The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) welcomes residents across the watershed to join a collaborative of local nature clubs and birding enthusiasts for a three-week virtual celebration of World Migratory Bird Day.
World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated across the world on Sat. May 9. The UN-led campaign aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for the conservation of their habitats. This year’s theme, ‘Birds Connect Our World’, highlights the importance of conserving and restoring the ecological connectivity and integrity of ecosystems that support the natural cycles that are essential for the survival and well-being of migratory birds.
As a result of COVID 19, events marking World Migratory Bird Day are migrating indoors and online, opening a new dimension to mobilize support for migratory bird conservation across the world.
The virtual celebration taking place May 8 to May 29, is hosted by the NPCA and local nature clubs including but not limited to Peninsula Field Naturalists, Niagara Falls Nature Club, Birds on the Niagara, Bert Miller Nature Club, and Niagara College Sustainability. This three-week event found on Facebook, will encourage amateurs and expert birders alike to join an important conversation, while engaging with the rest of the community by sharing stories, birding sightings, photos, videos and more.
“Millions of birds are flying from the southern US, Central or South America to get to their breeding grounds in Canada,” says Marcie Jacklin from Bert Miller Nature Club. “Saturday is World Migration Day and birdwatchers all over the watershed will be available to help you identify the photos you are taking or the descriptions of birds that you might be seeing, as well as answer questions about migrating birds."
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Join the Event Page & share with family and friends: https://www.facebook.com/events/1190428854631631/
2. Take a walk around your neighbourhood or explore your own backyard for different types of birds around you.
3. Identify these birds by their call or observing what they look like.
4. Visit https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/# or download apps like eBird, Seek, or iNaturalist to learn more about the birds you have spotted.
5. Share your photos, videos, or observation notes with the community by posting in the Discussion area found on the event page.
6. Ask questions. Local nature clubs are ready to answer.
“Migratory birds can be found everywhere, even as close as in your own backyard,” says Kerry Royer, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at NPCA. “Participating in this event will encourage everyone to learn more about birds and the many ways in which we can all play a part in protecting them and their habitats.”
Hundreds of virtual talks and a wave of social interactions dedicated to migratory birds are expected to take place in many countries on the day, with educational programs being offered virtually by many organizations including schools, parks, zoos, forests, wildlife refuges, wetlands, museums and libraries. This local virtual event runs from May 8 to May 29, 2020.
For more information about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, please visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Get Involved NPCA, or Facebook and Twitter for updates.
—30—
About NPCA:
The NPCA manages the impact of human activities, urban growth, and rural activities on the Niagara Peninsula watershed with programs and services that help keep people and their property safe from flooding and erosion, while retaining the safety of our drinking water.
NPCA manages 41 Conservation Areas, including Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Long Beach and Chippawa Creek. These lands are held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. NPCA’s Conservation Areas marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
About World Migratory Bird Day:
Launched in Kenya in 2006, the UN-backed campaign has grown in popularity over the years and countries recently agreed that World Migratory Bird Day is to be celebrated globally on two peak days - the second Saturdays in May and October - to accommodate the cyclical nature of migration and to allow celebrations to take place in countries in every part of the globe. Statements of support for World Migratory Bird Day, a description of the campaign and its history as well as details of registered events can be found on the global campaign website: www.worldmigratorybirdday.org.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
905.788.3135 ext.262
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca