An Introduction to VARC’s Bird Monitoring and Banding (Schools) Program

By Derek J. Matthews

Agenda

Who We Are Why Band Birds How It Works Public Outreach / Education Schools Program Photo Gallery Who We Are

What is VARC? Registered Canadian Charity dedicated to wild bird research, conservation & education What Does It Do? Conducts: bird monitoring, banding, research, demonstration, education Provides: presentations/lectures, volunteer opportunities, visitor programs Primary Objective Provide data and research to safeguard habitat for breeding and migratory birds to ensure their long term survival by providing scientifically defensible strategies for avian & ecosystem conservation Research – Conservation - Education Why We Care?

Butterfly species declined 71% Bird species declined 54% Plant species declined 28% Human activity is destroying the places that plants, animals and birds need to survive Birds in Peril

BirdLife International Report

The birds of the world are in serious trouble, and common species are now in decline all over the globe.

Bachman's Warbler Birds in Peril – Europe

56 (45%) of 124 common birds in Europe have declined across 20 European countries over 26 years

Grey Partridge (79 per cent decline) Turtle Dove (62 per cent decline) Birds in Peril – Africa

In just 3 decades, 11 eagle species declined by 86-98%

Madagascar Fish-Eagle Birds in Peril – Middle East

Many common species such as Eurasian eagle owl under pressure

Houbara Bustard (35 per cent decline) Birds in Peril – Asia

30 years ago, tens of MILLIONS of white-rumped vultures were flying the skies of Asia – the most abundant large bird of prey in the world

White-rumped vulture (99.9 per cent decline since 1992) Birds in Peril – India

Uplisted to Critically Endangered – fewer than 250 birds remaining

Great Indian Bustard Birds in Peril – North America

20 common species have suffered declines over 50% in the last 40 years – 17 globally threatened species - Canada

Northern Bobwhite (82 per cent decline) Evening Grosbeak (78 per cent decline) Birds in Peril – Latin America

25% of common resident species have experienced significant declines over the last decade – Not ONE monitored species saw their numbers rise

Flame-coloured Tanager Chestnut-capped brush finch Birds in Peril – Pacific

Studies of resident Australian waders reveal that 81% of their populations disappeared in 25 years 19 of the 22 species of albatross are threatened with extinction

Chatham Albatross Birds in Peril – Canada

2012 ‘State of Canada's Birds’ Drastic declines in Pacific Coast Forestry, agriculture, urban development reduced habitats

Many forest birds declined Due to ongoing logging <12 birds remain Loss / degradation of grasslands Birds in Peril

Grassland birds undergoing most severe declines Bobolinks number 11M – losing hundreds of thousands each year Birds in Peril

Passenger Pigeon – once numbered 5 BILLION 1831 Audubon described mile wide flock took 3 days to pass overhead Birds in Peril

Passenger Pigeon – once numbered 5 BILLION 1831 Audubon described mile wide flock took 3 days to pass overhead 1878 hunters in Michigan slaughtered 300 tons for meat market 36 years later – species was gone! Victim of merciless hunting and destruction of beech forests Why Band Birds?

Growing number of severe environmental threats - Climate change & Habitat loss Why Band Birds?

Growing number of severe environmental threats - Climate change & Habitat loss Migratory songbirds are experiencing one of the most precipitous declines of any animal group on earth - 1,226 Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable - 72 species/subspecies endangered, threatened, special concern in Canada (COSEWIC) Why Band Birds?

Growing number of severe environmental threats - Climate change & Habitat loss Migratory songbirds are experiencing one of the most precipitous declines of any animal group on earth - 1,226 Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable - 72 species/subspecies endangered, threatened, special concern in Canada (COSEWIC) Conservation success stories - Successful conservation requires information Birds - high body temperature & rapid metabolism - top of food chain - excellent indicators of environmental changes - easy to study – numerous / easy to monitor productivity Why Band Birds?

A better world for birds means a better world for us! Why Band Birds?

Research & Management

Individual Identification

• Dispersal & Migration • Behavior & Social Structure • Life Span & Survival Rates • Reproductive Success • Population Growth • Population Dynamics HY Male WIWA Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected

Colony Farm:

40 – 12m passerine nets Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Birds retained in pocket Extracted Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Birds retained in pocket Extracted Placed in soft cloth bags Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Birds retained in pocket Extracted Identified to species Birds banded Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Birds retained in pocket Extracted Identified to species Birds banded Aged & sexed Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Birds retained in pocket Extracted Identified to species Birds banded Aged & sexed Measurements taken Biometric Measurements

Exposed culmen Nares to tip

Wing chord

Tarsus Wing morphology Tail length Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Birds retained in pocket Extracted Identified to species Birds banded Aged & sexed Measurements taken Assessed for fat Bird Banding - How It Works

Abdominal fat deposit Furcular fat deposit

Many birds – large fat loads

- Energy for 700 kms or more - Several flights - Central American winter grounds - Canadian nesting grounds - Travel by night – shelter by day

Migrants double lean body mass

Banding data proves significance of habitat Pectoral musculature Bird Banding - How It Works

Mist nets erected Birds retained in pocket Extracted Identified to species Birds banded Aged & sexed Measurements taken Assessed for fat Weighed Data recorded Released Colony Farm – Conclusions

Provided invaluable information to MetroVancouver Critically important for breeding and migratory birds - Crucial stopover site for migrants - Vital breeding site - Value of old field habitat for aerial insectivores - Staging site for molting Swainson’s Thrushes - Significant habitat for dispersing juvenile birds - Important site for uncommon, rare & ‘specialty’ birds VARC Mandate

1. Conduct banding / research operation 2. Provide research & volunteer opportunities 3. Public Outreach & Education - Awareness 4. Schools / Youth Programs

Research – Conservation - Education Public Outreach & Education

Presentations / Public Events / Demonstrations Bird ID / Bird Monitoring & Banding Workshops

Objective - Raise level of awareness through hands on interaction with wild birds

VARC Schools Program Nature Deficit Disorder

Richard Louv - ‘Last Child in the Woods’ Children spending less time outdoors Resulting in wide range of behavioural problems Schools Program

Designed for 12 + age group Under 12:

- Welcome to visit the station and interact with birds - Additional activities responsibility of the teachers

Overview 12+ Program

Split into 3 groups Move between 3 stations Work Book used for activities at each station

- Each station approximately 45-60 minutes - 15 - 20 minute change over - Total organized visit 3.5 – 4 hours

Many additional activity options in the park for teachers to organize Station 1 – Banding Station

Children are shown each bird once it has been processed

Interesting information provided on each species

- Children are allowed to hold and release birds

- Work Book questions can be completed either at the site or in the classroom Station 2 – Interactive Station

Slides are posted in an area of the park

These slides provide the answers to questions in the Work Book

- The children work on their own to discover the answers

- Answers are reviewed as a group before moving to the next Station Station 3 – Lecture Station

A talk is given to the children covering:

- The Wonders of Migration - What they can do to help

After the talk children:

a) are asked to complete information in their Workbook

b) discuss what specific things they can do to make a difference Bird Friendly Campuses / Gardens

Windows

Nest boxes

Feeders

Water

What kids can do Summary

Visits take place on Thursday or Friday each week The earlier you can be there the better! Inform VARC of the particular part of the curriculum you are focusing on and the information will be tailored to focus on this element VARC will provide the Workbook PDF – printing is done by the school Cost of program is $10 per child - $5 per child for under 12 site visit Minimum # 30 children – maximum 65. Additional Information

Contact [email protected] for more information

Pick up your copy of the VARC Schools Program leaflet at our display booth

Visit www.birdvancouver.com/schools.html for details on creating bird friendly campuses

Visit www.birdvancouver.com/pdf/window_mobile.pdf for simple instructions to make the mobile to prevent window strikes Photo Gallery

Vancouver Avian Research Centre Schools Program

Pick up your copy of the VARC Schools Program leaflet at our display booth

Visit www.birdvancouver.com/schools.html Any Questions?