BSC Launches
Golden-winged Warbler Study
12 June 2008 –
Bird Studies Canada has recently initiated a survey for Golden-Winged
Warblers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, to collect information on the
distribution and habitat associations in the northwestern part of the
bird’s range. Using a playback methodology, locations are being randomly
sampled in southeastern Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park, and the
Porcupine Hills. Project Coordinator Christian Artuso has a keen
interest in the conservation of species at risk, and is currently a
Ph.D. candidate in the University of Manitoba’s Department of
Environment and Geography.
The Golden-winged Warbler was designated by COSEWIC as “threatened” in 2006. In their decision, COSEWIC stated that
this warbler met the criteria for “endangered” status, having declined
by 80% within 10 years according to BBS data. However, the decision to
make the official listing “threatened” was based on the apparent
stability of populations in Manitoba, which do not face the threat of
genetic swamping from Blue-winged Warblers that occurs elsewhere in
their range. Current distribution and population levels of Golden-Winged
Warblers in Manitoba are very poorly understood; we look forward to
gaining valuable information through the new study.
LPBO Seeks Qualified Field Ornithologists
6 June 2008 – BSC is currently seeking to fill two
positions in our Ontario Region. The Landbird Program Coordinator will
be responsible for the organization and delivery of a variety of
landbird programs at Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO), and the
Migration Monitoring Assistant Coordinator will act as the warden for
LPBO’s Tip field station for the 2008 fall season. For both positions, a
solid background in field ornithology is essential.
Visit the Job
Opportunities section of our website to learn about these and other employment and volunteer opportunities at
Bird Studies Canada.
BSC Participates in “Call of the Loon” Event
6 June 2008 – On Saturday, June 28, the Nature
Conservancy of Canada will host the “Call of the Loon,” a conservation
volunteer event in Nova Scotia. Participants will conduct a canoe loon
survey on a property near Brookfield (about 15 km south of Truro), using
the
Canadian Lakes Loon Survey
protocols from Bird Studies Canada. BSC’s Atlantic Canada Program
Manager Becky Whittam will be on hand to talk about loons, threats to
them, and the importance of the survey. Those interested in
participating in the June 28 event can
register online
or call 1-877-231-4400. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own
canoes and associated gear, but rented canoes may also be available.
LPWWRF to Hold Second Annual Young Wildlife Biologist
Workshop
Photo: LPWWRF
5 June 2008 – Opportunities for high school students to
participate in wildlife-related activities can be limited. Providing
students with memorable outdoor experiences and opportunities for
hands-on wildlife-related activities is important for instilling
life-long interest and the possibility of pursuing a career in wildlife
management/conservation. The Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research
Fund (LPWWRF) considers youth mentorship and education very important to
the future development of wildlife enthusiasts, and the appreciation of
our hunting heritage.
The Young Wildlife Biologist Workshop (YWBW),
established in 2007, offers participants five fun, exciting, and
educational days that showcase recreational activities and career
opportunities in wildlife biology. To participate in this
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, youth must be between 14-16 years of
age, be Ontario residents, and be outdoors enthusiasts. For more
information or to download application forms,
visit our website
or contact Ted Barney, LPWWRF Biologist, at 1-888-448-2473 ext. 219 or
tbarney@birdscanada.org. Applications for the 2008 YWBW close July 1, so
please do not wait to get yours in!
Return to Top of Page
