Introduction

Climate change is impacting all forms of life, especially migrating birds. Are some species arriving earlier in the Spring? We think so. The Nova Scotia Bird Society has launched a citizen science project named Spring First Arrivals to help answer this question and many others by encouraging birders to get out and report what they're seeing during the spring months while also hoping to spark long-term and year-long sharing of sightings. This initiative consists of two main components: (1) Spring First Arrivals Table (2) Spring Arrivals Database.

1) The Spring First Arrivals Table below will be updated as the season progresses and will track the very first reports of migrants for those species that entirely or almost entirely vacate the province during winter. Nature lovers are encouraged to report their sightings to eBird or iNaturalist (online databases), but other options are through the NSBS Facebook Page, the NatureNS Listserv or to e-mail contact@nsbirdsociety.ca. While eBird is the best place to submit bird sightings, iNaturalist is well suited for those that photograph birds, but lack the confidence to identify them. Here is a video introduction to eBird on YouTube. 

If you've seen a species listed in the Spring First Arrivals Table on a date prior to the one listed, or if you've observed a species that has yet to be seen, please report your sighting. We hope that you enjoy this initiative and that you consider sharing your sightings throughout the year on eBird or iNaturalist.

2) The Spring Arrivals Database (available after spring) will present data such as dates and time periods reflecting movements of a more complete list of species that migrate to or through Nova Scotia. This kind of analysis leverages the power of “big data” collected by citizen scientists through the use of eBird (and possibly iNaturalist) data and results in information that is objective and reproducible. This section of our website is currently under construction, and a link will be provided here once spring has ended and analysis has been completed.

Spring First Arrivals Table

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