Welcome
Our appreciation to Paul Jones, Mike V.A. Burrell, Richard K. Cooper, Sumiko Onishi and all the bird photographers who shared their work in these pages.
WELCOME TO THE PELEE ISLAND BIRD OBSERVATORY
The Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) is uniquely situated on the most southerly island in Canada, nestled in the western arc of Lake Erie, between the mainlands of Ohio and Ontario, but most importantly, in the path of two major migratory flyways for songbirds that winter in Central and South America and breed in Ontario. Among PIBO’s many research and outreach projects, PIBO conducts annual migration counts and bird banding. We also monitor the island’s significant breeding bird communities. Our online newsletter, The Auspice, provides migration summaries, records unusual bird sightings, bird population declines, and other birding news. And our downloadable bird checklist highlights the impressive range of birds that visit Pelee Island, including several Species at Risk and those that have limited breeding ranges in Ontario. Find out more about Who We Are and What We Do—and what YOU can do to help protect birds and bird habitat in southeastern Ontario
For the birds: How Margaret Atwood and her family helped turn Pelee Island into a migratory bird research hub
In 2004, author Margaret Atwood and her late partner, novelist and conservationist Graeme Gibson, helped establish the Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO). The initiative aimed to create a systematic, long-term monitoring station to track population trends across North American migratory species.
This article underscores the vital connection between grassroots conservation and field science in providing the information required to make decisions preserving global biodiversity.
Jeff Schaffhauser to Lead PIBO’s Next Chapter
Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Schaffhauser as its new Executive Director, commencing September 8, 2026.
Jeff brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector, with a strong focus on conservation, community engagement, organizational growth, volunteer development and strategic planning. Throughout his career, he has led mission-driven organizations, built partnerships and high-performing teams, and developed programs that engage volunteers and communities.
Jeff’s remarks on joining PIBO:
“I have been going to Pelee Island since I was a child. I grew up in Leamington, and I spent summers on the island long before I understood its significance for migratory birds. To return and help lead an organization that protects this remarkable place, is a genuine privilege.
Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson built something extraordinary, and I’m honoured to help carry it forward. With the Atwood-Gibson Bird Centre opening soon, PIBO is entering a new chapter that will redefine it. I couldn’t be more excited to leverage the twenty years of research to shape the new centre into a place where community members and tourists come to deepen their understanding of the island’s importance to migratory birds, and where we can deepen our connection to the community, researchers and of course the birds.
I look forward to learning more about Pelee Island’s vital role in migratory flyways and begin sharing the story of why this small island matters so much. I couldn’t be more excited to join PIBO at this moment.”
On Mother’s Day 2024, the Pelee Island Bird Observatory officially announced the development of a new Bird Centre on Pelee Island. A little more than a year before, PIBO purchased The Bike Shop, formerly the LCBO, which sits on West Shore Road almost across from the ferry terminal. Demolition has already begun to gut the interior and begin the two-million dollar renovation that will see the building reborn as a research and education centre. Stayed tuned for stories about the transformation of PIBO’s fledgling project.
OPENING SEPTEMBER 12th!
Discover how migration science, community engagement and the new Bird Centre are shaping the future of conservation on Pelee Island.
Join BIRDS of a FEATHER!
Help PIBO expand its research, education, and outreach programs!
Join PIBO’s new membership program—BIRDS of a FEATHER—and receive The Pinion, our new bimonthly e-journal of news, views, and reviews at home on Pelee Island and along the hemispheric flyways. Together, we can build a better future for birds.
Work With Us!
Every year PIBO hires two Assistant Field Biologists, one for the spring banding season and one for the fall. We also welcome volunteers to work with our field staff on Pelee Island throughout the April to October season.
In the fall, we welcome a PIBO International Intern, an ornithologist or avian biologist working somewhere along the hemispheric flyway. Our first in this important skills-exchange program was Martha Ramirez Cruz from Hidalgo, Mexico.
We run a variety of important projects on the island, including bird banding (in 2023 we banded nearly 2,800 birds between May and October), breeding bird studies, migration monitoring, and Purple martin research.
If you are interested in being a volunteer or working with PIBO, find out more: