Pelee Island Bird Observatory

06/02/2026

The 2026 spring banding season wrapped up Sunday, but PIBO will continue with special monitoring projects until fall migration! - PIBO staff also conduct marsh monitoring right here on Pelee Island? PIBO began taking part in this program in 2007. Last week, our team was joined by researchers from Trent University, who regularly visit the island to carry out important salamander research.

The Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program is a long‑term initiative that brings together hundreds of volunteer community scientists.

This program collects essential data on the presence and abundance of bird and amphibian species in coastal and inland marshes - helping us better understand these species, their habitats, and how to protect them.

You can take part in this conservation effort too! Check out this link to learn more about the Marsh Monitoring Program 🔗

https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/marsh-monitoring-program

05/29/2026

The spring banding season is already wrapping up this Sunday, and what a week it has been.

Our highlight was without a doubt the capture of a Prothonotary Warbler - a species that breeds on the island and in a few other places nearby, but is only rarely encountered in our nets.

We’re still banding a handful of birds each day, mostly Swainson’s Thrushes and various flycatchers. And even though spring migration is winding down, the island remains full of activity. Both Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos continue to be heard and seen daily.

Today brought an extra surprise at the tip of Fish Point, where we observed an excellent mix of shorebirds, including Semipalmated Plovers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Red Knots, and Dunlins.

Migration may be slowing, but the island is still offering up some spectacular moments! **Note: PIBO banding takes place under federal scientific permits issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service and PIBO strictly follows the ethical guidelines set by the North American Banding Council. Wild birds are protected by federal legislation and should not be handled without proper permits and training**

05/25/2026

Our banding effort has quietened since May 20th. We had been catching ten to twenty birds each morning. We banded a total of 22 birds this morning (May 24) including Yellow, Tennessee, Magnolia Warblers, and a Mourning Warbler. A total of 73 species including 18 warbler species was recorded for the morning. Many Swainson's Thrushes had been seen in the area, but they were feeding high up. On the census lots of flycatchers and vireos were observed.

05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day! 💚🐢This spring, our team has helped several turtles safely cross Pelee Island roads! Because turtles reach sexual maturity very late, every adult turtle lost to road mortality is a major setback for local populations. Turtles are important indicator species as they play a key role in ecosystems.

Here’s how you can help protect turtles and other wildlife:

👀Watch for wildlife on roads, especially during spring and fall movement periods

🙌Support reptile and amphibian conservation programs

📝Record wildlife on roads via .org

🛜Visit https://wildlifeonroads.com to learn more!

05/22/2026

Purple Martins are a beloved species here on Pelee Island. As you drive around, you’ll notice many landowners supporting them with specialized, multi‑compartment houses built to host entire colonies of these large, beautiful swallows.

Right now, Purple Martins are busy collecting nesting materials and pairing up for the season. PIBO has been monitoring Purple Martin nests on the island for over five years. Our observations show that eggs are usually laid in late May and early June, with young fledging about two and a half weeks later.

Your support helps us continue our work - visit the link in our bio to learn more!

05/22/2026

It was the first evening (May 21) a swarm of midges has shown up. After a Common Nighthawk was spotted, a total of thirty nighthawks flying around was seen in the dusk sky. They slowly moved to the east.
(Photo: Common Nighthawk)

05/19/2026

On May 19th forty-seven Hudsonian Whimbrels were resting at the tip along with a couple of Ruddy Turnstones and other shorebirds. I like listening to shirebirds which is different sound from songbirds. A group of at least seven Yellow-billed Cuckoos and quite a few Philadelphia Vireos were also seen at the tip.
(Photo: A group of Hudsonian Whimbrels and three Yellow-billed Cuckoo together.)

05/19/2026

On behalf of the Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) Board of Directors, we would like to announce the launch of a search for a new Executive Director.

As PIBO enters an important phase of growth with the opening of the Bird Centre and continued expansion of its research, education, and community programs, the Board has approved the launch of a search for a new Executive Director to help lead the organization’s next chapter.

This newly defined Executive Director role reflects PIBO’s evolving strategic, fundraising, partnership, and operational needs as the organization transitions from a primarily volunteer-driven model to a more sustainable and professionally structured conservation organization.

Suzanne will continue to play a vital leadership role within PIBO, with a focus on strengthening organizational operations and advancing regional programs as the organization continues to grow and expand its impact.

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