Graham Sorenson, Science in the North Project Manager at Birds Canada Like bears emerging from hibernation, people across Canada eagerly await the warm summer weather that we’ve dreamt about all winter long. At the first sign of warmth, we take to the outdoors! Seeking camping trips, birding hotspots, gardening projects, and more. But in recent years, many of us have slapped on our sunscreen and slipped on our flip-flops, only to find smoke in the air. We worry about those living near active wildfires and wonder what will become of their homes. And we also worry and wonder about the wildlife ..read more

Lucas Berrigan, Birds Canada Motus Program Coordinator – Atlantic Region, and Erica Geldart, Birds Canada Motus Coordinator – Outreach and Analytics 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.   By expanding th ..read more

Patrick Nadeau, Birds Canada President & CEO The birds are back –which means that right across the country, Birds Canada staff and thousands of volunteers are hard at work on dozens of bird conservation, monitoring, and outreach initiatives. I was eager to join in on the fun (and frankly, greatly in need of swapping the computer screen for some sunscreen), so I packed my bags for a birdy trip to the Maritimes. Here’s a recap of the adventure.  Baker-Brook, New Brunswick Family first! I started by visiting my grand-maman Mariette in Baker-Brook, in the house where my father grew up ..read more

Review by Kate Dalgleish, Director Development, Birds Canada Dare to Bird: Exploring the Joy and Healing Power of Birds, by Melissa Hafting Rocky Mountain Books, 2024 Hardcover | published June 18, 2024 224 pages Melissa Hafting’s “Dare to Bird” is a remarkable book that immediately captivates with its stunning visual appeal. As a renowned photographer, Hafting brings her first book to life with an extraordinary collection of bird photographs from common birds found in Canada to the endemics of Hawaii. Each image is a testament to her exceptional talent, capturing not only the remark ..read more

LeaAnne Ross, Birds Canada Vice-President, Communications and Engagement The first time I went birding with Jody, I found myself standing in the dark huddled with five other colleagues on a ravine in the middle of the forest at Turkey Point, Ontario–waiting. Waiting silently in hopes of a glimpse of an Eastern Screech-Owl. When he said, “I think it’s here, look up” I couldn’t believe my eyes, there perched on a branch sat the mysterious, spooky-sounding, yet surprisingly pint-sized owl. I was officially hooked on birding! For so many, this is a similar experience when meeting Jody. He has ..read more

Kyle Horner, NatureCounts Engagement Coordinator If you use the NatureCounts app to collect citizen science data, you’re sure to notice some changes when you head into the field this spring! A new version of the app was recently released, and it brings a host of improvements and new features. You’ll see the difference right up front, as the handsome new login screen hints at the overhaul. The biggest change for many users will be the way you select your region and projects. The number of projects using NatureCounts is growing rapidly, and these changes help keep things organized and effic ..read more

Andrea Gress, Special Projects Coordinator That’s right, our new course, Birding for Beginners, is available now! This course will help you develop the foundational skills needed to start birding. You’ll learn about helpful tools like binoculars and guide books, and learn how to start identifying birds using size, shape, behaviours, habitats, colours and sounds. This online course is self-guided, free, and will take you around 1-3 hours to complete. And the best part is that you’ll learn these skills with some of the most common birds found across Canada This is just the beginning. Bi ..read more

Government of Canada invests $15M in the Conserva Aves initiative to support the creation of local protected areas in Latin America and the Caribbean. For more than 60 years, Birds Canada has worked in partnerships to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, protect migratory birds, and strengthen inclusive nature conservation.  For release: May 22, 2024 Ottawa, ON —On May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced an investment of 15 million Canadian dollars over 3 years to Birds Canada to support the hea ..read more

We’d like to take a moment to remember Dr. Bruce Falls, a titan of Ontario’s conservation community who passed away in his 100th year. Amidst our reflections on Bruce’s extraordinary contributions to conservation, we recognize the profound influence he had over decades. His journey from the halls of academia to the forefront of environmental stewardship underscores a lifetime devoted to understanding, appreciating and conserving our natural world. Dr. Bruce Falls was the chair of our Board of Directors during the years of transition to a national bird conservation organization. Dr. Br ..read more

Allison Manthorne, Birds Canada’s Aerial Insectivore Conservation Strategist “Tree Swallow!” A cheer goes up and 40 heads swivel to follow the dark form flitting over our heads. It’s the first sighting of the year in Bathurst, New Brunswick and a sure sign that winter has officially made way for spring. We’ve gathered on the beach at Youghall Beach Municipal Park with shovels, pruners and gloves to tackle a novel restoration project: restoring a seaside bluff for Bank Swallows. Among the 40 participants are local residents, watershed organizations, horticulturalists, Indigenous leaders, fede ..read more