The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is an ambitious project that maps the breeding distribution of birds in Ontario. This knowledge will help improve conservation initiatives to protect Ontario’s breeding birds and their habitat. The only caveat is that there are not enough researchers to cover the entire province. However, through community science, the atlas has the potential to reach its goal.
What is Community Science and How Can I Get Involved?
One of the best ways to gather important information on wildlife populations is with community science – that is, the collection of data by members of the public through volunteer initiatives. Community science is especially useful for large-scale projects or studies that need a lot of data.
Anyone can participate in community science, no matter their level of experience. Sites like eBird and iNaturalist are free to join and allow users to report observations of different species which can then be used by any projects that might need them.
Guided birdwatching hike, Thunder Bay © Kristen Setala
The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is one of the biggest community science initiatives in the province. For instance, more than 3,000 volunteers participated in the second atlas. This year marks the fifth year of the third atlas.
Anyone can join this project by signing up through the atlas website. The atlas ultimately seeks to map the breeding range and abundance of all breeding species of birds in Ontario. This large dataset will be accessible to the public and will be used by researchers and conservation organizations to help better understand breeding bird distribution and how to protect their habitats.
American golden plover on nest © Ian K. Barker
How Does the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Contribute to Bird Conservation?
Atlas data collection consists of several different survey types, including many that target bird species that are difficult to observe or are of conservation concern. Examples are surveys for secretive marsh birds, owls and other nocturnal bird species. These surveys collect habitat data alongside observations of the target species. This helps researchers identify locations and habitat types used by species at risk and provides information on the areas that would need the most protection to help conserve these bird species.
If you’re interested in participating in or learning more about community science, please visit the atlas page on our website. If you’re interested in getting involved with community science in your local neighborhood, find out if your community has a naturalist club that could point you in the right direction, or sign up for local projects on iNaturalist.
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