Iona Island Bird Observatory

As the amount of riparian habitat disappears in the Greater Vancouver area, it has become increasingly important to assess how birds are using protected areas. In addition, the continuing population declines of many bird species across BC and Canada has highlighted the importance of monitoring populations. Iona Island Bird Observatory (IIBO) was started in 2010 to monitor how birds use Iona Beach Regional Park, provide estimates of survival and population trends, and to create training and educational opportunities for members of the community.

IIBO is the only migration monitoring station in BC that operates during both spring and fall migration. Data collected by these programs demonstrate the importance of Iona Island as a migration stopover site for thousands of migratory birds each year. For more information on migration monitoring at IIBO, click here.

Volunteers opportunities at IIBO are available for WildResearch members. To become a member, click here.

We are also looking to a Bander-in-Charge role for the 2023 banding seasons (spring and fall migration monitoring) at IIBO! If you have are interested and have extensive banding experience, please check out the full job positing below.

Major funders for Iona Island Bird Observatory include Canada Summer
Jobs (Service Canada), Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, BC Nature, and the City of Richmond.