Coastal Waterbirds Surveys 

Coastal waterbirds are a vital part of healthy marine ecosystems. They help keep nature in balance and connect ecosystems across vast distances. Because they are sensitive to changes in their environment, including pollutants, habitat loss, and impacts of climate change, they play an important role in helping us better understand and protect the habitats they depend on. 

Through a Coastal Waterbird Survey, you can play a direct role in gathering the information needed to track changes over time.  

Birds Canada is working on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to monitor coastal waterbirds 

The surveys methods look a little different depending which part of Canada you're in, but in both regions the Coastal Waterbird Survey is an essential way to help monitor bird populations and threats. 

British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey 

Each month, you help survey a stretch of British Columbia’s coast, counting waterbirds and raptors between September and April. It’s a chance to put your birding skills to use in the field and contribute to real conservation science. 

As coastal areas face increasing pressure from development and human activity, your observations help build a long-term picture of how waterbirds are using these habitats, and how their populations are changing over time. 

After more than 25 years, this survey continues to rely on contributions like yours to inform conservation and planning across government, academic and conservation communities.

Learn More and Sign Up

Volunteers register for the BC Coastal Waterbird Survey, adopt a count site, submit observations, and access resources and training materials all through NatureCounts.  

Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey 

Help monitor waterbirds from shore-based sites across Atlantic Canada, including headlands and viewpoints, by taking part in these quarterly surveys. Your observations build long-term knowledge of where waterbirds are found, how their populations are changing, and how they use coastal habitats throughout the seasons. This information also provides an important baseline in the event of environmental emergencies such as oil spills, helping guide timely conservation responses. Join us and put your bird ID skills to work to help provide a better understanding of human impacts on coastal systems. 

The Atlantic Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey is a collaborative monitoring program led by local conservation groups across the region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Birds Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 

Learn More and Get Involved

Visit NatureCounts to learn more about volunteering opportunities in your province, or contact the program coordinator for more information.