Spring Migration Has Begun!
What we do
The Point Lepreau Bird Observatory (PLBO) is a long-running seabird migration monitoring station established in 1995 by the Saint John Naturalists’ Club.
Located at the tip of Point Lepreau in southwestern New Brunswick, extending three kilometres into the Bay of Fundy, the observatory sits along the North American Atlantic Flyway which is one of the most important migration routes on the continent.
Each spring and fall, we conduct daily seabird counts, tracking thousands of birds as they move along the coast. With over 25 years of continuous monitoring, PLBO has built one of the most valuable long-term seabird datasets in the region.
Interested in learning even more?
Why it matters
Point Lepreau’s unique geography creates a natural funnel for seabirds migrating along the North Atlantic coastline. In spring especially, large numbers of birds pass close to the point which offers a rare opportunity to observe and document migration at scale.
This work helps us:
- Track population trends over time
- Identify peak migration periods
- Better understand seabird movement and ecology
- Assess potential risks, including environmental threats like oil spills
The data collected at PLBO fills critical gaps in data and contributes to the broader understanding and conservation of Atlantic seabirds.
The Point Lepreau-Maces Bay region is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, highlighting its global significance for bird conservation.
How you can help
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.
Assist with seabird migration monitoring by observing, identifying, and counting bird species during peak migration seasons as part of Point Lepreau Bird Observatory.
- Observe and count migrating birds along with other counters (training is provided)
- Accurately record data following established protocols
- Support the observatory’s conservation research efforts
- Interest in bird identification and monitoring
- Willingness to follow data collection protocols
- Security clearance required
- Seabird and sea duck identification is helpful
Point Lepreau Bird Observatory
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Acknowledgements
The Point Lepreau Bird Observatory is a project of the Saint John Naturalists Club. We rely heavily on the time and commitment of our members, donors and volunteer workforce.
The PLBO gratefully acknowledges funding received from: New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund and the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund.
Point Lepreau Bird Observatory Committee:
Jim Wilson (Chair)
Dr. Donald McAlpine
Don MacPhail
Jim Russell
Richard Blacquiere
Advisory Members:
Dr. Heather Major
Dr. Tony Diamond
Member Emeritus:
Eileen Pike