Birds

Bird Studies and Migration

Over 650 bird species nest in North America. Some birds live here year round, and others migrate thousands of kilometres to breed here and raise their young. The great thing about birds is that they are found in both rural and urban settings. Almost anyone who is interested can birdwatch or contribute to bird studies. There is so much to say about birds, its hard to know where to start, so bird studies and migration will be highlighted.

Bird Studies - Citizen Scientists 

When it comes to birds, there are many ways that citizen scientists can get involved and contribute to conservation. There are several programs that involve volunteers observing birds for a specific time period, and then submitting their observations to help scientists study bird polulations. For over one hundred years, volunteers throughout the Americas have been taking part in the  Christmas Bird Count, led by the Audubon and Bird Studies Canada. Other volunteer programs include Project FeederWatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Birdwatching and birding events provide many opportunities for volunteers, communities and corporate sponsors to cooperate in conservation initiatives. For example, each year, birders in Edmonton's Captial Region flock to Tofield, Alberta to participate in the Snow Goose Chase, an event sponsored by companies such as Enbridge, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and The Wild Bird General Store.

Bird Banding

Another way of studying wild birds and their migration routes is by bird banding. Birds are caught in light nets, called mist nets, gently untangled and then a tiny metal band is placed around their leg. Banding provides an opportunity for government conservation agencies, the academic community, professional and amateur ornithologists, non-governmental organizations and businesses to work together.

According to John Tautin and Lucie Métras, bird banding in North America is coordinate and jointly administrated by the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bird Banding Office (BBO) of the Canadian Wildlife Service.  


Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Migration

Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds