• School Programs
• Field Trips
• Distance Learning
• Citizen Science at School
• Migration Education
• Resources
• Partners & Supporters
• Education Home

Virtual Ornithology

Bring bird science and conservation to your classroom for a live, interactive experience with Bird Studies Canada!

BSC's Virtual Ornithology distance learning programs are suitable for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Content can be tailored to match student age, grade, curriculum and interests. Your classroom can connect via Skype or Google Hangout, which requires a computer with internet access, a webcam, a microphone, speakers, and a projector or smartboard. Thanks to our current funder, W. Garfield Weston Foundation, there is no program fee for our 2017 distance learning programs.

For more information and to register, please email education@birdscanada.org or visit our Skype in the Classroom profile.

These programs are currently available in English only.

Migration Monitoring at Long Point Bird Observatory

Join Bird Studies Canada as we explore the wonders of bird migration! During this virtual field trip to Long Point Bird Observatory in southern Ontario, students will meet birds up close and participate in bird banding to learn about migration, populations, and bird conservation.

Dates: Spring (April - June) and Fall (September - November)

Ask an Ornithologist!

Curious about the birds in your yard? Wonder why they migrate and where they go in winter? Maybe your class is studying animals, biodiversity, involved in a bird-focused inquiry, or investigating careers?

Bird Studies Canada staff have a vast range of experience and knowledge to share on bird-focused research and monitoring, species at risk, citizen science, and conservation. Please contact us with your bird interests and classroom questions so we can match you with an expert in the field. Alternatively, we can provide you with a list of guided questions for a rich discussion of bird science and conservation.

Dates: September - June

Citizen Science at School!

Birds are fascinating animals. Their behaviors are interesting to observe, and they can be found everywhere, including your schoolyard! Get to know your local birds by participating in the following bird-focused Citizen Science programs, which are fun and easy for all ages and skill levels. These virtual workshops guide students through project set-up and protocol, including how to identify birds, record observations, and submit data.

Project FeederWatch (Workshops: October - February) Seasonal monitoring program of winter feeder birds across North America. Participants observe and record birds at feeders weekly between November and April. WEBSITE: www.feederwatch.org

Great Backyard Bird Count (Workshops: January - February) This four-day, annual birdwatching event in mid-February creates a global snapshot of winter bird distribution and populations. WEBSITE: www.birdcount.org

Schoolyard Bird Blitz *NEW* (Workshops: March - April) Annual spring birdwatching event in schoolyards across Canada during the month of May. WEBSITE: http://www.birdscanada.org/birdblitz

Project NestWatch (Workshops: April - May) Seasonal monitoring program of nesting birds across Canada. Participants monitor and record the progress of nesting birds. WEBSITE: www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/pnw

Distance Learning Partners and Supporters:

W. Garfield Weston Foundation
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
The Gosling Foundation