The fact that Algonquin Park has approximately seven thousand insect species in the park might sound insignificant to some, but without the insects, the pollination of plant life would not happen and the habitats in which the birds and animals live would no longer exist. The varied vegetation provides both animal and bird life with vital resources. Also found in the park, are two forest types, namely the coniferous forests and southern hardwood forests, creating a home for a vast number of different birds. Visitors and avid bird watchers can therefore look forward to seeing birds such as the Brown Thrasher, Indigo Bunting, Spruce Grouse, Wood Thrush, Boreal Chikadee, Gray Jay, Common Loon and many others that form part of the 272 species in the park. In addition, the Algonquin Provincial Park offers bird related programs such as Birds in Winter, Owl Prowl and Bird Adaptations. Talks are also held in the evenings in the park’s outdoor theatre, covering a wide variety of topics related to the park. Guided tours are available as well as a bird species checklist.

After a day of bird watching visitors can explore other features at the park, such as the picnic areas, stores, bookstore, backpacking trails, museum, art centre, restaurants and beaches. There are also a few lodges in the park enabling visitors to extend their stay and maybe explore the breathtaking bird life found along the rivers on the canoe routes. Bird watching in Canada is a rewarding experience and the Algonquin Park offers visitors everything they could need for an unforgettable bird watching adventure and family vacation.

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In 2005 the board of directors of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry (WBFI) took the initiative to establish a not-for-profit foundation to undertake research relating to food and feeder preferences of the wild birds in Canada and the United States. Running from September 2005 through to August 2008, Project Wildbird, funded by the WBFI Research Foundation, is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive bird feeding studies ever undertaken.

Project Wildbird aims to gather scientific data on seasonal wild bird feeding specific to each of the thirteen geographic regions in the United States and Canada. The advantages of this information, which will be available to suppliers and consumers, are numerous. Bird enthusiasts will be able to attract birds to their backyards in greater numbers by offering them feed and feeders according to their preferences. It is anticipated that this will encourage more families to take an interest in their local bird communities. Bird lovers who have been unsuccessful in attracting birds in the past are sure to have more success when offering area and season-specific food. Feed suppliers can make use of this information in their marketing strategies, production planning and distribution of their products.

Project Wildbird is making use of two different approaches – observational and experimental. Both approaches encourage bird enthusiasts to register as Citizen Scientists and collect data by observing bird activity in their own backyards.

The observational approach takes into account the fact that people lead busy lives and often have limited leisure time. The data required is not complicated and does not take up much time. Citizen Scientist observers need to monitor the birds in their yard during all four seasons of the year. Specific dates have been selected according to peak distribution of birds relating to breeding, wintering and migratory seasons of various geographic regions. Observations need to be recorded by various species, the feed offered and type of feeder used.

The experimental approach of Project Wildbird requires that Citizen Scientists dedicate additional time to the project and follow a well-defined system. Participants are provided with various feeds and feeders and need to monitor the birds that visit these feeders in a study that also spans the four seasons of the year.

The response to Project Wildbird has been very positive. Whether bird enthusiasts choose to participate in the observational or experimental approach of Project Wildbird, they can have the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a significant contribution to the welfare of wild birds in Northern America – to the benefit of themselves, their children, grandchildren and all future generations.

Related posts:

1. Project FeederWatch
2. The RSPB’s Feed the Birds Day
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