Blog / eNews

Birders participating in the 2022 Great Backyard Bird Count from February 18-21 created an outstanding snapshot of bird populations around the world. Thank you to each bird enthusiast who took part and shared your observations through the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird!

Volunteers are needed to cover vacant survey routes across Canada, and there is a priority need for new volunteers in northern and central Ontario. The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the primary source of long-term bird population trends across the continent and keeps scientists and wildlife managers informed of significant changes in breeding bird populations.

Volunteers needed in the Atlantic Region to help with the Maritimes Marsh Monitoring Program, Maritimes SwiftWatch (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), the Newfoundland Breeding Bird Atlas, and Newfoundland and Labrador Nocturnal Owl Survey.

With spring on the way, keep an eye and an ear out for Chimney Swifts returning from South America! Unfortunately, along with other species that rely on flying insects, Chimney Swift populations are in trouble. Since 1970, Canadian populations have declined by about 90%, and they are listed as “Threatened” under the Species at Risk Act.

Birds Canada staff Janine McManus, Prairie Biologist, and Dr. Kiel Drake, Prairie Director, as well as other colleagues, also listened to the recording. They agreed: a Common Poorwill in Manitoba!

We are looking for volunteers to adopt existing routes that are not currently being surveyed or new routes in areas with no current coverage.