Can Orillia Become Bird Friendly?
By Mike Jones – Special to SUNonline/Orillia
We hope Orillia is for the birds in the best and most sustainable way. Almost 300 species of birds can be found in our region, and they are important to us for many reasons – cultural, economic and environmental. Their critical role in pollinating crops around the world is well known, as is their role in controlling insects and other pests. Birds are indicators of the health of our water, air and land and without a robust bird population our balance of nature would quickly get out of whack and become less and less sustainable. They are also food for our souls because their songs and sounds bring the natural world to life around us.
Unfortunately, more than ever birds need our help to restore declining populations and to reduce threats which have significantly decreased their numbers over the decades. These threats include the loss of habitat, the overuse of pesticides, light pollution, building collisions and cat predation. Over the past fifty years It is estimated these human interventions have contributed to the loss of close to 3 billion breeding birds across Canada and the United States.
Recently a dedicated group of bird supporters known as Bird Friendly Orillia set out to identify and reduce these threats. In doing so, they will also pursue certification for Orillia as a Bird Friendly City. Team Members come from a number of local environmental and nature organizations, including the Orillia Naturalists’ Club, Green Orillia, the Couchiching Conservancy, Orillia Bee City and Sustainable Orillia. Their shared goal is to create a healthier environment for migrating and resident avian species, while earning Nature Canada’s certification for Orillia as a Bird Friendly City.
Public interest in our local bird population was heightened during a week of activities leading up to World Migratory Bird Day Saturday, May 14. Some groups coordinated nature walks, others hosted nature talks, the library created displays of relevant reading material, to name just a few. The focus was on our local birds and how we can provide a safer haven for them, whether they are just passing through, spending the season, or resident all year long. The uptick and interest in learning about our local bird population was a gratifying and important first step in understanding what all can do to help local bird species survive and thrive.
Nature Canada has laid out comprehensive criteria for certification as a Bird Friendly City. There are five mandatory criteria including receiving support for this initiative from Orillia City Council. There are an additional 25 criteria ranging from actions to protect habitats to educational and outreach programs designed to engage residents in bird friendly activities. Each factor is weighted. Points are awarded for each, and the total score will ultimately determine eligibility for the designation by Nature Canada. For some, it may seem like a lot of red tape; however, much of the criteria is common sense and reflects the same kind of caring and thoughtful approach undertaken several years ago, when Orillia was confirmed as a Bee City Canada.
There’s a lot of confidence among group members Orillia will receive this designation. Equally important, Bird Friendly members believe it will bolster awareness and actions that will not just mitigate threats for birdlife, but protect and restore habitats so local bird populations can thrive. This, among all the factors, is the number one priority and must be the central consideration in all future requests for land development.
Orillia is a natural for this recognition. We are situated on a main migratory flight path, surrounded by expansive woods, grasslands and water. Most of us can’t step out of our homes without hearing and seeing dozens of birds in our tree canopy or hopping about our lawns, gardens and windowsills. In many cultures, the presence of birds is considered good fortune and if that is the case, we are fortunate indeed. As responsible stewards, we need to do what we can to preserve that good fortune.
Information about how you can participate can also be found on the Bird Friendly Orillia Instagram.
(Photos by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia and Supplied)
