A new analysis of city data reveals a significant decline in bird populations at Toronto beaches, with a 73% reduction in waterfowl from 2008 to 2024. Lifeguards conducted 11,488 counts across 10 beaches, showing an average of 51 waterfowl in 2008, reduced to 14 in 2024. The city's efforts to minimize bird presence include bylaws against feeding and relocating birds. While these measures may reduce E. coli risks in beach waters, concerns arise over the habitat availability for birds and the overall impact on their populations.
According to city data, waterfowl counts on Toronto's beaches have decreased by 73% from 2008 to 2024, demonstrating the waterfronts' declining hospitality for birds.
Lifeguards recorded an average of 51 waterfowl per count in 2008, which dropped to 14 in 2024, indicating significant changes in bird populations at the beaches.
Efforts to discourage birds at Toronto beaches include relocating them, enforcing bylaws against feeding, and using dogs to drive them away to reduce droppings.
The reduction in birds may minimize E. coli risks in beach waters but raises concerns about wildlife habitat and the potential decline of bird populations.
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