Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring
Open (core fields)
1974
Data will be collected annually for the foreseeable future.
Monitoring of migrant shorebird populations began in 1974 in Canada by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), Environment Canada, and in Ontario this monitoring program grew from the Maritimes Shorebird Survey (now known as the Atlantic Canada Shorebird Survey). This survey began with the objective of identifying areas important to shorebirds during their spring and autumn migrations. Since then, monitoring shorebird populations has become an increasingly important objective. The Ontario Shorebird Survey (OSS) is unique in that it surveys in-land migrant shorebirds. In fact, it is the only survey of its kind in Canada to do so. Historically, good shorebirding sites have been surveyed for migrant shorebirds as part of the OSS. Examples of these good stop-over habitat types include beaches, wetlands, sewage lagoons, shorelines, and so on. These sites have been surveyed for migrant shorebirds; collecting information on the numbers of birds using these sites will support population trend assessment, and can help conserve this group. In addition, this project could provide guidance for adaptive management for the conservation of this declining bird group, by identifying key areas used by shorebirds, identifying at-risk species, and providing population trends through time. CWS will use the data collected to help meet obligations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and other partnerships such as the North American Bird Conservation Initiative.
Spring migration: a. April 20-30; b. May 1-10; c. May 11-20; d. May 21-30; e. May 31- June 9 Autumn migration: July 20-31. August 1-10 . August 11-19. August 20-30 . August 31- September 9. September 10-21 . September 22-October 1. October 2-11. October 12-22. October 23-31
Shorebirds . other bird species observations; other incidental wildlife observations (Mammals, Lepidopterans, Anurans, Odonates)
Sites targeted by volunteers; work underway to address this bias (as of 2012-03).
Ground surveys. Procedures: count from a designated location, or along a route, the number of each shorebird species present. Effort also made to count other species of wildlife and numbers of each. Equipment: binoculars, spotting scope, GPS unit, notebook, weather meter, and compass. No foreseen affect on park environment. Ontario Shorebird Survey Protocol
Data verified for correct species name and expected occurrence dates when entered; QA/QC on entered records by checking database against field sheets. Data quality is generally high; collected by very skilled birders, and highly trained biologists. Uncertainty with older data records.
Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2025. "Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
