About Yukon Bird Observatories

About Yukon Bird Observatories

Yukon Bird Observatories founders and long term volunteers from left to right:
Ted Murphy-Kelly, Ben Schonewille, Ammanda Partridge, Terry Skjonsberg, Julie Bauer and Jukka Jantunen
The Society of Yukon Bird Observatories (SOYBO) became a registered non-profit organization in 2010, to formalize the operation of the Yukon Bird Observatory field stations. The first bird observatory established in the Yukon was the Albert Creek Bird Observatory (near Watson Lake), founded by Ted Murphy-Kelly in 2000. In 2002, Ben Schonewille joined Ted as a summer student while working with Yukon Environment in Watson Lake. Together they further developed the station at Albert Creek and formed the Teslin Lake Bird Observatory in 2005. The banding station at McIntyre Marsh in Whitehorse was added to the network of Yukon bird observatories in 2009.

Mist net pole - Photo Jukka Jantunen
Prior to the registration of SOYBO as a society in 2010, the stations were managed by Ted and Ben with support from local conservation organizations such as the Yukon Conservation Society and the Yukon Bird Club. These organizations were very helpful in the formalization of the Yukon Bird Observatories and the development of this monitoring project. The formalization of the society and the formation of SOYBO have assisted in the administration of the project and have increased the capacity for fundraising and receiving donations. The current objectives of SOYBO are:
  • a) to contribute to the conservation of migratory birds in western North America through monitoring, research and education.
  • b) to make the public aware of the value of the avifauna of the Yukon Territory and to educate the public in recognition of such through creating educational opportunities for youth/students and the public.
  • c) to work with other societies, organizations and individuals having similar objectives to this society, within and outside of the territory.
The Society of Yukon Bird Observatories can be reached at the following address:

Society of Yukon Bird Observatories
PO Box 30056
Whitehorse, YT
Y1A 5M2

Email – teslin.bird.banding@gmail.com or tedmurphykelly@northwestel.net

The operation of the Yukon Bird Observatories would not be possible without the financial contributions of our funders and the support of our collaborators and supporters as listed below.

Funders – current and/or long term

Environment Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service
Yukon Environment
Yukon Fish & Wildlife Enhancement Trust Fund
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Teslin Renewable Resources Council
EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.
Community Development Fund

Funders - previous

Alaska Pipeline Project
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Town of Watson Lake
Lotteries Yukon
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
Shell Canada
Yukon Energy
City of Whitehorse

Supporters & Collaborators

Yukon Conservation Society
Yukon Bird Club
Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society
Yukon Electrical Company
Teslin Tlingit Council
Liard First Nation
Village of Teslin