Every Bird Counts – Your Observation Matters

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day 2026 and the theme "Every Bird Counts – Your Observation Matters," the Friends of Stittsville Wetlands are hosting an Interpretive Walk as part of our effort to learn more about the fragile and ecologically significant Goulbourn Wetland Complex.

YOUR GUIDE:

Rob Stavinga, a retired Environmental Technologist, dedicated his career to conservation in Ontario. An avid birder, he currently volunteers with the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, Ontario Shorebird Survey, Couchiching Conservancy, and Bird Friendly City of Kawartha Lakes, supporting bird monitoring and conservation efforts. Rob continues to enjoy exploring and learning about natural areas and sharing his knowledge with others.

TIME/LOCATION

Saturday, May 9, 2026 (Rain or Shine)

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Please arrive no later than 8:50 AM)

TransCanada Trail Head – Intersection of Westridge Dr. and Abbott St. West

We will begin with a special session before our walk to launch the FoSW iNaturalist Project. Make sure you download the app before your arrival. See details below.

We will be walking from the TransCanada Trail Head to the viewing platform overlooking the headwaters of Poole Creek within the provincially significant Goulbourn Wetland Complex.

Registration is Limited to 30 Participants.

A liability waiver for participants for review and acceptance is required to complete your registration.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Dress for rain or shine, including good walking shoes or hiking boots
• Binoculars
• Digital camera and/or smart phone
• Device to record sounds (e.g., smartphone)
• Water Bottle and Snacks
• Bug repellant

Note: There is no access to public facilities on the TransCanada Trail

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT?

Learn more about

iNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you while generating data for science and conservation. Get connected with a community of millions of scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature!

Learn more about eBird!

eBird is among the world’s largest biodiversity-related science projects, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed annually by eBirders around the world and an average participation growth rate of approximately 20% year over year. A collaborative enterprise with hundreds of partner organizations, thousands of regional experts, and hundreds of thousands of users, eBird is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Learn more about Merlin Bird ID

Answer three simple questions about a bird you are trying to identify, and Merlin will give you a list of possible matches. Merlin offers quick identification help for all levels of bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts to help you learn about the birds in any country in the world.

Install iNaturalist, eBird, Merlin Bird ID, and mobile apps so you can always observe! 🔍

What is a Bird Friendly City? The Bird Friendly City certification program is a campaign by Nature Canada that empowers local groups to help protect bird populations in their city by reducing human-caused threats to birds, creating and protecting important habitat, educating and engaging the public on birds in their area, and more. While the City of Ottawa is not a certified Bird Friendly City, there is a dedicated team at Bird Friendly Ottawa, working with partners to make the city more Bird-Friendly.​

📣Take Action - PROTECT BIRDS IN OTTAWA. Birds are vital to Ottawa’s ecosystem, helping with seed dispersal, pollination, and overall environmental health while enriching daily life. Over 180 species and about 2 million birds nest in the city, with millions more migrating through each year. While the City of Ottawa has made several commitments to protecting birds, they face major threats such as free-roaming cats, glass collisions, excessive exterior lighting, pesticide application, and habitat loss—window strikes alone K*ll around 250,000 birds annually.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Friends of Stittsville Wetlands