Re: Conservation

Climate change is altering flight paths for Canada’s birds

A female Frigatebird appears unimpressed by this male’s extended gular pouch, a courtship display “Bird fallout,” a term used by researchers to describe what happens when migrating birds are unable to reach their destination because of extreme weather, brought increased numbers of unusual birds like white-eyed vireos to Nova Scotia back in November. Earlier in the year, a tropical frigatebird brought excitement to the Point Pelee bird-count area in Ontario.

Extreme weather events resulting from climate change are forcing these strange friends to shelter in Canada. While it’s a boon to eager birders, it’s just one example of the ways climate change is affecting birds. A 2014 report by the National Audubon Society in the U.S. found that hundreds of bird species in continental North America will be hurt by habitat loss and extreme weather events in this century. Birds are vulnerable, in part, because many species cover significant ground during their migrations. Canadians can expect more unusual visitors in the coming years.