Every Day is a Good Day to Talk about Birds

This upcoming week, on April 22^nd is Earth Day. And although every day is an “earth day” of sorts, this particular day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating our environment and it’s protection. Earth Day 2019 is dedicated to Protecting Our Species. You can see details about the campaign here. 

We wanted to take this chance to highlight birds, of course. There are over 40 species of birds in Ontario that are listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. You can see the full list here. 

Piping Plovers are listed as Endangered in Ontario 

Birds are considered an “indicator species” which means that if birds are thriving, that generally means that the habitats they occupy are as well. Thankfully there are many organizations that spread awareness and lobby for policies that benefit birds and bird habitat, such as FLAP Canada. 

You can help birds too! Making your yard a bird oasis of sorts can help provide birds with their basic needs such as clean water, plants with flowers for nectar and insects, fruit-bearing plants and suet to provide fuel for winter migration, layers of plants for cover and protection and nesting habitat and materials. Many of our foods provide optimal nutrition and are developed specifically for birds found in our area!

Further, you can become a scientist- easily! Observing birds in your own yard can contribute hugely to scientific endeavours asking the big and small questions about bird lives. This includes migration routes and effects of climate change. You can join the Great Backyard Bird Count yearly. You can also use eBird which allows you to share your sightings, and explore birds and hotspots near you! 

So, as we approach Earth Day 2019 we invite you to think of all you are already doing to help bird species in Ontario and all the new ways you can help in Protecting Our Species. 

Warmly, 

Heather