Northern Ontario's Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL) is one of the last true wilderness areas in eastern North America, and is home to some fascinating bird communities. The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2001-2005) has a goal of determining the distribution and relative abundance of birds throughout the province - including the HBL. We are seeking experienced volunteer birders with canoeing and wilderness survival skills to help complete coverage of northern Ontario, and the HBL in particular. Free flights to remote areas are being made available to assist in obtaining our coverage goals.
For more information, see our web page www.birdsontario.org, or contact us at the address below. On the web page, under "Get Involved", click on "Going North" for an explanation of what's involved, and some suggested trips. On the web page, you can complete an application on-line and send it to us. There are also some articles there from people who have already gone atlassing in the north.
You can apply as an individual or as a member of a team. Teams going into remote northern Ontario will usually consist of four people in two canoes, but there are some opportunities for two-person teams working out of remote communities. At least two people on each team should have good knowledge of birds of the HBL and know songs well enough to undertake point counts, which are an integral part of the atlas project. If you don't have a full team, we will attempt to put you together with others with complementary skills and schedule.
The prime data collection period is mid-June to about July 20. Trips into remote areas should be one to three weeks in duration. Three weeks are required for extended river trips across the lowlands to the Hudson or James Bay coasts. For example, we are hoping that trips will do atlas work on the lowlands along the Sachigo, Severn, Winisk, Ekwan, Attawapiskat, Albany and Moose Rivers during the next three summers.
Of course, if you're visiting Ontario, we're interested in data from anywhere in the province. So check out our web page or contact us at the address below.
Don't wait too long to apply for remote work. There may be a Hawk Owl or a Bohemian Waxwing up there with your name on it!
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas
Blackwood Hall, Room 211
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 2W1
Phone toll free: 1-866-900-7100
E-mail: atlas@uoguelph.ca