What is the Carden Bird Blitz?
The Couchiching Conservancy’s Carden Bird Blitz is an annual event where nearly 60 birders gather at dawn on the Carden Alvar to record as many bird species as possible in a single morning. The data collected is then shared with organizations such as Ontario Parks and the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Both beginner and expert birders are welcome to participate!
Why is the Bird Blitz important?
Ontario bird populations face threats including habitat loss, climate change, and disruptions to migration patterns. By documenting which species are present, absent, or increasing (including invasive species like the European Starling), the Bird Blitz helps us understand how bird communities are changing and where conservation efforts are most needed.
What makes the Carden Alvar special?
Although it may resemble fallow farmland, the Carden Alvar is a rare and ecologically significant habitat formed on limestone bedrock. Its mix of grasses, lichens, shrubs, and wildflowers supports a rich diversity of insects and birds. Some species live there year-round, while others migrate through during the summer.
How does the event work?
The day begins at 6 am with instructions, safety reminders, and a few stories from The Couchiching Conservancy’s Conservation Biologist Toby Rowland. Participants then head out to assigned areas of the Alvar. At each marked station, teams spend five minutes recording every bird they see or hear. Species spotted between stations and any signs of nesting activity are also noted. Once all stations are completed, teams return to the parking area to compare notes, celebrate rare sightings, and enjoy a cold drink.
How do participants identify birds?
Many birders rely on sight and sound alone, while others use the Merlin app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Merlin can identify birds by call using a phone’s microphone. Although helpful, especially when many birds are singing at once, Merlin occasionally misidentifies species so users confirm results with their own observations.
Which birds can be found on the Alvar?
In the open savanna, visitors may hear Grasshopper Sparrows or Killdeer. Marshy areas host species like Wilson’s Snipe and Red-winged Blackbirds. Since many birds nest on the ground, most of the Carden Alvar is normally closed to protect breeding habitat. This makes the Bird Blitz a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Alvar.
What is the experience like for participants?
By late morning, participants head home for lunch or a nap, while Conservancy staff wrap-up the day. Despite the challenges facing Ontario’s ecosystems, the Bird Blitz offers a hopeful reminder that passionate people working together can make a meaningful difference for the lands and species they love.
How is this event different from the Carden Challenge?
The Carden Challenge is a fundraiser and takes place over 24 hours. The Bird Blitz takes place over one morning. The Carden Challenge counts other species and mammals, while the Bird Blitz is focused on birds .
Sign up for our volunteer interest list here and be the first to know how you can join next year!