It’s spring time in Canada’s capital! That means the weather is heating up, flowers are blooming, and the birds are back! During winter months many species of birds and other critters travel south to avoid the cold, if only we could all do the same! Once the snow is gone and winter is over, those migrants leave their sunny destinations to return to Canada.

In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day, over 200 energetic students from 5 different Ottawa elementary schools “migrated” from Hampton Park to the Ottawa River, symbolically representing the south to north flight of the birds. The kids each had a paper mask, which they had designed and decorated themselves in order to disguise themselves as birds, butterflies or event bats! As they progressed along the 2.5 km route, they faced several obstacles that migrating birds might also encounter. For example, they had to flap their wings extremely hard when the wind was very strong. Thankfully, our “birds” were ready for anything and overcame all the challenges.

Once the “birds” had arrived, tired but safely, at the Ottawa River it was time to rest their wings and listen to a reading of Frank Glew’s “Butterfly Wishes” story read aloud by Nature Canada’s own Alex MacDonald. Eleanor Fast, Executive Director of Nature Canada and Soileh Padilla, Cultural Attaché from the Mexican Embassy also gave very brief and educational speeches to the children.

This really was a great event and an amazing undertaking. Everyone involved had an amazing time getting some fresh air, a little exercise, and learning all about bird migration. Please join us in thanking Monica Reyes, one of Nature Canada’s most dedicated volunteers, for her excellent work in coordinating the event! We are also very grateful to the funders behind this exciting outreach and education work, including Mountain Equipment Co-op, White Swan, the Canadian Electricity Association, and donors like YOU!

To read more about International Migratory Bird Day, or to get ideas on how to plan your own event please click here!