The Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration is a two-week series of exciting events from May 1-17, 2026 that invites everyone to explore the amazing world of birds.
Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration
Opening Event
Your Observation Matters:
Citizen Science in Birding
Expert Panel, Q&A
May 2, 2026
Stanley Park Pavilion
Doors at 9:30 am
Event begins at 10:00 am
Hosted by Stanley Park Ecology
Have you ever spotted a bird and wondered if your observation could make a real difference? The answer is yes.
On May 2, Stanley Park Ecology invites you to Your Observation Matters: Citizen Science in Birding, an engaging panel discussion exploring how everyday bird sightings contribute to real scientific research and conservation efforts.
Meet the Panelists
This panel brings together experienced voices in birding and conservation:
- Scott Loarie – the Executive Director at iNaturalist, empowering Citizen Science around the world
- John Reynolds – a professor at Simon Fraser University, where he holds the Tom Buell Chair in Aquatic Conservation
- David Bird – an Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec
- Jeffrey Nicholls – a member of the Ganhada – ‘Raven Clan’ of the Tsimshian Nation, president of RAVEN Trust
- Trenton Schulz-Franco – an advocate for Indigenous-led stewardship, and artist with a background in law, ecology, and geo-political commentary
Each panelist brings unique insights into how community-driven data is shaping bird conservation and how you can get involved.
Let your Bird Celebration experience take flight at the Opening Event on May 2
There are 50 bird celebration activities across the region! Join an event near you.
Find us @VanBirdCelebration on Instagram to follow along with the #VanBirdParty!
Our participants are having a great time!
I really appreciated the different ways your speakers combined their love of birds and the environment with art, with engaging children, with noticing and playing, with language. It was inspiring.
I have already identified 4 new ( to me ) birds based on the educator’s talk. I really appreciated that the birds mentioned were local and in the area now. The descriptions of the song stayed with me and meant that I recognized them when out in the forest and could confirm them with the bird net app.
I must tell you how pleased I am with all that I’m learning from the online education events. It feels so satisfying learning more about the beauteous nature around us. Not just learning but also coming to understand them better, their personalities, characteristics, habitats, etc..
Partners
The Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration is brought to you by the following partners
