Home / Environment / Western University & Birds Canada Forge Research Alliance
Western University & Birds Canada Forge Research Alliance
1 May
Summary
- A new agreement formalizes a nearly 30-year collaboration between Western University and Birds Canada.
- The Long Point Bird Observatory bands approximately 25,000 birds annually.
- Motus Tags enable tracking of birds from Ontario to as far as Guatemala.
A significant memorandum of understanding has been signed between Western University and Birds Canada, officially cementing a partnership spanning nearly three decades. This collaboration enhances bird research and conservation initiatives, particularly in a biodiverse North American region.
The Long Point Bird Observatory, North America's oldest of its kind, plays a crucial role. Researchers there safely net migrating birds, banding about 25,000 annually. This process involves recording biometric data and attaching small Motus Tags.
These tags transmit signals tracked by a global network of receivers, revealing bird movements. Astonishingly, birds tagged in Ontario have been recorded as far south as Guatemala, underscoring the vast migratory patterns studied.
This strengthened alliance between the university's scientific rigor and Birds Canada's field expertise is vital. It aids in understanding environmental health indicators and mitigating the impacts of infrastructure development on wildlife populations.
