The Cruickston Bird Studies Group (CBSG) began operation of a banding station at the Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve (CCRR) in the fall of 2002. The CBSG's mandate is to undertake a long-term study of migrating and resident songbird species in the area. This study will encompass a variety of research objectives, including the establishment of baseline species demographics for the property prior to full-scale restoration. A second major focus will be the investigation of the Grand River corridor as a major flyway for neotropical species and other migrants.

The CBSG utilizes several complementary study techniques to gather information on the status of bird species. These techniques will include regular point-counts of birds on territory, nest surveys to gauge breeding success and banding of nestlings, fledglings and adult birds. Cruickston Bird Studies Group is committed to citizen science as promoted by Bird Studies Canada (BSC) and by the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN).

The group has recently completed a 2-year exploratory phase to determine net and trap placement and best practices. Data collected during this period show that a diverse songbird population depends upon CCRR habitat, particularly during spring and fall migrations. As time progresses, it is hoped that the information gathered will add significantly to the knowledge base of the species studied.

Monitoring bald eagles in winter

For a decade, local birders have monitored bald eagles along the Grand River in Waterloo Region. Since 2002, members of Friends of Cruickston have participated with members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists and biologists with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to monitor the activities of wintering bald eagles along the Grand River between Kitchener and Paris, Ontario. Monitoring protocols have been establishing to determine the total number of eagles present and to observe their behaviour. From as many as twenty-four observation stations, volunteers have collectively mapped the location of hunting perches, favoured feeding areas, nocturnal roost sites, and flight paths to and from roost sites. Reaches of the Grand River through CCRR provide important wintering habitat for hunting and feeding. Large-limbed trees along the river within riparian habitat and within Cruickston forests provide hunting perches and nocturnal roosting sites respectively.

Cruickston Bird Studies Group (CBSG) provides Friends of Cruickston members and the public with workshops and guided walks during appropriate seasons to learn about bird banding, to observe bald eagles wintering in and about CCRR and to enjoy the bird migration during spring and autumn. Go to EVENTS for further details.

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