A new report from the North American Bird Conservation Initiative reveals that while some birds are doing well, birds that eat insects (such as swifts, swallows, and flycatchers), waterfowl (e.g., geese and ducks), and shorebird populations are rapidly declining in Canada. In the latter case, environmental degradation may be a major culprit due to the loss of “about 45 soccer fields” of wetlands per day in our country.

 You can access the full text of the report here.

 A Rocha has initiated or contributes to several important bird monitoring programs. In Manitoba, A Rocha’s annual raptor counts monitor the migrations of birds of prey through the Pembina Valley. In British Columbia, A Rocha staff and volunteers conduct regular surveys as part of the British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey and the British Columbia Beached Bird Survey, and have contributed to the British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas.

Our Brooksdale Environmental Centre also runs weekly bird walks that are open to centre interns, visitors, and the local community.

 We are told that the birds have much to teach us and that each one of them is deeply valued.

 So perhaps this weekend would be a good moment for you to take some time to go outside and learn from the birds. You could even use a free (PDF) field guide that was recently published by A Rocha and the Pembina Valley Development Corporation.

 Also, please use the “get involved” links above to consider how you might partner with A Rocha in vital conservation efforts in Canada and around the world.