On June 16th, 2022, Barrie formally earned the prestigious title of Nature Canada’s 15th most bird friendly city. It’s an accolade that the city takes seriously, and they are diligent about protecting our feathered friends. Programs that are in place or are being worked toward include:
- A “no-roam” by-law for cats to reduce the impact of cat predation on wild bird populations,
- Protecting and restoring natural habitat
- Commitment to mitigating climate change,
- Educational campaigns to raise awareness,
- Providing opportunities to residents to learn about birds and get involved with their conservation.
Barrie is looking for feedback on what bird should represent Barrie. The city will reveal Barrie’s official bird on World Migratory Bird Day (May 11th, 2024).
The following short-list of birds were chosen by the Barrie Bird Friendly City certification team in consultation with Nature Barrie.
White-breasted Nuthatch
The elegant, White-breasted Nuthatch with its blue-gray back and conspicuous beady black eye against the white face and chest, is commonly seen and heard in Barrie’s woodlands, well-treed parks, and backyard feeders.
This is the “upside-down bird” you’ll see creeping headfirst down a tree, but you may initially hear its nasal yank-yank call.
In the winter it will be searching for insects and seeds which it has cleverly cached in tree bark crevices.
Nuthatch pairs remain in the same territory throughout the year, nesting in natural cavities, old woodpecker holes, or nest boxes. When the nest is complete, the pair “sweeps” the entrance, rubbing crushed insects against the wood – the chemicals released are presumed to repel predators!
With its year-round presence and amusing behavior, the White-breasted Nuthatch is a fun character that will be perfect as Barrie’s City Bird!
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a bright, cheery songbird commonly seen near open meadows, along roadsides and in backyard shrubs.
It is often called a “wild canary” due to its call and the male’s striking lemon-yellow plumage – a welcome and magical sight on a spring or summer day. His colour is duller in the winter, but there’s still a yellow tinge to the throat and face. The female is more of an olive colour year-round.
Goldfinches are often seen in flocks, which may stay together for years. They can be recognized by their bounding flight and distinctive flight call: a whistled ti-di-di.
They are active and acrobatic when foraging or checking in at the feeder, where they are frequent guests.
Colourful, gregarious, and faithful, the American Goldfinch is an expression of the character of the City of Barrie.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest of Barrie’s resident woodpeckers but the most common at feeders, along trails and in parks.
It is black and white with a broad white stripe on its back, checkered wings, black and white striped head. The male has a brilliant red patch on the back of its head.
The Downy is a protector of our trees, as it hunts down beetles, larvae and insects that affect forest health. It can be seen hanging upside down, then heard drilling small holes in pursuit of prey that it pulls from the tree with a long sticky tongue.
It is colourful, distinctively patterned, and has an attention-grabbing motion as it flicks from limb to limb – making the Downy Woodpecker both a challenge and a delight to photographers, and an outstanding bird to represent the City of Barrie!
Barred Owl
At 50 cm tall, with a wingspan of over a meter, the Barred Owl is truly one of the most impressive birds found in Barrie.
Despite its size, its mottled brown and white patterning provides excellent camouflage as it roosts quietly during the day in neighbourhood woodlots, parks, mature forest and near water.
Its signature song: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” may easily be heard and recognized from your backyard in the evening along with the duet of cackles, hoots and caws these owls sing with their mates.
The bold Barred Owl often seems comfortable in the presence of people, allowing for excellent views while perched. An encounter with this magnificent bird of prey leaves an impression that will last a lifetime, and what better trait is there for a city ambassador?
Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher’s rattling call can often be heard before the bird is sighted flying around Kempenfelt Bay and other water bodies.
Its shaggy crested head, back, and wings are a lovely blue. The females have a chestnut band beneath their blue neckband, an exception to the general rule that male birds are more colourful than females.
Its big bill makes it top-heavy, helpful when diving for fish. It’s unique in having two fovea per eye, providing exceptional acuity in focusing under water or air.
It hovers in place while watching for prey but can also fly at the relatively fast speed of 60 km/h!
This is a hardy bird that will stay late into winter as long as there is open water.
The Belted Kingfisher is a feisty bay bird which makes it a great representative for the City of Barrie!
Pileated Woodpecker
The magnificent Pileated Woodpecker is a large spectacular bird with a flaming red crest and flaring white-on-black wing patches as it swoops and glides throughout our woodlots.
Its calls and drumming are startling in their intensity and unmistakable as they echo through the woods in the stark bareness of winter.
It tirelessly performs the unselfish act of reducing our dead and decaying trees to a heap of chips while removing countless insect pests.
Pileated numbers increase in areas with widespread emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that kills ash trees, suggesting that this bird could be one of the strongest lines of defense to control non-native forest pests.
Above all the Pileated Woodpecker is loyal to Barrie all year as it patrols its territories braving all weathers to become, beyond any doubt, Barrie’s Bird.
Red-winged Blackbird
In spring, the Red-winged Blackbird can be found near water, in and around wetlands, lakes, or roadside ditches. Outside of the breeding season, it will also inhabit fields, meadows, and wooded areas near water, sustaining itself on insects and seeds.
The male is sharp-looking with bright red and yellow flashings on his shoulders which he puffs up to announce his presence, along with a loud ‘conk-la-ree’ call. The female is dark brown with splashes of yellow around the face and is beautifully striped which conveys the power of camouflage to protect the nestlings.
This migratory bird is one of the first to return to us, as early as February when it often lands in large flocks, a welcome sign of brighter days to come.
The Red-winged Blackbird, a fearless defender of its territory, would make an excellent ambassador for the City of Barrie. Our wetlands need strong allies!
TO VOTE GO TO: https://www.buildingbarrie.ca/BirdPoll
VOTING ENDS ON MARCH 31, 2024.
