The Important Bird Areas Program in the United States

An interesting aspect of participating in a global program is learning about how the program is being implemented in other countries. With nearly 200 countries now participating in the Important Bird Areas program, we have much to learn. Following up on John Cecil’s (National Audubon Society) presentation to the IBA Canada Committee in April, we provide an overview of the United States’ IBA program. More>>

New Signs for 28 Important Bird Areas in BC

A flood of new signs will be erected in 28 IBA across BC this fall. Two types of signs are being installed, interpretive signs and IBA identification signs, which will increase the profile of IBAs and enhance awareness of birds and conservation amongst visitors. More>>

Seabird Colonies in Strait of Georgia IBAs

Important Bird Areas (IBAs), like all natural areas, are dynamic systems where changes in habitat conditions and other environmental factors can lead to shifts in bird abundance and distribution. This ever-changing landscape creates interesting challenges when implementing conservation initiatives like the Important Bird Areas program, which designates specific sites of importance to birds based on the number of birds using that site. More>>

2011-2012 Annual Report Form posted

A revised Annual Report form has been posted to the Caretaker's Annual Reporting webpage. Caretakers are welcome to use this form, or another format if they prefer, to submit their annual reports by January 31, 2012.

Man Walking Across America for IBAs

Brad Storey and his dog Xena are walking across America to raise awareness and support for bird conservation and Important Bird Areas. Brad started his walk this September in Brunswick, Georgia and is heading west to Montgomery, Alabama. He and his dog will continue along the Gulf Coast before heading to California, and will stop at Important Bird Areas along the way. Follow their progress on Brad’s Facebook Fanpage (Bird Man Walking) or visit his blog site: http://birdmanwalking.wordpress.com/

IBA in the Spotlight: Laskeek Bay

Waves crashing. Orca’s breaching. Birds calling. These are all sights and sounds experienced by visiting volunteer citizen scientists on Limestone Island in Laskeek Bay Important Bird Area, Haida Gwaii. For three months each summer, volunteers are transported to East Limestone Island and spend a minimum of one week assisting in a camp run by the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society (LBCS). Since 1990, over 550 volunteers have participated – approximately half from local communities and the rest from across Canada and 15 other countries. Local schoolchildren and high school students come to Limestone each year to experience first-hand biological research and gain work experience, and over 20 university students have worked in the camp and undertaken studies on the island.

The key species of interest for the research and monitoring activities in Laskeek Bay is the Ancient Murrelet. The islands of Haida Gwaii are the only place in Canada where Ancient Murrelets nest, with approximately 50% of the global population breeding there. These seabirds connect the waters of the offshore marine environment, where they feed, with the tall trees of the coastal temperate rainforest, under which they nest. Ancient Murrelets are at risk in Canada because of the threat of introduced predators; their populations have been devastated throughout their range in Alaska, Russia and Japan by foxes, rats, racoons and other species. The LBCS undertakes a variety of activities to minimize the impact of introduced predators on Laskeek Bay’s murrelets, and monitor the impacts of introduced predators and control efforts.

Laskeek Bay IBA is not only important for Ancient Murrelets. The Society’s 15 monitoring programs cover a broad range of the marine birds and mammals, rare plants, and introduced species (black-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons and plants) that live in the area, making Laskeek Bay an exciting place to be a citizen scientist. For more information, to make a donation or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please visit www.laskeekbay.org.