The city was presented with an entry-level certificate for being a bird-friendly city, according to criteria from Nature Canada, on Wednesday evening.
And Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall proclaimed May 13 as World Migratory Bird Day.
This year’s theme is the importance of water for birds.
Our wetlands, lakes, streams, marshes, and ponds are all vital for feeding, drinking or nesting, and are also places to rest and refuel during long migratory journeys.
The increasing human demand for water, however, as well as pollution and climate change, are having a direct impact on the availability of clean water and food such as native fish and plants.
Barrie, by virtue of its location on the sheltered shores of Kempenfelt Bay, and the Nottawasaga Valley creek system, is an important destination for migratory birds that stop here to feed and rest.
Celebrate, discover and welcome our returning birds, and address the problems that pollution, over-consumption of water and fossil fuels create for them.
Residents and neighbours of this city, young and old, are encouraged to participate in Dim the Lights for Birds at Night from May to mid-June, or join a walk at one of the parks near water habitats in Barrie.
For more information, visit bfnclub.org, birdday.ca and worldmigratorybirdday.org.
