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Important Bird Area Information
BirdLife International initiated the Important Bird Area Program to identify, protect and monitor a network of vital habitats for conservation of bird populations and biodiversity worldwide. Over 100 countries have joined to build a global network of IBAs.
Identification of Sites
The first step is to identify essential sites for birds. Sites may include areas with endangered birds, large numbers of birds, nesting colonies, migration stopovers and/or winter destinations. Strict scientific criteria must be met for a site to be listed on the Important Bird Area database. In Canada, 597 IBA sites have been designated, 89 of which are located in British Columbia.
Monitoring IBA Sites
Research is essential to determine whether IBA sites are providing healthy habitat for birds and if bird populations remain stable. The Canadian Wildlife Service and Simon Fraser University conduct studies on Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, Harlequin Duck, Snow Geese and Brant. Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society map and monitor eel grass habitat in Boundary Bay. Local birders participate in the Breeding Bird Survey, Beached Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Count, Nocturnal Owl Survey and Raptor counts.
For more information, visit
Important Bird Areas of Canada
or download a copy of the
BC Important Bird Areas
brochure.
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Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society, with partners, invites you to celebrate
Boundary Bay, Canada's Top Bird Area.