SARS and Songs
Birding and Bird Surveys for the Environmental Professional
May 19 -21 and 22 - 24, 2026
These 3-day courses will explore various habitats on and off the Canadian shield, providing in-depth experience with over 150 species by sight and song, with a special effort to see as many Species at Risk as possible. Through repeated exposure and practice, students will learn how to identify birds by sight, song, and call and the habitats in which they are typically found. This will be an excellent grounding for people working in biological survey work. Most days will start early (0400h) and go till the afternoon, followed by the afternoon off and optional early evening outings.
Highlights include:
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Exploring wetlands, alvars, grasslands, forests, and other ecosystems for high species diversity
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Targeted searches for endangered birds like Loggerhead Shrike, Piping Plover, and Whip-poor-will
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Developing expertise in visual and acoustic identification of birds
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Learning about habitat associations and the conservation status of species
The Course at a Glance
Day One
We will begin early on the Shield, starting at Sheffield CA and working south through the edge of the Shield habitats. This is an area with a high diversity of species, so we should encounter lots of birds.
Day Two
We start at dawn on the Napanee Plain Alvar, home of the Endangered Loggerhead Shrike and many other grassland species. Later in the morning, we will explore the area's woods and marshes before heading west to the Presqu’ile area.
Day Three
We will start early in the Presqu’ile Bay wetland complex, searching for American and Least Bittern, rails, Marsh Wrens and other wetland specialists. Afterward, we will check the Presqu’ile Beach for the Endangered Piping Plover and other arctic-bound shorebirds. The remainder of the morning will be spent looking for land birds, including Red-headed Woodpeckers (Endangered). After dinner, we will check out a few local grassland areas, ending at dusk listening for Whip-poor-will (Endangered) and Common Nighthawk (Endangered).
Location and Accommodations
We will stay at the Napanee Comfort Inn on the evenings of May 24 and 25 and the Trenton Comfort Inn on the evenings of May 26 and 27. Participants are responsible for booking their accommodations.
