Frontenac Bird Studies

FRONTENAC BIRD STUDIES
est. 2009

Yellow-throated Vireo on Canoe Lake Road (S.Leckie)

Migration Research Foundation

The Migration Research Foundation (MRF) was established to improve our knowledge of wildlife populations and their movements. MRF conducts scientific research, prioritizing studies that address conservation or management needs. Public involvement and education are important components of all MRF initiatives.

Frontenac Bird Studies

Frontenac Bird Studies (FBS) was created by the Migration Research Foundation (MRF) with the acknowledgment that proactive science and educational programming will be vital to the protection of the extraordinary socio-cultural and natural heritage of the Frontenac Arch. The primary goal of the FBS project is to strengthen the capacity for protection of bird populations and habitats in the region.

Objectives

MRF will launch Frontenac Bird Studies in spring 2009. Our vision is for a long-term, multifaceted project that will effectively blend scientific research and monitoring with education and outreach programs to achieve the following objectives: a) increase knowledge of avian populations and ecology; b) establish long-term monitoring programs to track changes in avian communities; c) raise awareness through public outreach and community support; and d) cooperate with other agencies to increase capacity for protection of biodiversity.

Programs

Frontenac Breeding Birds, the flagship program of FBS, will assess distribution, relative abundance and demography of breeding bird communities on an annual basis. In summer 2009, we will also initiate Project Whip-poor-will, a much-needed program to index and track changes in populations of the Whip-poor-will, a rapidly disappearing species throughout its range. During the autumn, FBS will begin Frontenac Migratory Owl Watch, a program to characterize and monitor owl migration in the Frontenac Arch. Utilizing our field programs as a platform, FBS will deliver a broad range of educational services to raise awareness of the Frontenac Arch. Live presentations and demonstrations will be at the heart of the outreach strategy, bringing the region’s visitors and residents up close and personal to the rich and fascinating biodiversity of the region.

More information about FBS programs is provided in our Breeding Birds and  Avian Migration pages.

FBS Support

Volunteers will be pivotal to the long-term efficacy and sustainability of Frontenac Bird Studies. Volunteers will contribute much-needed time and energy required to successfully deliver programming and to channel broader support within communities. The integration of volunteers into FBS operations will also establish an effective venue for students and citizen scientists to gain valuable field training and also contribute to the protection of one of Ontario’s most important ecological regions.

MRF depends on valuable contributions from volunteers as well as grants and donations to support its programs and activities.

Click here for more information on supporting FBS!

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Sunset on Kingsford Lake (S.Leckie)