How You Can Help
The Birds Need You
A non-profit organization such as RPBO relies heavily on the time and commitment of our members, donors and volunteer workforce. You are the key to our success!
Whether you are an IT professional, retired teacher, biologist, carpenter, birder, nurse, student, or something else, you likely have skills that we could put to use.
Follow below to learn more.
Found a wild bird with a band?
Whether you find a band on the ground, spot a bird wearing either a leg or neck band(s), or even if you see a deceased bird with bands, it is so very important that you report it if you can. Take photos, and note the number and colours of the bands and the ID number (whole or partial) if possible. Please do not handle deceased birds with bare hands.
Please Report Bands to reportband.gov
or by phone (toll free): 1-800-327-BAND (1-800-327-2263)
More information: Government of Canada - Report a Banded Bird
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Canada Geese: If you see Canada Geese with "P" series collars, please report them to Vancouver Island University's Goose Project.
Purple Martins The BC Purple Martin Stewardship and Recovery Program was launched in 2002 in an effort to increase the number of nesting pairs of these birds in BC. If you spot one or two bands please report them using the procedures outlined above. If you are interested in observing and reporting more bands, please contact pmartins@island.net.
From the U.S. Geological Survey and Canadian Wildlife Service:
The North American Bird Banding Program
Bird banding is important for studying the movement, survival and behavior of birds. About 60 million birds representing hundreds of species have been banded in North America since 1904. About 4 million bands have been recovered and reported. Data from banded birds are used in monitoring populations, setting hunting regulations, restoring endangered species, studying effects of environmental contaminants, and addressing such issues as Avian Influenza, bird hazards at airports, and crop depredations. Results from banding studies support national and international bird conservation programs such as Partners in Flight, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and Wetlands for the Americas.
The North American Bird Banding Program is under the general direction of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Cooperators include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mexico's National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity and Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources; other federal, state and provincial conservation agencies; universities; amateur ornithologists; bird observatories; nature centers; non-governmental organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and the National Audubon Society; environmental consulting firms and other private sector businesses.
However, the most important partner in this cooperative venture is you, the person who voluntarily reported a recovered band. Thank you for your help.
Found a sick or injured wild bird?
To report a dead or sick wild bird in British Columbia, call the 24/7 Wild Avian Mortality Investigation Hotline at 1-866-431-BIRD (2473). This line is used to monitor diseases like Avian Influenza.
Keep these crucial details in mind when making a report:
- What to Report: Deceased waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans), raptors, scavengers (gulls, crows), or any situation where multiple dead birds are found together.
- Safety First: Do not touch the carcass. If you must handle one, always wear disposable gloves or use an inverted plastic bag and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- Alternative Method: You can also report details and track submissions directly via the CWHC Online Reporting Tool.
This dashboard is helpful in pinpointing areas where the avian flu has been found and the species that have been affected: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/8c6c84718e5748179102a0be2368029a#
Even if it looks like there have been no recent cases on the island, it is still worth reporting the bird.