Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen science and birdwatching event, will take place February 18-21. For four days, experts and amateurs alike take their binoculars outdoors or focus in on their feeders to count the birds they see at a given location. They report their sightings to help scientists better understand bird populations prior to spring migration.
Participating in the bird count is a great way to get outside and discover the local birds that overwinter in the watershed. Birdwatching throughout the seasons will introduce you to hundreds more species that visit us in spring but leave in fall. Once you’ve started to create a list of must-see species, you’ll know you’ve progressed from birdwatcher to birder.
Building bird habitat on your property is an easy way to support birds and improve your birdwatching without having to leave your property. Here are some tips for creating a bird-friendly property to increase your year-round sightings.
Install a bird box
Give southern Ontario birds place to nest and rest by installing a bird box on your property. You can order bird boxes for specific species directly from CVC.
Create bird-friendly gardens
Discover our top three tips for creating yards and gardens that attract and support birds. Learn how to plant to provide food and shelter and what plants local birds love best.
Delay the Hay Cut
Hay growers can enroll all or part of their hay acreage in CVC’s Bird-Friendly Certified Hay program to protect at-risk grassland nesting birds like eastern meadowlark and bobolink. Delaying the hay cut until after July 15 gives baby birds a chance to fledge and protects the species. Learn more at birdfriendlyhay.ca.
Photo: Eastern meadowlark by John Carrel
Plant Trees on Your Property
Many local and migrating birds need trees for food and shelter. Trees support a variety of insects birds feed on, and they keep streams and rivers healthy for waterfowl. Forests also provide nesting sites for endangered species like the red-headed woodpecker. CVC can help you plant trees on your property. Learn how.
Photo: Red-headed woodpecker by Richard Ricciardi
Find Funding for Your Projects
CVC offers funding and support to residential and agricultural landowners in the Credit River Watershed for stewardship projects like:
- Tree planting
- Wetland and grassland restoration
- Stream and pond enhancement
- Cover cropping, erosion control, and manure management
- Well upgrades and dam decommissioning
Connect with a stewardship coordinator to learn about more opportunities to create habitat, protect the environment, improve soil and water health, and enhance the natural beauty of your property.
Sincerely,
Your Countryside Stewardship Team