As birds take flight this spring to return to their breeding grounds, the City of Kawartha Lakes is inviting residents to mark World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday (May 10).
With the varied species of birds passing through the Kawartha Lakes or returning to the area for the summer, May is an ideal time to explore birding, and there are several opportunities on Saturday for community members to learn more about the importance of nature’s feathered friends.
Originally created in 1993 as International Migratory Bird Day by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington, D.C., World Migratory Bird Day is an awareness and education campaign celebrated twice a year to highlight the importance of conserving migratory birds and their habitats across international borders.
Reflecting when birds migrate south and north, the day is officially celebrated annually in Canada and the U.S. on the second Saturday in May, and in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean on the second Saturday of October.
Taking part in World Migratory Bird Day is important for a number of reasons, according to Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes chair Jamie Morris.
“We are fortunate to have many bird species sharing our city, from tiny kinglets and warblers to soaring bald eagles and ospreys — our official city bird,” Morris told kawarthaNOW. “They’re all worth celebrating. They deserve to be thanked, too.”
Morris noted that birds perform important environmental services, including turkey vultures clearing up carcasses, hummingbirds pollinating, and tree swallows consuming mosquitoes. They also act as benchmarks for environmental health.
“If birds are doing well, it indicates the environment is in good shape,” Morris pointed out. “If they’re not, we should be worried.”
Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes is inviting residents and visitors to take part in seven guided bird walks, led by experienced local birders, which are taking place in communities across the municipality.
Whether a person is new to birding or a long-time enthusiast, the walks are a great way to explore local trails and discover which birds are making their seasonal journey through the region, a media release noted.
To mark World Migratory Bird Day, Kawartha Lakes City Hall in Lindsay will go dark overnight on May 10.
As many birds migrate at night, bright lights can confuse or harm them, and turning off lights helps protect birds as they navigate the night skies. The municipality is encouraging residents and businesses to do the same, to help birds on their migratory paths.
In the last 50 years, North American bird populations have dropped by more than 25 per cent.
“Maybe the biggest reason to mark this day is that birds are under threat, and there are simple things we can do to help them out, particularly during the migration season,” Morris explained. “Three billion of our birds are gone — turning off lights at night helps.”
Morris noted there are other things people can do to help protect birds.
“Keeping cats indoors is another helpful measure,” he said. According to Birds Canada, domestic cats kill more than 100 million birds each year in Canada alone.
“(Creating) backyards with plants that offer shelter, nesting opportunities, and food makes a difference too,” he added.
The month of May also marks the one-year anniversary of Kawartha Lakes becoming a certified “Bird Friendly City,” the 24th municipality in Canada to earn this recognition from Nature Canada. A Bird Friendly City certification is a program that encourages local communities to take action to protect and support bird populations.
“The title highlights our community’s work to protect bird habitats, reduce threats like window strikes and pollution, and educate people about the value of birds in our ecosystems,” the release noted.
As for marking World Migratory Bird Day, Morris said, “We encourage everyone to come out to a walk or workshop and learn more about how we can help protect these amazing creatures.”
World Migratory Bird Day walks in Kawartha Lakes on Saturday, May 10 are listed below. Families can also learn how to make their yards safer for birds at a free presentation offered at the Lindsay branch of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library on Tuesday, May 20.
All walks are free, and open to all ages and levels of experience. They provide opportunities to discover how to spot and identify birds and learn about local and migratory species. Bird walks occur rain or shine. Participants should dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, water, and binoculars, if available.
Ken Reid Dawn Chorus – 5:30 a.m.
Arrive at Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay) with a lawn chair and enjoy the dawn chorus of birdsong on a slope looking out over Sturgeon Lake. Follow signs to the P2 lot. The event will be led by Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation with Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins.
Burnt River Bird Walk – 8:30 a.m.
Meet at the Burnt River Community Centre (16 Somerville Centre Rd.) for a walk sponsored by Kawartha Field Naturalists and led by John Bick.
North Bear Conservation Area Bird Walk – 10 a.m.
Meet at the North Bear Conservation Area off Alvar Road. Arrive early for a parking spot. This walk is sponsored by Carden Field Naturalists.
Fenelon Falls Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet at the Fenelon Falls library branch (19 Market St.) to join Leslie Dyment from the Kawartha Field Naturalists for a one-hour guided walk along a local trail.
Omemee Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at the Omemee library branch (24 King St. E.) for a one-hour walk along the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. There will be an option to climb the drumlin behind Scott Young Public School afterwards.
Dunsford Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at the Dunsford library branch (26 Community Centre Rd.) for a one-hour walk along the Dunsford Nature Trail.
Ken Reid Bird Walk – 7 p.m.
Join Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation and Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins for a guided bird walk in Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay). Follow the signs to the P2 lot.
In addition to the above guided walks, residents can also attend a free “Chatty Café” event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the Lindsay library branch (190 Kent St. W.) where guest speaker Rob Stavinga will share 12 key strategies to make your backyard a safe haven for birds.
