About BBO
Established in 1984, the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) is the second oldest migration monitoring observatory in Canada. Our extensive long-term datasets enable the BBO to track changes in bird populations, migratory routes, breeding success, and survivorship. It is a nonprofit organization, funded entirely by generous grants, donations and public support.
The field season is from May to early November. During this time, staff and occasional volunteers live on-site as they perform research and monitoring. We collaborate and share data with a number of organizations, and are part of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. During the winter, we operate our educational BirdSmart program, which reaches thousands of students every year.
BBO is situated within the Beaverhill Natural Area and acts as a steward for:
- An internationally recognized Important Bird Area, where more than 270 species have been reported, 145 of which are known to breed locally!
- A wetland of international significance, designated as a RAMSAR site in 1987.
- A National Nature Viewpoint designated by Nature Canada
- A valuable multi-purpose provincial natural area, used for research, education, conservation, and recreational enjoyment of the outdoors.
When you are birding in the Natural Area please remember to follow the ABA Code of Birding Ethics, which was generously produced by the American Birding Association (ABA).
“Our mission is to promote the conservation of our natural heritage through engagement in education, research, and community activities that foster knowledge and appreciation of natural history in Alberta and elsewhere, with a special emphasis on migratory bird species of the Beaverhill Lake area”.
EDI Statement
At the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) we believe that there is a place for everyone in the conservation community. We strive to ensure our organization provides a welcoming, equitable and inclusive environment for all.
As an organization, our current initiatives include:
- Developing partnerships with organizations that serve communities underrepresented in conservation sciences;
- Continuing to offer the Young Ornithologist Workshop at no cost to participants
- Spots have been designated for youth who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People Of Colour.
- Pursuing grants that enable us to run community outreach programs
- Offering paid internship programs to post secondary students; and
- Providing opportunities for volunteers to build field skills
If you would like to work with us, or have an idea for how we could achieve our goals, please
send us an email at info@beaverhillbirds.com. We would love to hear from you!
Territorial Acknowledgments
Beaverhill Bird Observatory is located within Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous Nations, including the Plains Cree, Métis, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakoda Sioux People, who are the original stewards of the Beaverhill Lake area since time immemorial.
Please take some time to visit the Beaver Hills Biosphere story map to learn more about the history of this territory.