If you love our fine-feathered friends, join other bird lovers on a guided bird watching hike at Happy Valley Forest on World Migratory Bird Day, Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. Held in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), which will lead the hike, it promises to be an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.
The hike will take place at the Goldie Feldman Reserve in Happy Valley Forest, located at 4093 17th Sideroad, King City. Participants are advised to come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing. Due to limited parking, carpooling is encouraged. Snacks and water will be provided. To register, please use this link.
This year's World Migratory Bird Day focuses on the crucial role of insects in bird migration. Along their migration routes, birds actively seek out insects in fields, forests, wetlands and various habitats during stopovers. The timing of bird migration often aligns with peak insect abundance at these locations, providing essential nourishment for birds to replenish their energy reserves before continuing their journeys. However, the loss and disturbance of insect populations at breeding sites and along avian migration routes pose a significant threat to bird survival and well-being.
Natural spaces like forests and grasslands, which have been transformed or endangered by intensive agriculture and urban development, are particularly susceptible to the decline in insect populations. Factors such as light pollution from urban areas can disrupt ecosystems, while pesticides and herbicides designed to protect crops harm the insects that birds rely on for food. The scarcity of energy- and protein-rich insects can hinder bird migration and breeding, leading to weakened immune systems, reduced reproductive success and increased mortality rates for both adult birds and their offspring.
The guided hike at Happy Valley Forest offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn more about the fascinating world of migratory birds.
For more information, visit Nature Conservancy of Canada's website.
King Township received Bird Friendly Certification from Nature Canada in March 2023 which was followed by an official bird naming contest that resulted in the Black-Capped Chickadee being named King Township’s Official Bird.
I spy with my little eye, something that is (a) blue (jay)
