“Safeguarding barn and cliff swallows in Haute-Yamaska”
The Foundation for the Safeguarding of the Ecosystems of the Haute-Yamaska Territory (SETHY) contributes to the safeguarding of Barn Swallows and Cliff Swallows, birds in sharp decline throughout Quebec and now protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act . According to the Breeding Bird Survey, between 1970 and 2017, barn swallow populations fell by 91.3% in Quebec, while those of the cliff swallow declined by 86.9%. Loss and alteration of nesting habitats, destruction of nests, and declining insect populations are factors that have contributed to declining populations of these grassland birds. We are undertaking the construction of nesting boxes for these species at various locations in Haute-Yamaska.
Following a first unprecedented project to build structures for these swallows, with the aim of relocating 30 pairs of barn swallows and 28 pairs of cliff swallows, we are going to use this knowledge acquired to help these species larger scale. The objective is to build nesting structures for barn and cliff swallows in different sectors of Haute-Yamaska, where these swallows are observed year after year, in order to restore existing populations as well as allow new populations to settle there. This project will have several positive impacts such as:
- Raise public awareness of the importance of endangered field birds;
- Promote the survival of species in status and in decline;
- Create an unprecedented series of developments in the RCM of Haute-Yamaska;
To do this, we collaborate with two organizations in the region, namely the Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi (CJE) and the organization Ma vie en main. The integration of these organizations in the project aims to help young people reintegrate into the labor market or studies at the same time as well as training in work skills and the integration of healthy lifestyle habits. for people living with serious and persistent mental health problems.
We are also fortunate to have been able to work with the Bird Observers Club of Haute-Yamaska (COOHY) for several years. They will take care of monitoring the many structures in order to determine their effectiveness. In addition, some members will help us in the installation of the structures at the owners' premises. Their involvement is very important to us since they have expertise in bird watching and nesting monitoring.
