Monitoring Status and Trends It is important to understand the status and trends of bird populations at Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in Canada. If bird populations decline over time, this is a good indicator that the environments they depend upon are becoming less healthy or supportive. Bird monitoring programs are designed to provide reliable and accurate information about bird populations as they change over time. This information is required to identify Important Bird Areas, and to conserve birds and critical habitats at IBAs into the future. Bird Studies Canada collaborates with conservation partners to deliver a wide variety of international, national, and regional bird monitoring programs. In almost all cases, volunteers are key contributors of bird population information – you can even participate from your own backyard! Specific protocols for monitoring birds at IBAs are in development and will leverage and adapt existing monitoring programs that are directly relevant to the IBA Program. Since these programs were developed for broader uses, they are all the more valuable for tracking changes in bird populations, and for re-connecting people with nature. IBA Caretaker Networks are active in many regions of Canada and will allow us to start reporting on the status and trends of sites nationwide. Working alongside experts, this network of volunteers will conduct IBA assessments and help keep information about the status of our IBAs current.
	Snowy Owl Photo: © Graeme Purdy Whooping Crane Photo: © iStock Photo

The IBA Program is an international conservation initiative coordinated by BirdLife International. The Canadian co-partners for the IBA Program are Birds Canada and Nature Canada.