Stratford, Ontario is a Nature Canada Certified Bird Friendly City
Destination Stratford is pleased to announce that Nature Canada has recognized Stratford as an official Bird Friendly City. This designation was supported in part by the creative vision behind the 6th Annual Lights On Stratford’s installation, BIRDS OF A FEATHER.
Across Canada, people are coming together to make their cities bird-friendly. Nature groups, municipal officials, and other community groups are teaming up with Nature Canada to ensure our urban environments are safe havens rather than a source of threats.
A Bird Friendly City is a community where:
- Key threats to birds are effectively mitigated.
- Nature is restored so native bird populations can thrive.
- Residents are actively engaged in admiring and monitoring local bird populations.
- Organizations are creating events to protect birds.
- Progressive municipal policies are created to protect urban bird populations.
- A Bird Team has been created to oversee and lead these initiatives.
The world premiere of BIRDS OF A FEATHER illuminated Tom Patterson Island during the darkest months of the year. The featured species include: the Black-Capped Chickadee, Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Cardinal, and Snowy Owl. The team selected these birds for their vibrant appearance, recognizable calls, and their presence in Stratford and the surrounding area during the winter months.
To ensure the interactive display was fully bird-friendly, Lights On Stratford opted not have the birds sing actual bird calls, as that would confuse native and migratory birds in the area. Instead, Canadian composer Deanna Choi was commissioned to compose what we think the birds might sound like as a classical composition.
Upcoming Bird-Friendly Events!
March 2026
Spread Your Wings Tour – the March Break Edition!
Spread Your Wings Tour – the March Break Edition!
David Chapman’s Birds of Ontario
Bird photos courtesy of Dave Carter (Canada warbler), and Chris Polkiewicz (owl).
