416-738-4137

Carolyn H.
Carolyn H.
Client
Read More
"As Always they have done a marvelous job.. Jon and his crew were wonderful."
Madeleine J.
Madeleine J.
Client
Read More
"Beautiful Trees provided a super service taming my shrubs and trees. I will call on them again in the future."
Vince Minnella
Vince Minnella
Client
Read More
"Beautiful Tree company has cut down several trees for me and my neighbours, always a pleasure dealing with Johl and his crew!"
Robert Bruce
Robert Bruce
Client
Read More
"Highly recommend them if you want a knowledgeable and professional team at your property."
Susan Steels
Susan Steels
Client
Read More
"We have used several tree companies over the year to keep our Haliburton ON cottage safe while maintaining the natural beauty of the property. BEAUTIFUL TREES is by far the best service we have used ..."
Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith
Client
Read More
"Professional staff who performed all services with the customer's best interest in mind. Excellent design, plant selection and installation. I enthusiastically recommend Beautiful Trees Inc without any hesitation."
Barb Blackstock
Barb Blackstock
Client
Read More
"Johl and Jon and the crew were wonderful to work with, such a competent and experienced group of arborists, they really take pride in their work. Our trees look great and the yard was cleaned as if they were not even there...."
Previous
Next

When Breeding Bird Surveys are Required

White Throated Sparrow
Photo: White Throated Sparrow by Andy Holmes

Red Winged Blackbird

Many construction tenders, especially land clearing works, have special provisions for breeding bird surveys during the nesting season. Green Bird Horticultural Ltd. (A Devison of Beautiful Trees), provides prompt response times and scheduling to meet special provision requirements and ensure that migratory bird species are not disturbed or harmed because of construction activities.

Canada is the seasonal home to over 450 native migratory bird species, with 390 species protected under the 1994 Migratory Birds Convention Act (MCBA) and the 2022 Migratory Bird Regulations (MBR) to prevent population declines. It is unlawful to capture, kill, injure, or disturb migratory birds, their eggs and their nest once listed under the MBCA.

Before a contractor begins developing or clearing land during the breeding season, a nesting bird survey should be conducted by a Qualified Biologist who understands the legal implications and has the expertise to ensure these birds are not disrupted. The breeding season for birds in southern Ontario is designated to begin as early as late March and extends to late August, depending on the zone.

The Nesting Period

The best way to adhere to the MBCA is to conduct land clearing projects outside of the active breeding window for protected species (September to late March). The nesting period begins when a bird has laid its first egg and ends when the young have naturally left the nest vicinity (fledged) and can survive on their own. During this period there is a higher chance of discovering, and therefore impacting, the listed birds. The nesting period is important as nests provide a place for egg-laying, incubation, and rearing offspring, while decreasing the chance of predation and increasing reproductive success. 

To assist individuals with determining when a bird protected by the MBCA might be nesting, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has highlighted specific geographical areas as nesting zones that roughly correspond to Bird Conservation Regions. These zones identify the general nesting period of the migratory birds in this area. ECCC has identified five zones within Canada, Zones A through D and N. Ontario is classified as part of Zone C (C1 to C6), where the nesting period occurs from the earliest at late march and can extend until late August.

Breeding Bird Surveys Areas
Breeding Bird Surveys
Legend for map of nesting birds C1

Why is it important to obtain a Qualified Biologist?

 

Breeding Bird Survey Field

Conducting these surveys requires an understanding of bird biology because trees, shrubs and grassy areas provide habitat options that can host a wide range of bird species, each with their own nesting preferences.

An empty nest doesn’t always indicate a nest is not in use, as some birds return each year to reuse the same nest, while others will return to use the same nest multiple times in a breeding season. An empty nest may also indicate eggs are soon to be laid, and removing this nest could present problems for the bird if it cannot rebuild its nest in time.

When it is not possible to wait until the nesting period had concluded, a survey should be conducted within 24 hours or immediately before land clearing or land disturbance work is conducted.

Meeting The Requirements for Breeding Bird Survey

Contact Us Today

Contact Us Today for Quality, Professional, and Experienced Tree care. Where you and your green space are our number one priority.

Acquiring a nesting bird survey by a Qualified Biologist will ensure the proper protocol is followed, ensuring your project gets started quickly, and Canada’s native migratory birds remain safe. At Green Bird Horticultural Ltd., our qualified biologists can perform time-sensitive, breeding bird surveys to help protect breeding birds for your project.

ISA Certified Arborist Badge

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Spring Flowers
Beautiful Trees

Tree & Shrub Health for Spring 2023

As you watch the snow melting and receding from lawns and gardens, you may be wondering what spring 2023 has in store for tree and shrub health this year. At Green Bird Horticultural and Beautiful Trees, our highly skilled horticulturalists and arborists have been working in the landscape all winter and are excited to have a front row seat to watch the awakening of nature’s most anticipated show.

Read More »

Contact Us Today

Contact Us Today for Quality, Professional, and Experienced Tree care. Where you and your green space are our number one priority.

ISA Certified Arborist Badge