Event

Learn about the bird banding initiative at Colony Farm, what we learn from it, and how citizen scientists are participating!

Birds are an important part of our ecosystem. The pressures of climate change, territory encroachment, and human actions can put species under stress. A decline in bird populations can signal bigger changes to come. We rely on birds to pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and control insects and rodents. Learn about local bird species, the threats they face, and how we can be a more bird-friendly community .

The Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) works to safeguard birds and their habitats to ensure their long-term survival. In response to growing concerns about habitat loss, VARC’s bird banding and monitoring program at Colony Farm collects important biological data in order to monitor the health and habitat use of over 200 resident bird species. Banding data proves the significance of the habitats these birds are using as refueling sites on their stopovers here.

Derek Matthews is a  passionate ornithologist, avian researcher and conservationist. He is the Chair of the Vancouver Avian Research Centre, and a Master bird bander (A Master Bander is an individual licensed by Environment Canada to capture and band wild birds).

Please note that this session will take place over Zoom. You will need  a microphone and speakers, or a headset, in order to take part in the session.