Our first Green Drinks night with the staff of PIBO | The Pelee Island Bird Observatory

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Home
About PIBO
Research
Outreach
Events
News
Newsletter
PIBO Shop
Get Involved
Contact
- Connect with PIBO
- Visit PIBO

Home
About PIBO
Research
Outreach
Events
News
Newsletter
PIBO Shop
Get Involved
Contact
- Connect with PIBO
- Visit PIBO

Photos by Mike Kovaliv Photography

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Contact

We’re happy to share our expertise about birds, migration patterns, wildlife conservation and related topics.

Please contact us for media interviews, to plan your visit, or with your questions.

General Mail
(administrative, fundraising, events, media, education)
P.O. Box 24001 Market Square
Windsor, ON N8Y 4Y8
(519) 724-2829

Our Photographers

Thank you to Paul Jones, Mike V.A. Burrell, Richard K. Cooper, Sumiko Onishi, and all the talented and persistent bird photographers who generously shared their images with PIBO to enhance your enjoyment of this website.

Newsletter

We love to connect! Please add yourself to our email newsletter list.

peleebird

PIBO is a charity devoted to the study and conservation of birds.

It’s National Wildlife Week (April 5-9), a reminde

It’s National Wildlife Week (April 5-9), a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us! On Pelee Island, we’re lucky to live among some of the rarest species in the entire country.

Pelee Island’s alvars, wetlands, and warm southern microclimate create conditions unlike anywhere else in the country, making this small island a critical refuge for species at risk and a priority for conservation. It is home to globally significant habitats and several species that can be found nowhere else in Canada.

Small‑mouthed Salamander (Ambystoma texanum) - Endangered in Canada, this secretive amphibian is another species whose only ‘Canadian population’ lives on Pelee Island. It depends on the island’s vernal pools and intact forest patches.

Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor ssp. foxii) - Endangered in Canada, the Blue Racer is a large, sleek, grey‑blue snake. It is one of the rarest reptiles in the country.

Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata) - Critically imperiled in Canada, this soft‑leaved native plant grows in Canada only on Pelee Island. Its presence highlights just how unique the island’s ecosystems are.

Protecting biodiversity in Canada requires the protection of Pelee Island. A small place with large ecological importance!

How You Can Celebrate Wildlife Week - (year-round)!

• Learn about local species at risk by joining a local guided hike

• Support conservation groups working on the island

• Always drive slowly and stay alert for wildlife on roads

• Participate in community science projects

• Share your love for Pelee Island’s biodiversity with others - we’d love to hear your favourite Pelee Island wildlife memories in the comments!

Stay tuned to learn more about Pelee Island’s Wildlife each Wednesday for #WildlifeWednesday!

#wildlifeweek #biodiversity #ontario #essexcounty

Join the Pelee Island Bird Observatory for a Sprin

Join the Pelee Island Bird Observatory for a Spring Ephemerals Walk!

On April 18 at 2:00 PM, we’ll take a gentle guided walk through Fish Point Nature Reserve to welcome the early signs of spring. Along the way, we’ll look for returning migrants, spot the first wildflowers of the season, and explore the fascinating world of vernal pools.

We’ll also share resources to help you learn more about these rare and critically important ecosystems - and how you can help protect them.

This guided walk will run for two hours, giving you plenty of time to explore. If you have any questions, please contact Emma Gignac, PIBO Engagement Coordinator at emma.gignac@pibo.ca.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#Birds #VernalPools #essexcounty #nature #ontario @mivernalpools

With PIBO’s next migration monitoring season offic

With PIBO’s next migration monitoring season officially underway, our daily census is now running from April through June. Before banding kicks off on April 15, we’re taking a moment to look back at some standout moments from 2025!

Last year, PIBO banded over 290 Swainson’s Thrushes, giving us valuable insight into their health, migration timing, and movement patterns. This shy forest bird is often heard rather than seen, thanks to its clear, fluted song echoing through the woods.

This is the second feature in our Top Birds Banded series - stay tuned for more highlights. Think you can guess which species claimed the top spot in 2025? It might surprise you.

#Migration #2025 #discoveron #PeleeIsland #Birds

Before PIBO’s next banding season begins on April

Before PIBO’s next banding season begins on April 15th, we’re taking a moment to look back at some highlights from 2025!

Last year, PIBO banded over 200 White‑throated Sparrows, giving valuable insight into their health, migration timing, and movement patterns. This familiar forest bird is loved for its clear, whistled song and its two distinct colour forms - the white‑striped and tan‑striped morphs.

This is the first feature in our “Top Birds Banded” series. Stay tuned for the next posts. See if you can guess which species took the top spot in 2025. It was a surprising one! #Migration #2025 #MigrationMonitoring #PeleeIsland Sparrow

This World Water Day, we’re celebrating Lake Erie

This World Water Day, we’re celebrating Lake Erie and the freshwater ecosystems that sustain the birds, wildlife, and people of Pelee Island! PIBO’s new Engagement Coordinator, Emma, isn’t just a passionate advocate for birds - she also volunteers as a board member with Watersheds Canada (@watershedscanada ), supporting their work to protect and restore shorelines and freshwater habitats across the country.

If you’re an Islander or a landowner in Essex County interested in improving or naturalizing your shoreline, reach out to explore restoration options that support healthy, resilient landscapes. Together, we can protect the water that makes Pelee Island such a special place!

#WorldWaterDay #JournéeMondialeDelEau #greatlakes #PeleeIsland

It’s Wildlife Wednesday! This week we’re sharing a

It’s Wildlife Wednesday! This week we’re sharing a fun and insightful video all about making peace with Canada Geese - a perfect fit for anyone who’s ever tip‑toed past a gaggle of geese!

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUKQJU2_MJg

Discover why geese behave the way they do and how we can keep both them and ourselves safe!

#WildlifeWednesday #PeleeIslandBirdObservatory #CanadaGeese #birds

Every spring, we wait for the return of the Purple

Every spring, we wait for the return of the Purple Martins, North America’s largest swallow and a cherished species on Pelee Island.

#DYK you can follow their journey in real time? The @purplemartinconservation ’s Scout Arrival Study lets you see when they are first spotted across the continent, helping you predict when they’ll reach your area!

Purple Martins depend on human‑provided housing in much of eastern North America. Knowing when they’re on the move helps nest box owners prepare their colonies and support a successful breeding season! 🐦🩷🐦

🔗 Track the migration: https://www.purplemartin.org/research/8/scout-arrival-study/

#PeleeIslandBirdObservatory #PurpleMartins #Migration #BirdConservation

Pelee Island Bird Observatory is hiring! 🐦 Are yo

Pelee Island Bird Observatory is hiring! 🐦
Are you passionate about birds, conservation, and community engagement? We’re looking for enthusiastic environmentalists to join our team!
🌿Avian Field Assistant
Work at our Pelee Island field station supporting migration research, data management, field logistics, and on‑island education programs.
🌿 Bird‑Friendly Windsor Project - Education Outreach Coordinator
Help lead a Bird Friendly Windsor project by creating educational graphics and videos, supporting World Migratory Bird Day events, engaging with local businesses, assisting with citizen science programs, and helping reduce window collisions across the city. If you’re ready to make a real impact for migratory birds across Pelee Island and Windsor, we want to hear from you.
👉 Apply today and be part of the PIBO team! #birds #hiring #summerstudent #peleeisland #ontario

Snow Buntings aren’t a species most people associa

Snow Buntings aren’t a species most people associate with southern Pelee Island, but migration brings remarkable visitors in every season.

This winter, a flock of 40 Snow Buntings was recorded during the Pelee Island Christmas Bird Count - just one highlight among the 23,655 birds of 75 species observed by volunteers across the Lake Erie islands.

As spring approaches, these Arctic travellers - along with species like Snow Geese - have already begun their journey back to their northern breeding grounds. We look forward to welcoming them again when winter returns. #wildlifewednesday

#PeleeIsland #Ontario #Migration #ChristmasBirdCount

Discover a one‑of‑a‑kind international internship

Discover a one‑of‑a‑kind international internship at the Pelee Island Bird Observatory. You’ll join a passionate team studying migratory birds in one of Canada’s most peaceful and biodiverse landscapes. Accommodations are included, and the experience offers real field experience, professional growth, and unforgettable time in nature.

Full internship description on Ornithology Exchange. Please email suzanne.friemann@pibo.ca for consideration.

#PeleeIsland #Birds #WildlifeResearch #FieldBiology #Internship

It’s World Wildlife Day! Today we celebrate the in

It’s World Wildlife Day! Today we celebrate the incredible diversity of life. Pelee Island is recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area, a globally significant site for conservation. Some species, like the Blue Racer, Small‑mouthed Salamander, and Downy Wood Mint, exist in Canada only on Pelee Island.

At PIBO, we conduct long-term migration monitoring and provide educational opportunities that inspire community involvement in local conservation efforts. We’re excited to highlight the unique wildlife that makes Pelee Island so special.

Today is a great moment to reflect on how each of us can help protect wildlife in 2026 and beyond. #Wildlife #WWD2026 #Biodiversity #Nature #Canada

Spring is almost here, and so is the Pelee Island

Spring is almost here, and so is the Pelee Island Ferry Service - returning April 1st! That means migration season is about to begin, and PIBO launches its 22nd year of monitoring on the same day.
Daily census work starts April 1st, with banding beginning April 15th. Big things are coming for PIBO in 2026, and we’re excited to bring you along for every moment. Stay tuned for updates from the Island! #Migration #PeleeIsland #EssexCounty #EssexCountyTourism #Birds

Tonight’s the night! We’re looking forward to an e

Tonight’s the night! We’re looking forward to an evening to celebrate birds, books and conversation with Margaret Atwood as the guest of honour.

Thank you to our generous hosts, sponsors and guests for making this possible.
#forthebirds #margaretatwood

Photo curtesy of Bar Chouette

On Thursday, Calgary is coming together For the Bi

On Thursday, Calgary is coming together For the Birds! - an evening with Margaret Atwood in support of PIBO’s work to protect migratory birds across the hemisphere.

Funds raised will help PIBO open our new Bird Centre and support the science, education, and conservation programs that protect the birds we all share.

We’re grateful to the Calgary community for lending its voice- and it’s generosity- to this important work.

#birdsconnectus #forthebirds #peleeislandbirdobservatory #migrationmatters #margaretatwood

We’re excited to be part of a very special evening

We’re excited to be part of a very special evening in Calgary on December 11: For the Birds~a celebration of birds, books, and conservation with Margaret Atwood as guest of honour.

This intimate gathering brings together Calgary’s community leaders to support the work of the Pelee Island Bird Observatory, located at one of North America’s most important migratory pathways.

Funds raised will help PIBO open our new Bird Centre and support the science, education, and conservation programs that protect the birds we all share.

Thank you to our generous hosts, sponsors and guests for making this possible.

#ForTheBirds #MargaretAtwood #PIBO #birdconservation #yycevents #peleeislandbirdobservatory

#givingtuesdayca

#givingtuesdayca

Purchase a ticket for our very first 50/50 raffle

Purchase a ticket for our very first 50/50 raffle and support PIBO’s mission to monitor the migratory birds on Pelee Island and deliver outreach and educational programming.
#birdraffle #raffleforthebirds #50/50raffle #pibo #peleeisland #5050

Join us for global bird rescue week. Send us a DM

Join us for global bird rescue week. Send us a DM if you’d like to join our walks in Windsor.
#globalbirdrescueweek

September 6 is #internationalvultureawarenessday.

September 6 is #internationalvultureawarenessday. Here in SW Ontario, the Turkey vulture is a common site. Vultures are dedicated parents and both male and female vultures typically take turns incubating their eggs and are equally involved in raising their chicks. #turkeyvultures #ontariobirds #peleeisland #loveavulturetoday #VultureDay

Watching Chimney swifts is a joyous event with @vo

Watching Chimney swifts is a joyous event with @vortexcanadabirding binoculars! Looking back at a recent Swift Watch night with Birds Canada.
#birdwatching
#chimneyswifts
#birdsofwindsoressex
#birdfriendywindsor

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Home
About PIBO
Research
Outreach
Volunteer
Events
News
Email Newsletter
Shop
Contact PIBO

Home
About PIBO
Research
Outreach
Volunteer
Events
News
Email Newsletter
Shop
Contact PIBO

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