Imagine standing in an ocean of golden grass – the wind blowing waves through the hills that stretch far into the horizon. The land chirps and chatters, alive with birdsong. Foxes, badgers, and ground squirrels discreetly dash through the vegetation. Suddenly, a burst of activity soars overhead as a Chestnut-collared Longspur dances for a mate – fluttering like a kite as it gently floats towards the ground.
The grasslands are the most rapidly declining ecosystem in Canada – for many, it is a forgotten landscape. But for dozens of bird species, the grasslands are home, and many can’t thrive anywhere else.
©Chestnut-collared LongspurPhoto: Dan Arndt
©Chestnut-collared LongspurPhoto: Dan Arndt
We know which bird species need our help the most, and we know the threats we need to tackle.
Our work in the Prairies is focused on addressing the systemic economic issues that are the root cause for grassland bird population declines. Our vision is to help create an agricultural system that actively conserves birds while sustaining the livelihoods of the people on the land.
We have the knowledge and tools to protect Canada’s threatened grasslands — and the birds that call it home. But we also know that at the current pace of conservation action, too many battles are being lost. We must scale up our ambitions and actions.
©Saskatchewan PrairiesPhoto: Stu Mackenzie
“Through our relationship with Birds Canada over the last three years, we have learned a great deal about the birds on our farm and how to manage for the benefit of the birds that make their homes on our property. The knowledge sharing that has occurred between Birds Canada and ourselves through this BFI work has advanced our mission to be a nature-forward farm.”
- Cameron Hodgins, Manitoba
Birds Canada is committed to keeping the Canadian Prairies alive with birdsong. Our efforts focus on working collaboratively with farmers, ranchers, Indigenous communities, other conservation partners, policy makers and agri-food stakeholders to address the systemic threats to grassland and parkland birds.
A major focus of our work is implementing the Bird-friendliness Index (BFI), a scientifically robust indicator developed to measure the contributions a farm or ranch makes to support bird populations, then clearly communicate those positive impacts to consumers. When applied in innovative approaches like the Bird-friendliness Index Incentive Program, an initiative that rewards positive bird conservation outcomes on grasslands and agricultural lands, the Bird-friendliness Index can play a key role in enabling an agricultural system that actively conserves birds, while sustaining the livelihoods of the people on the land.
In addition to the BFI, we have produced practical resources for farmers and ranchers to help them achieve their conservation goals, and we are also leading policy work, aiming to have the value of grasslands recognized as an Ecological Goods and Service, similar to carbon sequestration and flood mitigation.
©Marbled GodwitPhoto: Aaron Roberge
Learning about grasslands, and sharing what you learn, is one of the most crucial steps towards helping grassland birds. Explore the resources below. From webinars, podcasts, case studies, and resources developed specially for farmers, ranchers, and policy makers– we have something for everyone.
The Prairies, with their rich biodiversity, are one of the most important ecosystems for birds in North America. This article is explores the connections between the Canadian Prairies, prairie producers, and birds.
The Prairies, with their rich biodiversity, are one of the most important ecosystems for birds in North America. This article explores the connections between the Canadian Prairies, prairie producers, and birds.
The Prairies, with their rich biodiversity, make up one of the most important ecosystems for birds in North America. This article is the first installment in a three-part series exploring the connections between the Canadian Prairies, prairie producers, and birds.