Ottawa’s journey in aiding birds in the Greenbelt
A photograph of a wild chickadee in NCC 17
Ottawa is home to many different species of wildlife. Mammals such as squirrels and coyotes, as well as reptiles like turtles all share Ottawa as their habitat. The largest group of animals that call Ottawa their home are birds.
There are 180 different species of bird that live in the city, according to a study from the National Capital Commision, with many more that migrate through Ottawa.
Because of this, there are groups around Ottawa dedicated to supporting our avian friends
The Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre is a wildlife conservation that focuses on helping birds that need treatment. The centre receives upwards of 4,500 wild birds per year, including a variety of birds that are considered endangered.
A photograph of a Chickadee in NCC 24
Juliette Marczuk, board of directors chair at the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre, believes in the centre’s mission.
“Millions of birds die every year due to human interference. Domesticated cats kill over two million birds a year in Canada alone. Birds are very complex and emotional beings. It’s important they receive the care required for them to be reintroduced into the wild,” said Marczuk
The bird centre requires members of the community to pay attention to wildlife, to ensure that local birds that are injured receive the care they deserve.
“We rely on the public to bring us birds in need. People go out to bird watch,” said Marczuk.
It’s known that bird encounters have positive effects on our natural environment and mental health. We want people to be aware of what people can do that harm birds and what they can do to help.”
Located in the NCC Greenbelt, the bird centre’s current location is old and lacking the proper tools they need. A new facility designed to be state-of-the-art is currently receiving funding. The new location is set to include modern medical tools, free-flight areas to aid the healing of the birds, as well as energy-efficient infrastructure to limit environmental impact.
A render of the new facility released released by the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre
“Our old facility was small, lacked amenities, and beyond repair. With renting a large space being unsustainable and limiting, it was time for an upgrade to a new, modern, purpose-built facility,” The Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre said in a public announcement.
As birds are declining in staggering numbers, each bird’s life saved can help the survival of its species.”
The Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Centre employs many full-time and part-time workers, as well as volunteers. Skills required by the centre vary depending on the position applied.
Volunteer work at the bird centre allows for the Ottawa community to engage with our local wildlife, while encouraging active living.
“We hire people with a variety of different skill sets. Usually, we hire students who just graduated from the veterinarian program at Algonquin College,” said Markzuk.
“It’s important that we have staff who are medically trained to deal with birds. Volunteer work ranges from cleaning bird enclosures as well as preparing them food.”
The Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre plays a pivotal role in rehabilitating and protecting the bird population of Ottawa. By providing medical care and protection for injured birds, the centre not only helps preserve the natural beauty of the city, but also strengthens the bond between the community and its wildlife.
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