VANCOUVER BIRD WEEK Celebrates

KEYOPPORTUNITIESPROTECT ANDRESTORE HABITATVancouver is known for its proximity tostunning natural environments: mature forests,riparian corridors, coastal shorelines andintertidal zones provide habitat for a diversity ofbirds and make the city a beautiful place to live.Vancouver’s world-class parks such as StanleyPark, Jericho Beach Park and Queen ElizabethPark attract an abundance and diversity of birdsand people.Stanley Park, Vancouver’s largest park, attracts thehighest diversity of birds in the city.Stanley Park, Vancouver’s largest park and anational historic site of Canada, is an excellentexample of ongoing protection and maintenanceof existing bird habitat in an urban centre.Through a partnership between Stanley ParkEcology Society and the Vancouver ParkBoard, best management practices for speciesof significance including nesting eagles, smallowls, cavity nesting birds and migratory birds,have been developed and implemented. Thispartnership is a model that is being replicatedto promote the protection and restoration ofhabitat for birds throughout the city.Vancouver Bird StrategyHabitat Island at Southeast False Creek provides habitatand allows people to experience nature in the city.BIRD FRIENDLYDEVELOPMENTVancouver intends to become a global leaderin bird friendly development. Habitat Islandand Hinge Park at Southeast False Creek,created as part of the Olympic Village, is amodel for sustainable urban development thatintegrates nature into the city. A stormwaterfed freshwater wetland and rocky intertidalzone create valuable habitat for waterfowl.Bald Eagles have been spotted perching on thebranches of the Douglas Fir snags at HabitatIsland.Another example of a large-scale developmentthat incorporates bird habitat is the RiverDistrict, showing how Vancouver is takingsteps towards incorporating bird friendlydesign principles into urban development. NewBrighton Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and theArbutus Greenway also provide significantopportunities to improve habitat for birds.10

BIRD WATCHINGAND TOURISMBird watching is one of the fastest growingleisure activities in North America, estimatedto generate billions of dollars in tourism andrecreation industries. According to a 2006 study,more than 1.8 million Canadians participatedin a multi-day bird watching activity withinthe previous two years. The Vancouver areais recognized internationally as a year-roundhotspot for birds and a desirable destinationfor bird watchers. Although there is very littleresearch on the current economic impact ofbird watchers or birders living in or visitingVancouver, opportunities exist to increasethe awareness of Vancouver as an importantdestination in the birding market.A 2011 report released by the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service which focuses specifically onbirders in the U.S. revealed that bird watchingcontinues to grow in popularity and birdwatchers spent annually up to 41 billion ontravel and equipment to see birds. Promotingbird watching in Vancouver has economic,social and environmental benefits thatcontribute to increasing awareness andstewardship of birds while simultaneouslygrowing the green economy.In the U.S. in 2011, 41 billionwas spent by birdwatchers.For a list of birds that can be seen in greaterVancouver, please refer to Seasonal Check List- Birds of Greater Vancouver (2018) on NatureVancouver’s website(https://naturevancouver.ca).Vancouver Bird Strategy11

key challenges1/habitat lossdue tourbanization2/invasivespecies3/predation anddisturbance bydomestic pets4/5/buildingcollisionsdirect humandisturbance12

KEYCHALLENGESHABITAT LOSS DUETO URBANIZATIONHabitat loss is the leading cause of birdpopulation declines in British Columbia.According to The State of Canada’s Birds, 2019report, habitat loss due to human settlement,industry and forestry has caused a 35%decline in characteristic bird species in thePacific Coast region of Canada since 1970. InVancouver, it is estimated that approximately87% of the forest cover has been replaced withurban development since the 1850’s. As urbandevelopment increases, habitat loss is expectedto become the single largest driver of birdextinction in this century.Scientists have been increasingly interestedin the effects of urbanization on birds andthe relationship is complex. An early study,conducted in Vancouver in 1979, found thatthe total bird density is actually higher in urbanareas than rural areas, but species richness islower, due to the dominance of a few introducedspecies. Therefore, the Vancouver Bird Strategyfocuses on creating the conditions for nativebirds to thrive.A study performed in Vancouver in 2003 foundthat species richness declined in relation toincreasing urbanization. The same study foundthat site-scale habitat features, like mature treesand fruit bearing plants, are correlated withincreased bird diversity. When site-scale habitatfeatures are multiplied across the landscape, theresult is a greener, bird friendly city.Stanley Park is a forest remnant; approximately 87% ofVancouver’s forest cover has been replaced with urbandevelopment since the 1850’s.This issue is now being studied on a globalscale. A 2001 study using the largest existingglobal dataset for birds in cities revealed that,although urbanization has caused declines inbird populations, urban areas still retain endemicnative species. Researchers found that citiesretain about 8% of their native bird species. Ona global scale, cities support close to 20% of theworld’s bird species. This study suggests thatthe conservation and restoration of vegetationwithin urban landscapes could support higherconcentrations of native bird species and provideopportunities for urban wildlife to thrive.Habitat loss has caused a35% declinein characteristic birdspecies in the PacificCoast region of Canadasince 1970.13

INVASIVESPECIESInvasive plants and animals are non-nativeorganisms that spread quickly and posea threat to local ecosystems and species,further contributing to habitat loss. Nativebirds and plants are adapted to each other sowhen invasive plants are introduced in urbanlandscapes they thrive on disturbed sites andoutcompete native plants. Because of this theypose a threat to native birds less adaptable tochange. Native bird species are less abundantwithin urban landscapes where non-nativeunderstorey vegetation is more common thana diversity of native vegetation. Invasive plantsmust be actively managed if native vegetation isto be maintained and native birds are to thrivein our urban forests.The management of invasive plants is a complexissue as it can pose a threat to birds if it disturbsnest sites. Bird breeding windows must beconsidered to reduce operational impacts onbreeding birds and their nests and must ensurethey conform to the federal Migratory BirdsConvention Act (1994) or the BC Wildlife Act.In addition, some invasive plants, particularlyHimalayan Blackberry, can provide food andshelter for some birds, and research shouldinform urban landscape management practices.Invasive and nuisance birds out-compete nativebirds, thereby causing overall bird diversity todecline, but it can be very difficult to excludeinvasive birds. More research is needed toinvestigate the complex problem of invasiveplants and animals and how they impactVancouver’s native bird populations.A House Finch eating invasive blackberries. Invasiveplants must be managed with care as some birds willuse them for nesting and foraging habitat.English ivy is an invasive plant and will outcompetenative plants that provide ideal habitat for native birds.Vancouver Bird Strategy14

PREDATION AND DISTURBANCEBY DOMESTIC PETSPredation by feral and house cats is consideredto be the largest source of direct humanrelated bird mortality, with an estimated lossof 100-350 million birds per year in Canada.The extent of the problem is currently underinvestigation by partners of the Vancouver BirdAdvisory Committee, in order to prioritizeoutreach and education targeting cat ownersand communities.Options to mitigate this loss are complex andcan be controversial. For example, trap, neuterand release programs for feral cat colonies areconsidered to be largely ineffective in reducingcolony size and can be unpopular among localresidents. However, many stewards of these catcolonies and others concerned with cat welfarebelieve this is an acceptable option. Feral catcolonies aren’t prevalent in Vancouver primarilydue to predation by coyotes.Licensing owned, free-ranging cats is anoption which has been undertaken by othermunicipalities in Canada. However, catlicensing has not been evaluated for itseffectiveness in term of administrative andenforcement costs or for its overall benefit tourban bird populations. Keeping cats indoorscan help reduce the threat of bird predationfrom cats and is safer for cats. The BCSPCAand the Stewardship Centre for BC stronglyrecommend keeping cats indoors to protectthem from traffic accidents, contagious diseaseand predation from wild animals.Dogs also pose a threat to birds when they areallowed to run off-leash, causing disturbance,injury or even death to birds. Dogs should bekept on leash except in designated off-leashareas as per the Animal Control Bylaw No.9150. More cost-effective and humane solutionsto minimize predation and disturbance of birdsby domestic pets are needed.It is estimated that100 - 350million birdsdie every year in Canadadue to predation by feraland house cats.15

In Canada, an estimated16-42million birdscollide with glass onbuildings every year.BUILDINGCOLLISIONSAn estimated 16-42 million birds collide withclear and reflective glass on buildings andstructures of all sizes each year in Canada.Of the top ranking sources of mortality, birdcollisions with buildings is a threat for whichthere are well-documented solutions; Vancouvercan play a clear role by implementing BirdFriendly Building Design Guidelines.Recent research indicates that collisions occurin Vancouver year-round, and can be very highin winter, in addition to the migratory periods.A 2017 study looking at patterns of collisionsacross North American, found that theproblem is particularly acute at buildings neargreenspace, so increasing plantings for birdsneeds to be considered with window treatments.Vancouver Bird StrategyDIRECT HUMANDISTURBANCEHuman activity is not always compatible withbird habitat. Activities like off-trail hikingand biking can cause disturbance to birds,particularly ground nesting birds, and trailnetworks can fragment habitat patches. Humansare perceived as a threat by many birds andwhen humans approach, birds will move away,resulting in less time for feeding and tending totheir young. Direct human disturbance is alsoa common issue along shorelines and beacheswhere recreational users can conflict withresting and feeding waterfowl and shorebirds.Even overly aggressive wildlife photographerscan be problematic for birds.Adopting strategies that simultaneously increaserecreational users’ appreciation of the parks theyenjoy and the birds and other nature aroundthem, and minimizing disturbance impactsat key times of year, can cultivate voluntarystewardship and protect important habitatpatches from direct human disturbance.Secondary poisoning of owls and other raptorsis a serious problem, especially since rats are asignificant part of urban owl diets. Rodentsare both a health issue and a structural threat(damage to wiring, insulation, membranes)so rodenticides are widely used to controlthem. However, most rat poisons are bloodthinners that cause rats who consume them tobecome sick and slowly die. In that time, theyoften become prey to other animals, includingpets, passing the toxins up the food chain.To prevent unintended secondary poisoning,alternative but effective control methods areneeded.16

VancouverBird Strategyaction areas1/landscapedesignguidelines3/2/researchand nd education5/economicdevelopmentand tourism17

The Bird Friendly Landscape Design Guidelines(refer to the City webpage for the guidelines andthe explanatory note are intended to protect,enhance and create bird habitat in the city, aswell as reduce threats to birds in the urbanenvironment. The guidelines are targeted towardsdevelopers, planners and designers and publicand private landowners. These guidelines providestrategies to protect birds and enhance theirhabitats and are for use when developing newpublic and private landscapes. These documentswill draw from existing best managementpractices, relevant scientific literature andemerging strategies.CURRENT ACTION Park Board manages parks and street treeswhich include a variety of habitats andnatural and naturalized areas, and supports nonprofit societies to manage natural habitats acrossthe city. The Park Board has had an integrated pestmanagement program (IPM) inplace since 1987 and banned the use ofneonicotinoids in parks in 2014. The City requires or promotes bird habitaton private property through various by-laws(e.g. tree by-law), guidelines (e.g. waterwiselandscape guidelines), and awareness programs. Best Management Practices for Speciesof Significance in Parks are intended forthe management of certain wildlife speciesincluding most bird groups and species at risk.Vancouver Bird SIGNGUIDELINESHinge Park at Southeast False Creek is a model for sustainableurban development that integrates nature into the city. Vancouver Park Board staff are increasinglycollaborating with people from Musqueam,Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh in ecologicalrestoration and management projects that createhabitat for native birds. Stanley Park Invasive Plant Management Planoutlines an invasive plant species managementapproach including priorities and activitiesused in Stanley Park which are transferrable toother Vancouver parks. Stanley Park Forest Management Planincludes guidelines for wildlife, invasivespecies, tree disease, etc. Bird habitat is being created in parks such asHinge, Creekway, Jericho Beach, NewBrighton and the Arbutus Greenway. The City encourages the construction of greenroofs and walls in new developments.18

RECOMMENDATIONS1.1 Apply and promote Bird Friendly LandscapeDesign Guidelines for developers, planners anddesigners and public and private landowners.1.2 Apply the Bird Friendly Landscape DesignGuidelines and Bird Friendly LandscapeOperational Guidelines to parks, schoolgrounds and other civic properties, workingwith City staff and Vancouver School Boardto address potential challenges.1.3 Provide residents greater access to nature bycreating more diverse habitat for birds andother wildlife in neighbourhood parks andother open spaces.BEFORE1.4 Apply and integrate Bird Friendly LandscapeOperational Guidelines into public landoperations and maintenance for staff,stewardship groups and landscapeindustry personnel.1.5 Encourage homeowners to access onlineresources, such as the growgreen guide toecofriendly lawns and gardens in greaterVancouver (growgreenguide.ca), Audubon’sPlants for Birds (audubon.org/plantsforbirds)or Environmental Youth Alliance’s A Guideto Birdscaping (eya.ca) to increase the numberand mix of native plant species.AFTERExample of habitat enhancement for birds at a pond in Vanier Park.Vancouver Bird Strategy19

Collisions with glass are considered to beone of the largest sources of direct humanrelated mortality for birds in North America.Awareness of this problem is growing and theBird Friendly Building Design Guidelines (referto the City webpage for the guidelines andexplanatory note) will help reduce bird deathscaused by collisions with buildings. Birds collidewith clear and reflective glass on buildings andstructures of all sizes, including homes, bridgesand guardrails. Collisions occur day and nightand throughout the GUIDELINESAn example of a bird friendly design in Vancouver.The Bird Friendly Building Design Guidelinesare intended to be used by planners, architects,designers, builders and homeowners to providea basic understanding of bird friendly buildingdesign and to offer practical solutions that canbe applied to new buildings and retrofitexisting structures.CURRENT ACTION The City’s Rezoning Policy for SustainableLarge Developments requires all largedevelopment projects to review opportunitiesto support urban agriculture, trees and othergreen initiatives through the rezoning process.Vancouver Bird StrategyAn example of a bird friendly retrofit in Vancouver. “Seeing Spots” a public art participatoryproject was installed at Aberthau (West PointGrey Community Centre) by the Departmentof Bird Safety collective in 2015. In 2017 Park Board head office windows hadFeather Friendly treatment applied whichvirtually eliminated bird collisions thereafter.20

RECOMMENDATIONS2.1 Apply and promote Bird Friendly BuildingDesign Guidelines for planners, architects,designers, builders and homeowners toprovide a basic understanding of the issueof bird collisions and bird friendly buildingdesign.2.2 Initiate pilot projects on existing civicfacilities to reduce the threat of birdcollisions and further integrate guidelinesinto all new City-owned developmentssuch as child cares, community centresand libraries.Vancouver Bird Strategy2.3 Explore solutions to the impact of lightpollution on birds and select City-ownedbuildings and infrastructure of specialconcern to demonstrate light pollutionreduction.2.4 Promote Royal Astronomical Societyof Canada Dark Sky Urban Star Parkdesignation for Beaver Lake in Stanley Park.21

Research and monitoring of birds in Vancouverhas been pursued by a number of researchersand organizations, however more researchand monitoring is required. Local naturalistsgroups and post-secondary students have beencollecting data, and national initiatives such asChristmas Bird Counts have been ongoing formany years.Data on birds in the city have been increasingwith the growing trend of birders recordingsightings through online resources such aseBird. The primary data management locationfor moni

Bird Strategy January 2015 (Updated December 2020) VANCOUVERcelebrates. Original Illustration by Taryn Cheremkora Foo us on titter VancouverBirds Visit us at staneyparecoogyca MAY -11, 2013 BIRD WEEK SCHEDULE May 1000 O cial launch of Bird Week, interactive bird art proje