World Migratory Bird Day is coming to Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is free.

This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”. The emphasis is on how individual observations contribute to broader datasets and knowledge used in monitoring bird populations improving conservation policy and decision making.

There will be exhibits on a range of environmental topics, with an emphasis on regional ecology, environmental education and practical ways to participate in data collection and stewardship.

Speakers and Activities:

• Dan Stoker will lead a guided bird walk, focusing on what species are present, how to identify them in the field, and how to record observations in a way that is useful for citizen science platforms and long-term monitoring.

• If photography is of interest, the St. Albert Photography Club will offer guided walks on wildlife and nature photography.

• The highlight this year is a presentation by local resident Leanna Carriere, extreme athlete and mom, and Timm Dobert, tropical ecologist and scientific explorer on their Wings of Survival expedition.

  • The Wings of Survival project will follow GPS-tagged migratory birds from northern Alaska to Patagonia, tracing a full hemispheric migration route.

  • They will undertake this journey entirely by bicycle and pack raft, moving through the same landscapes and ecological zones used by these species. This approach allows for direct observation of habitat continuity, fragmentation, and environmental pressures along the migration corridor.

  • The project combines field-based observation, ecological interpretation, and public outreach, with the goal of increasing understanding of the scale and complexity of migratory systems and the habitats that support them.

If you have an interest in birds, habitat, or contributing to real-world ecological monitoring, this is a practical and accessible way to get involved by learning about and supporting this project.

Stay tuned for updates via BLESS social media platforms!