New year, new digs! Welcome Parc Omega!

Posted onJanuary 11, 2024|Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery, Loggerhead Shrike, News and Events

New year, new digs! We are excited to welcome Parc Omega, a new partner facility with the Loggerhead Shrike Conservation Breeding and Release Program, that is officially housing their first four breeding pairs of loggerhead shrike! Parc Omega is a safari park nestled in the hills of western Québec where visitors can drive a 12 kilometre trail through lakes, forests, and meadows, all while viewing Canadian wildlife. Although Parc Omega has been involved in the Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Program to save this endangered songbird for several years now, 2024 will mark their very first breeding season.

A dapper adult loggerhead shrike ready for his closeup before being released into his new enclosure at Parc Omega. Photo: Parc Omega

A loggerhead shrike enjoying its new home at Parc Omega. Photo: Parc Omega

Eight loggerhead shrikes rang in the new year in freshly constructed and furnished enclosures after being transferred carefully in the fall by staff from our partner facility African Lion Safari. These eight birds make up four breeding pairs, who will be introduced in the spring after staff observe signs of courtship.

Before the birds’ arrival, Parc Omega staff carefully prepared the day’s meals, which included a generous helping of crickets and mealworms.

Parc Omega staff prepping diets for the birds. Photo: Parc Omega

When the birds arrived they were carefully transported to their enclosures and given one last health assessment by African Lion Safari staff before being released and left to get used to their new homes. Parc Omega staff monitored them from a distance to ensure everyone settled in nicely.

African Lion Safari and Parc Omega staff transporting newly arrived birds to their enclosures

African Lion Safari staff performing a final check and showing Parc Omega staff how to sex by wing patterns. Photo: Parc Omega

Parc Omega staff releasing a new arrival into its enclosure. Photo: Parc Omega

The birds have been doing well in their new homes, diligently cared for and monitored by staff. WPC is excited to have Parc Omega as a new partner and is looking forward their very first breeding season this year!

All photos courtesy of Parc Omega. The Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Program at Parc Omega is generously supported by the Makwa Foundation.

“It’s invaluable to have a facility in Québec involved in the recovery program, as there have been consistent sightings of loggerhead shrikes in eastern Ontario and Québec especially in recent years. The staff at Parc Omega have been wonderful to work with and we look forward to their continued involvement in the recovery of this species we all love.”

Jane Spero

Lead Biologist – Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery

Jane holds a Master’s degree in animal biosciences from the University of Guelph, where she studied building collision injuries in migratory songbird species. Jane worked as a rehabilitation supervisor, where she was responsible for the care, treatment, and reintroduction of injured and orphaned wildlife, including many species at risk.

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