Celebrating two decades of dedication to bird conservation with Jody Allair

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 a unique ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and captivating stories with his infectious love of birds (insects and generally all living things!).

Catherine Jardine, Birds Canada's Associate Director of Data Science and Technology, holds up a tablet displaying NatureCounts out in the field.

Jody helps lead a tour with Birds Canada staff and Board of Directors as they scout for Whooping Cranes in Saskatoon in 2022.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Jody Allair’s remarkable journey with Birds Canada, where he has played many critical roles over the years spanning research projects, public engagement, conservation initiatives, and advocacy.

Jody first became involved with Birds Canada as a teenager taking part in a month-long internship at Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) in 1994. This led to continuous returns as a bird banding and monitoring volunteer at LPBO and Thunder Cape Bird Observatories.

Prothonotary Warbler monitoring was a part of a long-term research project with our Forest Birds at Risk Program to help provide broad-scale information about population trends of some of our rarest forest birds.

Jody started his professional career with Birds Canada in 2001, working at Long Point Bird Observatory as the Landbird Program Coordinator. He continued his field work over the years focused on monitoring Bald Eagles, and Forest Birds at Risk like the Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Acadian Flycatcher. Recognizing the importance of outreach and education, Jody was instrumental in developing school programs at LPBO and the Birds Canada Headquarters property.

Jody is the co-editor of BirdWatch Canada Magazine and co-producer of the Warblers Podcast that helps inspire countless birders in Canada and beyond each month. His leadership ensures that Project FeederWatch, Christmas Bird Count, and Great Backyard Bird Count are contributing to meaningful bird monitoring and engagement year after year. He acts as a spokesperson through media appearances bringing critical attention to issues that help us advocate for the protection of birds and their habitats AND inspire our appreciation of birds!

As we celebrate Jody’s 20 years with Birds Canada, we honour how he has made a difference to bird conservation every day, not only for the birds, but for the people he has inspired to get outside and appreciate birds!

Thank you Jody!

Part of Jody’s work in the early years was monitoring the recovering population of Bald Eagles in southern Ontario. Part of his work included banding and satellite tagging nestling Bald Eagles. Photo: Jody Allair

Celebrating two decades of dedication to bird conservation with Jody Allair

Jody helps lead a tour with Birds Canada staff and Board of Directors as they scout for Whooping Cranes in Saskatoon in 2022.

Prothonotary Warbler monitoring was a part of a long-term research project with our Forest Birds at Risk Program to help provide broad-scale information about population trends of some of our rarest forest birds.

Part of Jody’s work in the early years was monitoring the recovering population of Bald Eagles in southern Ontario. Part of his work included banding and satellite tagging nestling Bald Eagles. Photo: Jody Allair

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