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Launch of Des oiseaux à la maison birdwatching program

The Chief Scientist of Québec and QuébecOiseaux announce the creation of a new program, Des oiseaux à la maison [Birds at Home], with the support of the Fonds de recherche du Québec. The program invites Quebecers to learn about local birds while contributing to a participatory science project during the isolation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants in the Des oiseaux à la maison program are invited to observe and record bird activity from their homes (through a window, on a balcony, in the yard, etc.). The program will run throughout the home isolation period recommended by Québec Public Health. Participants should carry out their observations alone or exclusively in the company of members of the same household. The program is open to everyone: children and adults, beginner birders and experienced ornithologists alike. The observations collected will be entered into the eBird database, a free tool whose data is openly accessible for scientific, conservation and teaching purposes.

Throughout the duration of the program, QuébecOiseaux will be in regular contact with participants, who will also be able to interact with each other through a Facebook group. Interested persons must first register on the program’s web page.

Quotes
“Science has never been more important in our lives than in the context of the fight against COVID 19. This simple, accessible project allows citizens to become familiar with scientific methodology and contribute to our knowledge about the birds around us… while relaxing, despite the current climate of anxiety” - Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Québec
“Join us for some birdwatching. It’s a relaxing pastime that connects us to nature. At the same time, together, we are advancing science!” - Pierre Verville, spokesperson for QuébecOiseaux

Fonds de recherche du Québec
The Fonds de recherche du Québec, which report to the Québec Minister of Economy and Innovation, are tasked with nurturing the strategic and coherent development of research in Québec, funding Québec research and researcher training, creating partnerships that will enable them to fulfill their mission, and promoting and supporting knowledge mobilization. To learn more, go to: FRQSC, FRQS, FRQNT.

QuébecOiseaux
QuébecOiseaux is a non-profit organization that brings together and represents individuals and organizations interested in the study, observation and conservation of birds in Québec. Its objectives are to foster the development of recreational birdwatching, promote the study of birds, and protect birds and their habitats.

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