Snapshots from the Field

A Look at What We’ve Accomplished Together

Over the past year, our team has been inspired by the generosity of donors, collaborators, and volunteers across the country and beyond!  

Even as birds face increasing challenges, from shifting protections to growing pressure on their habitats, thousands of people stepped forward to help. Together, this community of supporters has given us the strength to meet urgent needs and the capacity to plan for what comes next for bird conservation.  

As a small thank-you, we wanted to share a few snapshots from the field. As the old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” We hope these photos convey the impact of your care, commitment, and action that continue to make a difference for birds!  

The 2025 Avian Ambassador: Chestnut-collared Longspur 

Photo: Yousif Attia

Last year’s Avian Ambassador, the Chestnut-collared Longspur (pictured, above) inspired much of our work. Its decline, highlighted in The State of Canada’s Birds, reminds us how urgently birds need our help. Your generosity built hope for this species and so many others.  

From Research to Recovery for the Bicknell’s Thrush 

Photo: René Duclos

High in the forests of northern New Brunswick, at dawn and dusk, dedicated field staff push through dense boreal habitat and clouds of blackflies in search of a small, elusive bird: the Bicknell’s Thrush, a species at risk. 

After 22 years of monitoring, Birds Canada’s science will underpin New Brunswick’s new Recovery Strategy for Bicknell’s Thrush, which will secure 15,300 hectares of vital breeding habitat once in place. This is research turning directly into real protection for nesting birds. 

A Quarter Century of Care: BC Coastal Waterbird Survey

Photo: Rémi Torrenta

Along the coast, volunteers continue to power the BC Coastal Waterbird Survey, now marking 25 years of shoreline monitoring. This long-term data reveals population declines and gives conservationists the evidence needed to protect coastal birds. 

From Pilot to Progress: the Bird Friendliness Index

Photo: Patrick Nadeau

Our Bird Friendliness Index pilot shows that conservation and ranching can thrive together. We’re expanding this results-based program to producers who are contributing to conserving birds in Saskatchewan. 

Knowledge and Technology Take Flight: Motus on the Move and Science in the North 

Photo: Félix Boulanger

Community members and Birds Canada staff are working side by side in the cold, lifting a tower into place that will track Boreal and Arctic species that will pass through the area. This photo shows us what conservation looks like here: practical, community-based, and rooted in shared responsibility.    

In northern regions, and many other areas, birds and their habitats have always been cared for by Indigenous communities. Our Science in the North program supports this care by sharing scientific tools and training with Indigenous Guardians, staff, and youth. One of the key tools shared is the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, which uses tiny tags and a growing network of tracking stations (like the one raised at Boatswain Bay) to monitor birds on the move. With tools like Motus supporting local knowledge, we are deepening our understanding of where birds go and what they need to survive. This past year, donors like you helped us expand Motus by 300 new or improved stations in Canada and beyond!   

Conservation without Borders: Conserva Aves

Photo: Ulises Vera

Beyond Canada, community leaders and partners announced 12 new conservation projects in Mexico. These community and women-led initiatives will protect more than 75,000 hectares of vital bird habitat as part of the Conserva Aves partnership. 

Good news for Birds at Risk 

Prothonotary Warbler. Photo: Ben Lambert

Piping Plover. Photo: Marleigh Leaman

Across more than 30 Species-at-Risk projects, Birds Canada’s science is driving recovery: Piping Plovers exceeded targets in Nova Scotia, Black Swifts and Prothonotary Warblers increased, and Least Bittern numbers remain stable through expanded monitoring. 

Looking Forward

Here’s what inspires us as we look ahead: despite the ongoing challenges birds may face, your help shows us more hope is just around the corner.  More research and monitoring leading to new breakthroughs, increased collaborations growing vital data, and innovative conservation technology expanding to more communities across Canada.