A USask researcher is looking into wildfire smoke and what it means for songbirds and migratory birds.

Wildfires in Canada have increased over recent years. A news release from the university states that the 2023 season was the worst on record in terms of the amount of area burnt, and last year’s wildfire season was the second-worst since 1995.

Dr. Catie Ivy says there is more anecdotal evidence on birds being affected by the smoke, but there isn’t much scientific research yet to accompany it.
She doesn’t believe one large wildfire would cause serious smoke-related issues for birds, but there is concern from repeated events and repeated exposure.
If prolonged smoke exposure is affecting birds’ physiology, it could alter whether or not they are able to migrate, which could then affect bird populations.

The project has received support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Discovery Grant program.