NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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The City of Barrie has once again achieved Nature Canada’s certification as being a Bird Friendly City.
The recertification is an accreditation showing that Barrie has an ongoing commitment to mitigate key threats to birds, engage with residents to help monitor local bird populations, and create policies to protect urban bird populations. Each certification period lasts two years.
“I’m proud that Barrie has again earned Bird Friendly status,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “As a city, we continue to work towards reducing threats to birds by collaborating with local organizations on events and initiatives to help protect our feathered friends.”
Some of the bird-friendly practices the city has in place or is working towards include:
- continued commitment to mitigating climate change
- educational campaigns to raise awareness
- providing opportunities to residents to learn about birds and get involved with bird conservation
- recognizing World Migratory Bird Day
Last spring, the city conducted an online poll to engage residents and asked them to vote on naming an official bird for Barrie. On May 11, 2024, World Migratory Bird Day, the city’s official bird was announced — the belted kingfisher.
The belted kingfisher’s rattling call can often be heard as it flies around Kempenfelt Bay. Its big bill makes it top-heavy, which is helpful when diving for fish. It is unique in that it has two fovea per eye, providing exceptional sight underwater or in the air. The belted kingfisher is a feisty bay bird, which makes it a great representative for the City of Barrie.
Background
On June 16, 2022, Barrie earned the prestigious title of Nature Canada’s 15th Bird Friendly City. A total of 30 municipalities in Canada are Bird Friendly City certified. The Bird Friendly designation has been developed by Nature Canada to encourage Canadian cities and municipalities to become safer and better places for birds. Read the media release from Nature Canada.
To learn more about Barrie’s Bird Friendly City designation, visit barrie.ca/BirdFriendlyCity.
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