Ontario Bank Swallow Project

Bank Swallow populations have declined by 4.7% annually in Ontario over the last 40 years. Significant breeding range contractions were identified during the recent Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. The mechanisms driving these declines are unknown, but are generally thought to be a consequence of habitat loss, changes in forage base (i.e., aerial insects), and threats during migration and on the wintering grounds.

Bird Studies Canada (BSC) is undertaking plans for a province-wide Bank Swallow research project in partnership with Beacon Environmental, Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Power Generation. The objectives of this project are to locate, monitor, and gather basic habitat information at active Bank Swallow colonies throughout Ontario. In addition, BSC is interested in documenting significant post-breeding and pre-migratory roost sites throughout Ontario. This project will rely greatly on the involvement of volunteers to collect and submit data for active Bank Swallow colony and roost sites. "Citizen scientists" can directly contribute to Bank Swallow population monitoring and conservation efforts.

Participating in the project is simple. Volunteers locate Bank Swallow colonies and roost sites, record how many birds/burrows are present and gather basic habitat information, and submit the data online using the Ontario Bank Swallow Casual Reporting Form. Multiple visits to sites are highly recommended, if possible. The Volunteer Guide and Data Forms are available from the menu at the left-hand side of this page.

If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact:

Kathy Jones, Volunteer Coordinator
1-888-448-2473 ext. 124
volunteer@birdscanada.org

For more information, contact the Project Coordinator:

Myles Falconer, Ontario Project Biologist
1-888-448-2473 ext. 165
mfalconer@birdscanada.org