From Migration to Conservation: The Story of the Last Mountain Bird Observatory
From Saskatchewan to South America, the Last Mountain Bird Observatory is tracking the incredible journeys of migratory birds—and you can be part of the story.
We sat down with Lacey Weekes, Conservation & Education Manager at Nature Saskatchewan, to talk about the Last Mountain Bird Observatory (LMBO). Nestled in Last Mountain Regional Park, the LMBO has been a hub for bird research and education since 1989. Now, it’s undergoing an exciting rebuild to better serve its mission of conservation and public engagement.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the purpose of the LMBO, its role in protecting migratory birds, and how the rebuild will enhance its impact. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about conservation, this story will inspire you to connect with the natural world—and even get involved!
Although not technically located in a Biosphere Region, Last Mountain Regional Park is a fantastic destination to visit in Saskatchewan and can be easily added to your visit to the Redberry Lake Biosphere Region.
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The Last Mountain Bird Observatory has two main goals: research and education.
Research
Every year, the observatory bands around 3,400 birds, collecting data on species, age, sex, and weight. This information is submitted to a national database in Ottawa, helping scientists track migratory patterns and understand how to protect these birds. The ultimate goal? To ensure that birds like the Yellow Warbler have healthy ecosystems throughout their migration journey—from Saskatchewan to as far as South America.
Education
The LMBO also works to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Through school and community programs, they connect people—especially kids—to nature. The LMBO offers a variety of programs to engage the public, from school groups to curious campers. Visitors can watch bird banding up close, learn about the challenges migratory birds face, and even participate in releasing banded birds back into the wild.
One of the most exciting aspects of the rebuild is the addition of interactive educational panels and a live camera feed of the banding process. These features will make the experience more accessible and engaging, whether you’re visiting in person or tuning in virtually.
And the best part? It’s all free. The LMBO even covers the cost of school buses to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent kids from connecting with nature.
“We really want to foster the next generation of naturalists, because if people don’t have any connection to the species or to this land, they’re not going to want to advocate for the protection of it. So that’s really the ultimate goal too - is giving opportunities to connect to nature”
Keen to Get Into Bird watching?
If you’re inspired to start bird watching after reading about the Last Mountain Bird Observatory, the first place to look is your local thrift store! At Biosphere Bathing, we always recommend buying second-hand first—it’s sustainable, affordable, and a great way to give pre-loved items a new life.
But if you’re looking to invest in a new pair of binoculars, we encourage you to support local businesses. Check out this pair of binoculars from the Backyard Bird Centre, located in Port Moody, British Columbia. They sell online too and ship all across Canada, making it easy to get high-quality gear no matter where you live.
👉 Vortex Vanquish 8x26 Binoculars
Featured Image: A volunteer holding a Common Grackle
Supporting Biodiversity Conservation
The LMBO plays a critical role in protecting grassland songbirds, one of the most endangered groups of birds in North America. Since the 1970s, grassland songbird populations have declined by 67%, with some species, like the Chestnut-collared Longspur, seeing a staggering 95% decrease.
By banding birds and tracking their migration, the LMBO helps scientists understand where these birds are going, what habitats they rely on, and how to protect them. As Lacey explains,
“We’re telling the story of this little yellow warbler… and why it’s so important that this bird has healthy ecosystems to stop at along its migration.”
The observatory also uses innovative technology like Motus towers, which track birds via lightweight radio transmitters. This data provides even more insight into migratory patterns and helps conservationists advocate for the protection of critical habitats.
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Volunteer Opportunities
The LMBO is always looking for volunteers to support its mission. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a complete beginner, there’s a role for you:
Bird Banding: This delicate work involves untangling birds from nets, measuring their wingspan, and recording data. It’s a skill that takes time to learn, but the observatory offers training for dedicated volunteers.
Scribing: If handling birds isn’t your thing, or you’re only in the area for a day, you can assist by recording data during banding sessions.
Contact Lacey Weekes or Jordan Rustad at Nature Saskatchewan if you want to get involved!
The Rebuild: What’s Next?
The LMBO’s old trailer has been demolished. The new facility will feature:
State-of-the-art banding stations with a large garage door for public viewing.
Living quarters for banders, allowing them to stay on-site during migration seasons.
Interactive educational displays and a live camera feed to enhance the visitor experience.
The goal is to have the new station up and running by mid-May 2025, just in time for the spring migration. While the educational panels may take a bit longer to complete, the observatory will be ready to welcome visitors and continue its vital work.
Located in Last Mountain Regional Park, halfway between the city of Regina and the city of Saskatoon, the observatory is open every single day in May, August and September, between the hours of 9am - 1 pm.
The Last Mountain Bird Observatory is more than just a research station—it’s a place where science, education, and community come together to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable species. By rebuilding the facility, the LMBO is ensuring that it can continue to inspire and educate for decades to come.
“I just hope that…they look at these little birds and they feel a connection to them and…they think we can’t live in a world where these little birds don’t exist… and I hope that they want to…go to their local politicians and say, look, this matters, and we need resources to help protect birds and other species and these really critical habitats, because it’s not just good for birds, but it’s good for us. It’s critical for us”
📖 Love learning about birds? Discover the Birdlife of Redberry! Read here →
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All photos were provided by Nature Saskatchewan.