Conservation is for People Too

A reflection from Manitoba’s summer Conservation Science AssistantΒ Β 

By Juniper Giesbrecht, Manitoba Conservation Science Assistant (Summer 2024)

Sept 5, 2024

As the conservation science assistant for A Rocha Manitoba this year, I have had the opportunity to delve into a number of conservation projects ranging from attentive forest monitoring to hands-on trail maintenance. However, some of my most fulfilling and insightful experiences this summer have come from my time spent birding.

We kicked off our summer with the John Stott Birding Day at the Boreal Ecology Center. Volunteers gathered with binoculars in hand to explore the trails and monitor the migratory birds passing through. By the end of the day, we had observed 51 different species and over 200 individual birds. Some of the highlights included seven Sandhill Cranes, five Pileated Woodpeckers, a single Blue-headed Vireo, and a Sora.Β 

Later in the spring, our focus shifted to breeding bird monitoring where we observed which birds had decided to stay, calling the Boreal Ecology Center their summer home. We observed 36 unique species ranging from a Least Flycatcher to a Ruffed Grouse. The data gathered will be used in comparative analysis to help determine if we are seeing the expected species and numbers for the area. Understanding these patterns in a larger narrative will help in conservation efforts and allow A Rocha to protect the habitats of potentially at-risk birds.Β 

Weekly bird walks at the CMU offices also became a regular part of our routine this summer. These walks provided a unique opportunity to monitor avian biodiversity around the campus, offering a glimpse into the wide variety of species that coexist with us in more urban settings. Over the summer, we observed 56 species, including a breeding pair of Eastern Bluebirds, an Indigo Bunting, and a returning Red-tailed Hawk.

Another significant project we embarked on this year was monitoring Chimney Swifts, a threatened species in Manitoba. As dusk approached, we took shifts each week observing the swifts during their roosting hour, carefully noting their patterns as they returned to their roosts in CMU’s large chimney. Later in the season, after suspecting the presence of fledglings, we shifted our focus to daytime monitoring, watching for the swift, darting entries and exits that signaled feeding activity. The goal of this project was to determine if Chimney Swifts were indeed using the chimney as a roosting site. Our observations confirmed their presence, providing critical evidence that will guide A Rocha’s efforts to help conserve this remarkable species.Β 

Throughout these experiences, I developed a variety of skills. My visual and audio identification skills became sharper with each outing, and my data entry skills grew more efficient as I logged our findings. From the early dawn hours of breeding bird monitoring to the late dusk for Chimney Swift monitoring, our days were bookended by bettering our understanding of the avian world. However, beyond the technical skills, what stood out to me most was the sense of community. From volunteers to co-workers, at each event I found myself surrounded by a community of individuals eager to learn, or eager to share their knowledge. Each birding experience was a testament to the power of collective effort in conservation as we learned and worked together. We taught each other new birding techniques, shared tips on identifying tricky species, and compared notes on our observations. Whether it was spotting a rare bird or simply marveling at the beauty of a common one, we shared in the awe of birding. These moments of discovery and mutual learning not only deepened our individual knowledge but also strengthened our bond as a community dedicated to the protection of the natural world.

Β As I reflect on the experiences I have gained through birding this summer, I am continuously reminded that conservation is as much about the people and community doing the work as it is about the environment we seek to protect.Β 

Photos: Zoe Matties and Graham Peters

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