Each year, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) celebrates the awe-inspiring journeys of birds across continents. As autumn approaches, millions of birds begin their southward migration, relying on safe habitats and healthy ecosystems to survive. At Assiniboine Park Conservancy, our Conservation and Research team is working hard to ensure these birds have the support they need - and you can help too!
What are we doing?
One of the most exciting tools in our conservation toolkit is the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, installed on the roof of the Qualico Family Centre. This international network uses radio telemetry to track tagged birds, bats, and even insects as they migrate across the continent. The data helps researchers understand migration routes, stopover needs, and the impact of climate change on migratory behaviour.
To support breeding and stopover needs, our team has installed a variety of artificial nesting structures throughout the Park and Zoo, including nest boxes for species like Tree Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds, and House Wrens. We also have a Purple Martin condo, which successfully hosted nesting birds for the first time in 2024. You may have also seen the artificial chimney designed specifically for Chimney Swifts near the Heavy Horse barn, a threatened species that has seen a dramatic decline due to the loss of traditional nesting sites. These structures provide safe, monitored spaces for birds to raise their young and rest between migrations. Since 2019, we've banded over 47 birds, including Tree Swallows and Purple Martins, with help from students at the University of Manitoba. This enables us to track individual birds and gain a deeper understanding of their migration patterns and site fidelity.
Our team also works to reduce threats to birds right here in Winnipeg. Window collisions are a leading cause of songbird mortality, especially during migration. Since 2013, we've been installing bird-safe window treatments across the Park and Zoo and encouraging the public to do the same at home.
How You Can Help This Autumn
Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the Park, here are some ways to support migratory birds this season:
Make Your Home Bird-Safe
- Apply decals or patterns to windows to prevent collisions.
- Turn off outdoor lights during peak migration hours to reduce light pollution.
- Let your cats enjoy the outdoors supervised, or in a cool catio!
Support Habitat Conservation
- Leave leaf litter and brush piles undisturbed to provide shelter for overwintering species. Leave seed-heads on flowers as a food source for birds and insects into the autumn and winter.
- Plant native trees and shrubs that offer food and cover.
Join a Community Science Platform
- Use platforms like iNaturalist or eBird to record bird sightings and contribute to global research.
- Participate in local bird counts or monitoring programs.
Get Involved with Assiniboine Park
- Visit the Zoo and Park to learn more about migratory species and conservation efforts.
- Follow our stories and updates to stay informed about new initiatives and research.
Migration is more than a seasonal spectacle; it's a vital ecological process. Birds play key roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. By protecting migratory species, we're also safeguarding the health of ecosystems across Manitoba and beyond.
