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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

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PIBO Location

1023 West Shore Road, Pelee Island, ON (map)

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

Research (migration monitoring, banding station, Pelee Island education and outreach)
1023 West Shore Road
Pelee Island, ON N0R 1M0
Canada

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.

PIBO celebrated #EarthDay Windsor‑Essex at Malden

PIBO celebrated #EarthDay Windsor‑Essex at Malden Park last weekend! 🌎

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table - we loved chatting about spring migration, birds and local conservation efforts!

The event brought together more than 60 environmental organizations, along with hands‑on activities, arts and crafts, games, face painting, food vendors, and live entertainment throughout the day!

#PeleeIsland #EarthDay2026 #WindsorEssex Conservation

Thank you to everyone who came out last weekend to

Thank you to everyone who came out last weekend to join PIBO’s Spring Ephemerals Walk! 🌱🌼

Despite the ominous rain clouds, we had a fantastic time exploring vernal pools and discovering tiny treasures like fingernail clams and a red‑spotted newt.

We also learned about spring ephemeral flowers - including Trilliums and Dutchman’s breeches - two species whose seeds are spread by ants through a fascinating mutualism called myrmecochory.

And of course, there were plenty of birds to enjoy, including early spring migrants like yellow‑rumped warblers. An extra special thank‑you to those who shared their local knowledge along the way.

To stay up to date on PIBO’s programming, follow us on social media or check out the Pelee Buzz, which features tons of nature‑focused events.

📷 Thanks for the photos @zoomedin_with_dlee!

#PeleeIsland #Ontario #DiscoverOntario #Nature #Wildlife

Tour the New PIBO Bird Centre! 🐦 Join the Pelee Is

Migration is ramping up and we are seeing new spec

Migration is ramping up and we are seeing new species almost every day! 🐥

Yesterday, on April 23 we caught a handsome male Nashville Warbler before even seeing or hearing one on the island.

The same morning, we also had a female Eastern Towhee, not a rare bird by any means but one that rarely visits our nets.

👍Support our work: link in bio!

**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** #migration #birds #wildlife #canada #warblers ———————————————————————————— La migration est bien commencée et nous observons de nouvelles espèces presque tout les jours!

Le 23 avril nous avons capturé cette charmante Paruline à joues grises mâle. Et ce, sans même ne l'avoir vu ou entendu sur l'île.

La même matinée, nous avons eu ce Tohi à flancs roux femelle. Ce n'est pas une espèce rare, mais bien rarement prise aux filet.

*PIBO procède au baguage sous un permit scientifique fédéral délivré par le Bureau de Baguage d'Oiseaux du Service Canadien de la Faune. Nos pratiques suivent le code d'éthique du Conseil de Baguage Nord Américain. Les oiseaux sauvages sont protégés par une législation fédérale et ne doivent pas être manipulés autrement.

Bird Talk with Dr. Tim Birkhead – May 6! Join PIBO

Bird Talk with Dr. Tim Birkhead - May 6! Join PIBO and the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club (@essexcountynature) for a special evening with world‑renowned ornithologist, author, and educator Dr. Tim Birkhead at the Ojibway Nature Centre.

Dr. Birkhead - author of The Wisdom of Birds and Fellow of the Royal Society - has spent his career studying bird behaviour around the globe.

📅 May 6, 2026
⏰7-9 pm
📍 Ojibway Nature Centre, Windsor
Free event — donations appreciated (QR code)

A fantastic opportunity for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds! #essexcounty #windsor #ontario #migration #birds

Happy Earth Day from Pelee Island Bird Observatory

Happy Earth Day from Pelee Island Bird Observatory! 🌿🐦

Today we’re celebrating the everyday wonders of this blue and green planet - and especially the beauty and biodiversity of Pelee Island. As a designated Key Biodiversity Area, this island provides a safe haven where thousands of migratory birds rest, refuel, and raise their young.

Every bird we band and every quiet moment spent observing nature deepens our understanding and appreciation of the species that depend on this place. It also reminds us how lucky we are to share our days with such incredible wildlife.

We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, supporters, and community members who make this work possible.

It’s a beautiful day to step outside, slow down, and appreciate the joys of spring - a birdsong, a breeze, a budding leaf. Happy Earth Day!
#EarthDay #PeleeIsland #PIBO #BirdConservation MigrationMonitoring LoveTheEarth EverydayNature

The 2026 banding season is officially underway! Af

The 2026 banding season is officially underway! After a windy storm last night and a rainy start to the morning, our team opened nets a little later than usual - but it didn’t take long for the birds to arrive.

Our first bird of the year was a Red‑winged Blackbird, followed by a lively wave of Northern Cardinals that kept the station busy. A great start to what we hope will be an exciting migration season.

We have a fantastic crew this year, and we’re looking forward to sharing more updates, highlights, and discoveries from our monitoring program as the season unfolds. **Note: PIBO banding takes place under federal scientific permits issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service’s 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**

#migration #canada #birds #research #peleeisland

The 2026 Banding Season Begins Tomorrow!🌿🐦 We’re

The 2026 Banding Season Begins Tomorrow!🌿🐦

We’re excited to kick off another year of bird banding on Pelee Island. Looking back at 2025, more than 20 contributors, volunteers, and community members dedicated over 2,000 hours to field monitoring. This work not only provides essential scientific data - it also reflects a deep connection to the land and the wildlife we share it with. Together, PIBO staff and volunteers banded 2,815 birds and recorded 217 species throughout the year - an incredible effort that deepens our understanding of bird populations and migration patterns.

2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for PIBO. We’re moving forward with several major initiatives, including the opening of PIBO’s new Bird Centre this fall.

Thank you for your incredible support in 2025. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2026! #migration #communityscience #ontario #nature #wildlife

Purple Martins are back on Pelee Island! 💜 The ea

Purple Martins are back on Pelee Island! 💜

The earliest scouts have arrived, which means it’s definitely time to get their homes ready for the season. Whether you already have a martin house or you’re thinking about putting one up, now’s the perfect moment to clean, repair, or set up housing before the full colony returns.

One of the standout moments from our 2025 banding

One of the standout moments from our 2025 banding season was recording 321 Hermit Thrushes in the fall - our highest number in more than twenty years. This total was more than double the long‑term average (2003–2024) and even surpassed Swainson’s Thrush, which is typically more common at PIBO.

Based on public datasets like the Breeding Bird Atlas and expert consultations, we can hypothesize certain explanations. Hermit Thrushes may be adapting to reforested/agricultural habitats - allowing populations to increase. Weather patterns during migration may have also played a role, influencing timing, routes, and stopover choices - drought or flooding may have affected their preferred habitats.

If you’re curious about our migration monitoring work, PIBO’s past annual reports are available on our website ➡️ https://pibo.ca/en/research/breeding-birds/annual-reports/

Research stations across the CMMN are always looking for new ways to turn long‑term monitoring data into meaningful conservation insights. If you’re a student, researcher, or professor interested in working with PIBO’s dataset, we’d be excited to support your inquiry! Reach out!

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

Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

Tim Birkhead, World Famous UK Ornithologist

Dawn - winner Nov 2025

Congratulations!

December 5, 2025

endangered species - red-headed woodpecker

Endangered Species Shuffle

October 6, 2025

World Migratory Bird Day

Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day

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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