Point Lepreau Bird Observatory

The Point Lepreau Bird Observatory (PLBO) is a strategically situated seabird migration monitoring station in Southwestern New Brunswick. It was established by the Saint John Naturalists’  Club in 1995.

Located along the North American Atlantic Flyway, the observatory is at the tip of Point Lepreau which juts out three kilometers into the Bay and represents the most prominent point of land on the Southern New Brunswick coast. The mouth of the Bay of Fundy acts as a gigantic funnel for birds following the North Atlantic coastline during northward migration. 

It is quite possible that the majority of seabirds wintering south of the Bay of Fundy pass within a short distance of Point Lepreau in spring on their way to more northern nesting areas. In fall, the birds return to the Atlantic Coast from scattered locations in the North, resulting in little concentration in the Bay of Fundy.

Seabird counts have been conducted annually in spring and fall for over 25 years, with the bulk of bird traffic observed during the month of April. The most abundant species are Black Scoter and Surf Scoter with Black outnumbering Surf by approximately two to one.

The data that is collected is a growing source of valuable information that has never been available before. It could be very useful to help determine if certain seabird populations are increasing or decreasing, when to expect peak passage, and what might be the potential for damage to Eastern seabird populations in the event of a disaster such as a major oil spill.

Interested in learning more?

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Learn how you can support our work and volunteer:

The PLBO relies heavily on volunteer assistance to avoid any gaps in migration data collection. If you have a passion for birds and would like to become a volunteer seabird migration counter, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need to know how to identify seabirds, we’ll teach you what you need to know.

Spring migration monitoring takes place from March 15 to May 9. 

Fall migration monitoring takes place from September 17 to November 18.

Once you have been fully orientated, you may sign up for morning sessions (8 am to noon) or afternoon sessions (noon to 4 pm).

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