) for young birders from across Canada. In 2024, two workshops were held, hosting 13 participants from six provinces. Here is a recap of their two weeks of hands-on ornithological, science, and naturalist-oriented programming.
Bird-related events and activities are helping newcomers to Canada connect with nature and their community in the Greater Toronto Area. From accessible guided walks with birding experts to online presentations, these events engage the public with urban nature through a shared love of birds.
In the rolling hills outside the village of Lenore, Manitoba, Hodgins Farm is proving that farming and conservation can work together. Lisa and Cameron Hodgins and their four kids run their family farm, where they’ve embraced regenerative agriculture, making their land a safe haven for birds and wildlife. Their impact isn’t just anecdotal—thanks to Birds Canada’s Bird-friendliness Index (BFI), it’s clear that Hodgins Farm is making a measurable and meaningful difference for the local bird populations.
The third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas aims to map the distribution and relative abundance of the province’s birds. Coverage in roadless areas can be a significant challenge. Each year, teams of volunteers fly into northern Ontario to conduct Atlassing on foot and by watercraft, embarking on extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime journeys to gather vital data.
The inner Bay of Fundy is a renowned fall migration stopover site for shorebirds like Semipalmated Sandpipers. Peak migration in August coincides with peak summer beach recreation for Maritimers and visitors, so shorebirds can have a difficult time finding quiet beaches free from disturbance. Birds Canada collaborated with inner Bay of Fundy shorebird conservation partners to develop a short video to help coastal visitors understand why shorebirds need rest time on beaches and how to help
In Canada, mid-to-late summer may seem like a slow point in the backyard birding calendar. And it’s true for many species – but not hummingbirds. Feeding hummingbirds is very popular across Canada. And why wouldn’t you want to attract these amazing little fireballs to your backyard? For those who are interested in attracting hummingbirds, or who feed them already, here are a few tips and tricks to consider.
Many people across Canada await the warm, summer months to enjoy camping trips or garden projects, but summer wildfires are becoming an increasing threat and challenge to many people and communities, as well as to birds and wildlife. While wildfires are a natural process in some regions, including the Boreal, climate change is driving an increase in their number, extent, and intensity, impacting people, communities and also wildlife.
This spring, Birds Canada was proud to not only be invited back to both Cree territory along the shores of Weeneebeg (James Bay) and Nunatsiavut in northern Labrador, but also for the first time to NunatuKavut in southern Labrador, to install new Motus Wildlife Tracking System stations. This work integrates two major five-year initiatives that Birds Canada is embarking on: Science in the North and Motus on the Move.
The birds are back – and that means right across the country, Birds Canada staff and thousands of volunteers are hard at work on dozens of bird conservation, monitoring, and outreach initiatives. Our President and CEO Patrick Nadeau was eager to join in on the fun, so he packed his bags for a road trip from Ottawa to the Maritimes. Here’s a recap of his grand adventure!
Dare to Bird by Melissa Hafting is infused with her palpable enthusiasm for birds, which shines through on every page. From the majesty of pelagic species to the delicate charm of hummingbirds, her passion is infectious and elevates the reader’s experience.”
