A Conservation Success Story: The Return of the Kirtland Warbler

Today we can happily share an exciting conservation success story, right in our own backyards. It has recently been confirmed, by members of the Kirtland Warblers project, that 5-6 males have been spotted at a restoration site in Simcoe County. 

Kirtland warblers were native to Ontario but haven't been seen here in over 80 years, since the 1940's. The species was first listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in June of 2003. Like other warblers, they are small migratory songbirds. They nest under Jack pines, and therefore need young pine forests for nesting habitat. As trees naturally grow and mature, the habitat is no longer suitable. Historically, young forests were created from forest fires. Because the species nests on the ground, directly underneath low branches, a lack of young forest was a large contributing factor to the species decline. 

Kirtland Warbler. Photo by Kristen Martyn. Taken in Michigan. 

Jack pines, with height perspective. Photo by Kristen Martyn in Michigan. 

In the United States, Kirtland Warblers were amongst the 75 species that became the first to receive a protected ‘endangered’ status, under a precursor of the Endangered Species Act. At their lowest, breeding pairs were down to 167. Thankfully they now surpass 2,000 and beyond. After 47 years of conservation efforts in the United States, they were delisted. 

The species is, at this point, considered conservation reliant. This means that if conservation efforts cease, if we stop actively supporting and creating habitat, they could easily slide backwards. 

Sign in Michigan. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

So, where does Simcoe County come in?

To piggyback on the efforts south of the border, mainly in Michigan, the Canadian Wildlife Services wanted to develop appropriate habitat for the birds to spend summer months. In 2018, a 160 acre plot in the Simcoe County forests was pinpointed as ideal for the project. Preparations started, consisting of controlled burns and the planting of 160,000 seedlings, including 85 different species. In just January of this year, there was only a hope that Kirtland warblers would return to the built habitat. Learn more about the project here. 

Jack Pines pictured in the area. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

During spring migration this year, Kirtland warblers were spotted in Simcoe County Forests, as if to add to celebrating their centennial this year. You can read the official press release by Simcoe County here. 

“We are very excited that our investment in the creation of a unique habitat and forest restoration project are paying off with the return of the Kirtland’s warbler to our region, just in time to celebrate the Simcoe County Forests centennial.” -Warden George Cornell 

Read the full article here.  

Although visitors are welcome, they are reminded to respect the birds and their habitat, which are protected by federal and provincial law. 

Site visitation rules. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

This story is beyond exciting, and proves that conservation efforts are imperative. Through years of conservation work and intervention, this species is recovering, and expanding into territories it hasn't been to in over 80 years. It is long, diligent work, but the reward is sweet. 

Conservation matters. 

To more happy endings!




Heather