Birds, like this barred owl make their home in our Island’s forests and wetlands and are signs of healthy ecosystems. While you might not see them, you may hear them with their distinctive call that sounds like: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all”.   

With their soulful brown eyes, they rely on us to protect their habitats so that they can snooze peacefully on the branches of our Island’s trees.  Caring for the natural spaces across the Island allows birds to find their preferred nesting habitats and when barred owls and other birds thrive, we all thrive. 

As we enter the festive season, there’s a special way to give back to nature: by supporting the birds that call Prince Edward Island their home. These birds are more than just a beautiful part of our landscapes—they play a critical role in our ecosystems. Unfortunately, many of them face serious threats. From habitat loss to climate change, Canada’s bird populations are declining, but with your support, Island Nature Trust is working hard to protect them.

According to The State of Canada’s Birds report, released by Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, several of PEI’s bird species are in steep decline. Shorebirds, including the endangered piping plover, have declined by 42% since 1980. These shorelines and wetlands are crucial breeding and resting grounds for these birds, and habitat loss puts them at great risk. Similarly, aerial insectivores like the bank swallow have been declining due to changes in habitat and food availability, with populations stabilizing but still far below their historical numbers. These species depend on undisturbed coastal areas to survive and thrive.

Conservation Success Stories: There is hope. The State of Canada’s Birds report shows that when we act, bird populations can recover. Birds of prey and wetland birds have made impressive comebacks in other parts of Canada due to focused conservation efforts. These victories remind us that we can make a positive impact on the future of PEI’s birds.

To learn more about bird conservation, you can also refer to The State of Canada’s Birds report, which outlines actions everyone can take to support declining species. https://www.birdscanada.org/introducing-the-state-of-canadas-birds

How You Can Help: Island Nature Trust relies on the support of volunteers and donors to continue our work protecting PEI’s birds and natural habitats. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Donate to Island Nature Trust to help support bird conservation efforts.
• Volunteer as a Coastal Guardian to monitor sensitive nesting sites.
• Reduce threats to birds by keeping outdoor cats contained.

To learn more about bird conservation and how you can help, you can also refer to The State of Canada’s Birds report, which outlines actions everyone can take to support declining species. https://www.birdscanada.org/introducing-the-state-of-canadas-birds

Join Us in Protecting PEI’s Birds This holiday season, we invite you to support PEI’s birds with your donation to Island Nature Trust. Your contribution will help us protect natural spaces and ensure that species like the piping plover and bobolink have a future.

Donate today and help safeguard the critical habitats that birds and other wildlife need to survive. Every dollar counts and supports our ability to protect and steward our Natural Areas.