Mission

McGill Bird Observatory (MBO) is committed to scientific research, education, and community engagement to better understand bird populations and their habitats and movements. Through our work, we contribute to conservation efforts while inspiring a deeper appreciation for birds and nature.

It is located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, and is part of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and is the flagship project of The Migration Research Foundation Inc., a registered non-profit organization dedicated to bird conservation.

Our Values

These values underpin the mission of the McGill Bird Observatory, highlighting our commitment to scientific rigor, conservation, education, and community engagement.

We uphold the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and ethical responsibility in our research, ensuring that our work advances knowledge through rigorous and objective science.

We prioritize the protection and preservation of bird species and their habitats, recognizing that healthy ecosystems are vital for the well-being of all life.

We believe in the power of education to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature. By providing learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, we inspire curiosity and promote environmental stewardship.

We recognize the importance of involving the local community in our efforts. Through collaboration and shared responsibility, we can create a greater impact and inspire collective action for bird conservation.

We value working with organizations, institutions, and individuals who share our commitment to bird conservation. Strong partnerships enable us to achieve greater impact and contribute to global conservation efforts.

We deeply respect the natural world and the diverse life it sustains. Our work is driven by the belief that all species have inherent value and deserve our protection.

We are dedicated to integrating new technologies and methodologies into our research and conservation efforts. We recognize the importance of adaptability and staying responsive to evolving environmental conditions and scientific advancements.

We are committed to sustainability, striving to minimize our ecological footprint while maximizing our positive impact on the environment.

Bird welfare is our priority.

All banding at the MBO is done under the regulations of federal and provincial permits, and has been approved by the McGill University Animal Care Committee. For more information on requirements for banding, see below.

Banding Permit
Animal Welfare

History

 

1940
1940
1940

1940

The McGill Macdonald campus acquire the Stoneycroft Wildlife Area, an approximately 22-hectare property adjacent to the Morgan Arboretum, has been the site of many research projects and educational field trips by university students.  

1966
1966
1966

1966

The area was set aside strictly for the research purposes of students and staff from the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental sciences. Since its conversion into a Wildlife reserve, the area has been host to numerous research studies. Dr Lewis uses the area in his Science of Inland Waters course so that his students can look at live specimen of invertebrates, plants, and amphibians in their natural habitat. Sylvie de Blois used to bring her students in the area for the Ecological Monitoring and Analysis class.

1995
1995
1995

1995

A part of the Stoneycroft Wildlife Area begin to be used by McGill University ornithology students for occasional banding activities in both spring and fall. Dr. Bird and Dr. Titman bring their students to the area for bird watching and mist netting for their Ornithology and summer bird classes.

2003
2003
2003

2003

Between 1995 and 2003, McGill University ornithology students and various adult wildlife workshops utilized a section of the Stoneycroft Wildlife Area for occasional banding activities in both spring and fall. Although efforts were quite limited over the 9-year period, a total of 247 birds comprising 34 species were caught, suggesting that this area could be productive as a migration monitoring site.

2004
2004
2004

2004

Preview of an Adventure. This is were it begin for the passionate graduate student who decide to create the McGill Bird Observatory. In August, volunteers restored the old cabin on the property, which is now used as the McGill Bird Observatory banding station. Ten passerine nets were set up for the fall 2004 season, plus a separate cluster of six nets for Saw-whet Owl migration monitoring. Additionally, a census route was established in 2004 that provides access to the various habitats around the property.  

2005
2005
2005

2005

The Adventure Begin! Following a successful trial in fall 2004, plans were made over winter to commit to standardized migration monitoring during both spring and fall, starting in 2005. The Spring Migration Monitoring Program (SMMP) covers the ten-week period from March 28 to June 5. The Fall Migration Monitoring Program (FMMP) covered the thirteen-week period from August 1 to October 30

2009
2009
2009

2009

Beginning of the standardize Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program as the basis for our summer activities.

2011
2011
2011

2011

Beginning of a six-week period of Standardized Owl Migration Program (September 26 to November 6). Since 2005, owl migration was only monitored sporadically.

2024
2024
2024

2024

This is it, with the end of the year, we just reach 20 years of standardize data! We are currently working on our 20 years report, stay tuned!  

Discover Who We Are

Program supporter

We are deeply grateful to Bird Protection Quebec, our most important supporter. Their generous and ongoing support plays a vital role in sustaining our work and advancing bird conservation, research, and education. Thank you for being such a key part of our mission.