Bird Friendly Caledon

Caledon is working to protect birds and their habitat. 

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 9 at the Alton Library.

Start your morning with a guided bird walk from 9 to 10 a.m., led by the Caledon Bird Team, and discover which species are passing through this season.

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., join guest speaker Shaun Booth of In Our Nature to learn how native plant gardening and simple changes at home can make a big difference for birds.

Coffee and treats will be available.

Why Birds?

Birds play an essential role in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, acting as pollinators, predators, seed dispersers and scavengers. They are a keystone species, meaning that the health of bird populations is often a good indicator of the health of natural systems overall, and the effectiveness of our conservation efforts.

In Canada and around the world, birds are under threat. Globally, 49% of bird species are in decline. Over the past 50 years in North America, bird populations have dropped by more than 25% leaving 3 billion fewer birds in our towns and cities.

Major threats to birds include:

Loss of Habitat and Biodiversity
Land use changes such as agricultural activity, urban development, natural resource extraction and infrastructure development have impacted the most species in recent decades. The biodiversity crisis is also impacting birds, particularly as a result of dramatic declines in insect populations in recent years.
 Pesticides and Contaminants
Overuse and misuse of pesticides can pollute bird habitats and contaminate their food sources leading to illness, reproductive issues and population decline.
 Window Collisions and Outdoor Lighting
Every year in Canada, around 25 million migratory birds die as a result of collisions with buildings. Excessive lighting in settlement areas can also impact birds' migration patterns.
 Cats and Other Invasive Species
Predation by domestic and feral cats is the second leading threat to birds in Canada, after habitat loss, causing on average 100 million deaths across the country every year.
 Climate Change
Changing temperatures and rainfall patterns change the habitats to which birds are adapted and affect migration timing.

How you can help birds

Here are some simple tips to help protect birds and wildlife habitat here in Caledon:

  • Keep cats indoors or train them to use a "Catio" or harness and leash to be able to enjoy the outdoors safely. Remember that Caledon's by-laws prohibit any animals, including cats, to roam at large
  • Make your windows feather friendly - visit FLAP Canada or Feather Friendly below to learn more
  • Plant native trees, shrubs and perennials on your property to support beneficial insect populations and food supply for birds
  • Support local conservation and restoration efforts
  • Attend a local bird walk or other event to learn about local birds

Meet some of your feathered neighbours!

Caledon is home to a number of bird species and important habitats given its abundant natural systems and conservation areas. Keep an eye out for some of these birds in your backyard or the next time you're out for a walk!

Can't wait until you are outside? Check out E-bird's Explore Birds page to explore species reported in Caledon and other regions.

Bird-Friendly Caledon quarterly newsletter

Love birds as much as we do? Subscribe to the Bird-Friendly Caledon quarterly newsletter for upcoming events, educational information, and simple ways to make your home more bird-friendly.

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Helpful Resources

Nature Canada - Information about the Bird Friendly City program and how urban areas can make space for birds

Birds Canada - Resources on Canadian bird species, annual scientific reports, threats to birds, and how people can get involved in conservation efforts

Sialis.org - Helpful information and resources about bluebirds and other nesting/birdhouse birds, including how you can create habitat for these birds in your own yard!

FLAP Canada - Learn about urban threats to birds including windows and outdoor lighting, and how to make your home or business bird-safe

Feather Friendly - Window sticker kits and educational resources to prevent window collisions

Grow Me Instead - Guide to native plant species for your gardens that support birds and pollinators insects

Credit Valley Conservation - How to green your property whether you're an urban homeowner, rural landowner, farmer or business owner

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority - Native planting programs for landowners