Marissa Berard of Nature Manitoba was our speaker. She is the program coordinator of the Manitoba IBA Program. (IBA is Important Bird Areas)
An IBA is an area of international significance for the conservation of birds and diversity. They are not legally protected.
Manitoba has 36 IBAs. Some are being transitioned to KBAs (Key Biodiversity Areas.)
IBA activities include:
- Monitoring, including with citizen scientists
- Bird blitzes
- Outreach
- Habitat stewardship
A species at risk is one that is in danger of disappearing. Some species are in decline, while others are recovering. Threats include:
- Habitat loss
- Pesticides
- Invasive species
- Window collisions
- Climate change.
Cats kill an estimated 100 million to 350 million birds each year in Canada. Window collisions kill an estimated 16 milllion to 42 million.
Species at risk seen in Assiniboine Park and Assiniboine Forest include the Canada Warbler, Redheaded Woodpecker, Eastern Whip-poor will, Common Nighthawk, swallows and chimney swifts.
How can you help?
- Post your observations on eBird.org
- Support bird friendly farms
- Create bird friendly windows
- Keep cats indoors
- Volunteer!
To learn more, visit https://importantbirdareasmb.ca/
There were many questions for Marissa.