COP16 begins today in Cali, Colombia. Which is fitting, because Colombia boasts very high biodiversity – it’s also the country with the most bird species in the world with the regional municipality of Cali being home to more bird species than all of Canada! Birds Canada is present, including myself and senior staff, along with many counterparts from the BirdLife International partnership from around the world. We’re here because the stakes are high – and we collectively understand that the fate of so many bird populations lies in the global community’s ability to meet the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) objectives. Or as the theme of COP16 so aptly puts it, humanity needs to make Peace with Nature.
Featured News Stories
Introducing The State of Canada’s Birds
The newly released State of Canada’s Birds is a partnership between Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. It’s built on over 50 years of bird monitoring data, much of it collected by Citizen Scientists.
Birds Canada Community Grant: Funding projects that help conserve birds
We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of the Birds Canada Community Grant, a granting program designed to support projects that increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada. We invite you to be part of our mission to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada!
Be part of our science and conservation work on coastal and marine birds in British Columbia!
Collection of coastal waterbird data by Birds Canada volunteers is crucial to advance science and conservation efforts on our coasts in British Columbia! Every year, the BC team releases the BC Coastal Newsletter, which delves into how our data is put to good use, as well as our most recent updates, partnerships, fieldwork stories, and more.
Hopeful Wanderers
Each spring and summer, the Birds Canada team, partners and volunteers, enjoy visits from Piping Plovers originating from all across the Great Lakes. Young plovers often wander throughout the region, visiting new beaches to scope out potential future breeding habitat. This year, over 30 individual Piping Plovers visited Ontario, but only 8 individuals nested in the province. So, who are the other hopeful guests who stopped in throughout the season? Here are a few of their stories!
Remembering Betty Chanyi: A Pillar of Our Community and Birds Canada
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Betty Chanyi, a cherished member of the Birds Canada family and a beloved figure in Norfolk County, Ontario. Betty was a lifelong resident of Norfolk, and her passion for community and nature shone brightly in all that she did.
Long Point Bird Observatory’s Young Ornithologist’s Workshop
Every year, Long Point Bird Observatory hosts the Doug Tarry Young Ornithologists’ Workshop (YOW) for young birders from across Canada. In 2024, two workshops were held, hosting 13 participants from six provinces. Here is a recap of their two weeks of hands-on ornithological, science, and naturalist-oriented programming.
Flocking Together: The Role of Birding in Connecting Newcomers in Toronto
Bird-related events and activities are helping newcomers to Canada connect with nature and their community in the Greater Toronto Area. From accessible guided walks with birding experts to online presentations, these events engage the public with urban nature through a shared love of birds.
The Bird-Friendliness Index: Manitoba Case Study
In the rolling hills outside the village of Lenore, Manitoba, Hodgins Farm is proving that farming and conservation can work together. Lisa and Cameron Hodgins and their four kids run their family farm, where they’ve embraced regenerative agriculture, making their land a safe haven for birds and wildlife. Their impact isn’t just anecdotal—thanks to Birds Canada’s Bird-friendliness Index (BFI), it’s clear that Hodgins Farm is making a measurable and meaningful difference for the local bird populations.
Filling the Gaps: Advancing Bird Conservation Data in Northern Ontario
The third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas aims to map the distribution and relative abundance of the province’s birds. Coverage in roadless areas can be a significant challenge. Each year, teams of volunteers fly into northern Ontario to conduct Atlassing on foot and by watercraft, embarking on extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime journeys to gather vital data.