Bird Friendly City
Consultation has concluded
It's official!
With 1,656 votes, you chose Black-capped Chickadee as Guelph’s official bird!
Photo credit to Katie DuncanHonourable mentions go to Chimney Swift (715 votes) and Green Heron (407 votes). Next steps – we present your official selection to Council on June 7, where hopefully Council will support our application to become a Bird Friendly City!
Why become a bird friendly city?
North American bird populations have dropped by more than 25 per cent in recent years. Domestic cats, window and car collisions, and habitat loss present hazards to birds living in urban communities.
Becoming a Bird Friendly City will raise awareness in the community about local birds and bird populations, provide science-based education and outreach, and contribute to reversing the trend of decline.
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To start with, 8 birds had been identified as potential birds to be named Guelph's official bird (look for the birds from "Kelly"). Do you have a favourite? Up-vote your favourite by clicking on your bird of choice, then clicking on the little heart (it should turn red for you). Tell us why by leaving comments.
If there is a bird that you think is THE bird to represent Guelph that we have forgotten, we want to hear about it! Please make sure there isn't a card for that bird already. If your favourite bird is missing, upload a new bird idea with a photo, if you have one, and tell us a little something about the bird in Guelph you would choose. Let's see if Guelph agrees with you!
Once this round of voting ends we will analyze the votes and comments and create a short list of 3 birds. This will be the final vote for Guelph's official bird. The bird with the most votes will be Guelph's official bird. In the event of a tie our friends from Bird Safe Guelph will choose the winning bird and get us one step closer to becoming a Bird Friendly City.
View All Ideas4 months ago
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a bird of prey known for its speed and power. It hunts mainly smaller birds from great distances with astonishing precision. This species can be observed perching on Guelph’s Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. Photo Credit - iStock Photos
4 months ago
chimney swift
4 months ago
Osprey
I was born in Guelph (1959) and have lived here all of my life. I love Guelph. For as long as I remember there has been one specific bird that I could always count on to return to Guelph every year - the Osprey. This magnificent feathered beauty has graced our city as far back as a documented article from the 20s. As noted, I'm sure the Osprey has long been a regular resident of the Guelph area for who knows - maybe even longer than Guelph was named? For anyone who lives or knows Guelph at all, it is common knowledge among those folks that a short trip to the Guelph lake area will reliably include a sighting of what I call the, "Guelph Ospreys".
4 months ago
Black-Capped Chickadee
I love seeing the Black-Capped Chickadee all year round at my bird feeder. They are a delight. They definitely brighten my day with their song. They look so cute and friendly and that is why I think it would be great if Black-Capped Chickadee was chosen the Bird for the Bird Friendly City
4 months ago
Eastern Screech Owl
Eastern Screech Owls can be found in Guelph’s wooded areas year-round including the Arboretum, Crane Park, Preservation Park, St. George’s Park and the woodlands along the Speed and Eramosa Rivers. During the breeding season, its whinnying song can be heard from many neighbourhoods at night. Photo Credit ~ Katie Duncan
Photos
Who's Listening
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Email leah.lefler@guelph.ca -
Email tracy.suerich@guelph.ca -
Email kelly.guthrie@guelph.ca
