Bird Friendly Calgary

05/31/2026

The value of native plants for birds; the vast majority of native insects that eat plants require native plants that they have coevolved with as host plants and those same insects are the foundation for a whole lot of other critters! With the exception of goldfinches and house finches, all other songbirds feed their babies insects, and lots of them! Each nest will need thousands of caterpillars and larvae to raise the next generation of birds just to fledging! Help support our birds but supporting our bugs and what better way than planting more native plants!
This pic shows a police car moth caterpillar that feeds on Mertensia (aka tall lungwort or tall bluebells). While they do have some toxicity, it’s not enough to stop all the birds! ❤️🐛🐦‍⬛

05/26/2026

Such a cool idea.

Scotland passed a law that will require “nest bricks” to be included in all new buildings. These special blocks are built into facades and serve as a safe shelter for urban birds, especially swifts.

The measure aims to address the sharp decline of these birds, whose population has fallen by nearly 60% since 1995. Experts explain that modern architecture eliminated the cracks and spaces where they used to nest.

The bricks do not affect the insulation of homes and also provide benefits for people, since a single swift can eat thousands of mosquitoes a day, helping control insects naturally.

05/22/2026

Thanks to one of our partners, Calgary Urban Species Response Team for rescuing this beauty after striking a window in downtown Calgary! Did you know a dedicated group of volunteers is out every morning (and sometimes afternoon) searching for bats, birds and other wildlife that has found themselves in trouble downtown from window strikes and other urban hazards? Pretty awesome team and this owl is but one life they have had a part in rescuing ❤️

Species: Northern Saw-whet Owl
Patient Number: 383 of 2026
Reason for Admission: Window Strike

Giant thanks to Calgary Urban Species Response Team for spotting this wee one and getting it to us for treatment!

05/22/2026

Happy ! It's easy to dismiss the importance of all the living things we share our world with but they are out there helping keep our ecosystems functioning without us even paying attention! Thank you City of Calgary – Your Local Government for supporting the proclamation for today! It's a beautiful day to get out and see some biodiversity!

05/20/2026

Provincially, the Christmas Bird Count was a record-breaking success. On a partisan note, how did Calgary, one of Canada’s first certified Bird-Friendly Cities, get out numbered on the volunteer side by Edmonton? We need to step it up next time!

05/18/2026

Experts know: mark your windows with tightly-spaced graphics (in this case, 5X5 cm grid of Feather Friendly tm) decals to reduce bird strikes.

05/17/2026

The is taking place now! Help raise money for research and conservation with .canada and be a bird nerd at the same time! For more information visit birdscanada.org

05/17/2026

The Great Canadian Birdathon is taking place now! Help raise funds for bird research and conservation for Birds Canada and take an opportunity to get out and bird at the same time! For more information go to:

"Canadians of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are getting into birding. Here’s how you can unleash your inner birder and connect with the natural world!"

05/15/2026

Canada geese get a lot of flack for being jerks but they're actually just being really good parents! Not only will they raise their own babies but you can give them others and they will protect them like their own ❤️https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HLVKTXkEt/

05/15/2026

Window strikes are so easy to prevent! Simply marking the entire surface of the window on the outside so birds can see the full barrier is all it takes. Some people are concerned their view will be obstructed but your own vision adjusts to look past the dots or markings to still have a great view and you get to know you could be saving so many lives.