Our Student Program
The MBO research program has steadily been growing since initial seed funding in 2016. Since that time, led by Dr. Barbara Frei and in collaboration with Dr. Kyle Elliott from McGill University, MBO home-brewed research has included studies looking at migration timing, documenting new hybrid warblers, spatial structure in migration connectivity, blood metabolites as measures of health in wild birds, and moult migration of neotropical migrants.
Since then, ten undergraduate and graduate student theses have been supported by the MBO research team.
Research area
McGill Bird Observatory collaborates with academic and gouvernement researchers as well as university students in many different fields.
Our role goes from sharing our banding and observation data, helping during the sampling process or being completely involved with the elaboration, analysis and publication of our own primary research.
You can found a list below of the peer-reviewed publications publish directly by our team and students or publish by collaboratives studies using our banding data.
Posters
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Publications
How Can You Help
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About EDF
Restoration, research and education to protect migrating birds in l’Ouest-de-l’Ile
Starting in 2022, McGill University was awarded $390,000 from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) to undertake a three-year project in partnership with the McGill Bird Observatory and with the support of Bird Protection Quebec.
Objectives
1 Restore native habitat for songbirds in the west island by removing invasive species and planting over 1000 native trees and shrubs
2Research the habitat use and mortality of migratory songbirds in the west island across space and time
3Engage in outreach to the local Montreal community , particularly the youths, on the importance of urban greenspaces for migratory songbirds
- Restore : The funds supported the coordination and removal of
close to 500 kg of invasive garlic mustard on the Macdonald Campus and the McGill Bird Observatory. Garlic mustard crowds out native plants, impacting birds and other wildlife that depend on the presence of native vegetation.
- Research : The funds were used to purchase three new
automated telemetry stations (Motus) and radio telemetry nanotags to understand the stopover behavior and habitat preferences of two species of migratory songbirds that are known to use the West Island as an important stopover during their moulting period and fall migration.
- Educate : A series of informative and visually appealing videos
were created to be housed on the MBO’s YouTube channel, where children and their parents will learn about the ecology and conservation of migratory birds and the importance of native plant species and greenspaces to birds.
About the grant
The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a specified purpose account administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to direct funds received from fines, court orders and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment. The purpose of any contribution to the EDF is to restore the environment and conserve wildlife and habitats in a scientifically sound, cost-effective, and technically feasible way.
MOTUS
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is an innovative, collaborative research network that uses automated radio telemetry to track the movements of small flying animals, particularly birds, bats, and insects, across vast distances. Tiny radio transmitters, known as nanotags, are attached to the animals, which then emit signals detected by a network of receiving stations. These stations, strategically located across the globe, record the animals’ movements, providing researchers with detailed data on migration routes, stopover sites, and behaviors. Motus is a powerful tool for understanding migration patterns, informing conservation efforts, and fostering international collaboration in wildlife research.
Highlights
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TEWA: 400
SWTH:
NOCA:
Total tag in 2024 : 100
Total tag in 2024 : 100
KEPO
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Highlights
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Captures total: 400
Banded total: 100
KEPO Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office
KEPO is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural environment of the Kahnawà:ke territory. Through community engagement, education, and proactive environmental management, KEPO works to safeguard the land, water, and wildlife for future generations. Their initiatives include monitoring environmental health, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing environmental concerns within the community. KEPO plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and cultural heritage of Kahnawà:ke, ensuring that the environment remains a vibrant and integral part of the community’s way of life. We are very happy to help them with their birds populations !
https://kahnawakeenvironment.com/
Highlights
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Captures total: 400
Banded total: 100
