Prince Edward Island: A bird’s-eye view
Blooming Point Nature Reserve, PEI (Photo by Mike Dembeck)
A popular destination for both people and birds, Prince Edward Island is a natural treasure in Atlantic Canada. The small island (5,620 km2) is one of the most densely populated provinces in the country. The island holds historical and natural...
My journey with the majestic snow geese: Unveiling climate change clues in Canada
Snow geese (Photo by Leta Pezderic/NCC staff)
I've always been captivated by Canada's diverse landscapes. They boast not only breathtaking beauty but also a rich diversity of bird species, especially remarkable waterfowl. The annual migrations of these birds are more than just natural...
Sparrows, sparrows, everywhere!
Harris's sparrow (Photo by Mhairi McFarlane/NCC staff)
I must admit to having a bit of a soft spot for sparrows. Often overlooked by people, and underappreciated by many, written off as “just” sparrows by birders, or “just” a brown bird by people in general, I think they do...
Threats to birds, and how you can help birds in your own backyard
Prothonotary warbler (Photo by Bill Hubick)
In spring, we welcome the return of migratory birds to Canada to breed. A few billion birds from over 400 species breed in Canada each year. Before we know it, young birds will be leaving their nests, awkwardly learning to navigate the world...
Dangers of artificial light at night to birds
The view of downtown Toronto approaching nighttime (Photo by Roberto Nickson from Pexels)
Since the discovery of fire, humankind has tried to push back the darkness of night, extending the total usable hours in a day. Light has been a beacon, warning ships of treacherous coastlines and guiding them to safe harbours. Symbolizing life...
Why did the bird hit my window?
This American robin was an unfortunate victim of a window strike (Photo by Wendy Ho/NCC staff)
Last spring, when songbirds were migrating back to southern Canada from their wintering sites, I witnessed the victim of my first bird window strike — a juvenile American robin. My husband heard a “bonk” sound against the house....
Using migration patterns to understand bird population declines
A tree swallow sits on a barbed wire fence (Photo by Lisha Berzins)
I don’t know about you, but by this time of the year I am ready for winter to be over. I think birds feel the same way. As soon as the sun comes out of hiding and the temperature inches above freezing after a dreary Ontario winter, the...
Small but mighty — Migrating green darner dragonflies
Common green darner (Photo by Nancy Norman, CC BY-NC 4.0)
In February when I wrote this blog, I was thinking about my “snowbird” colleagues taking vacations to escape the cold, Canadian winter. Little did I know that right around that time, a species of dragonfly was beginning to migrate...
