Barn Swallow

Species information

The following is a report on progress made towards the protection and recovery of Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) in Ontario from 2007 to 2020. This report meets the legislative requirement for a review of progress under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA or “the Act”). Barn Swallow is listed as threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List under the ESA on January 13, 2012.

The species-specific policy for Barn Swallow, known as the Government Response Statement (GRS) was published in 2015 and includes the government’s recovery goal for the species and the actions and priorities it intends to lead or support to help achieve that goal. The GRS considers science advice provided in the recovery strategy, when developing recovery actions for the species. As legislated in the Act, the purpose of this Review is to report on progress made towards implementing the protection and recovery actions in the GRS. The review can also help identify opportunities to adjust and adapt the implementation of protection and recovery actions to achieve the recovery goal for the species.

Further information about Barn Swallow, including the threats that it faces and actions being taken to help protect and recover this species, is available on the Government of Ontario website for Barn Swallow. A summary on the progress towards the protection and recovery of Barn Swallow and an annual update on the broader species at risk program (i.e. the Introduction to the 2020 Review of Progress report) is available on the Review of Progress towards the Protection and Recovery of Ontario’s Species at Risk webpage.

Snapshot: Progress toward the protection and recovery of Barn Swallow

This snapshot provides an overview of the progress made towards the protection and recovery of Barn Swallow in Ontario. Additional information on each of these topics can be found in the full report text.

Progress towards meeting the recovery goal

• The recovery goal in the Government Response Statement (GRS) for Barn Swallow in Ontario includes both a short- and long-term goal for the species. The short-term goal is to reduce the rate of decline by minimizing threats and improving habitat conditions. The long-term goal is to maintain a stable, self-sustaining population throughout the species’ range by 2035 (within 20 years).
• Progress has been made towards implementing all of the government-led actions, all of the government-supported recovery objectives and all of the associated actions. Examples of progress include:
  • best management practices have been developed and distributed that provide direction on creating Barn Swallow nesting habitat, and working in habitat areas without causing harm to the species
  • the government has worked closely with key stakeholder groups and the agricultural community to implement integrated pest management approaches where suitable and decrease overall use of pesticide in Barn Swallow foraging habitat
  • significant research has been completed to better understand the nesting and foraging behaviours of Barn Swallow and how changes on the landscape may influence these life processes
  • extensive outreach has been carried out to promote a better understanding of this species and how individuals can create or improve habitat areas
• In alignment with the GRS, it is recommended that additional efforts be made to promote communication and cooperation with partners in other jurisdictions to promote management of threats for this species across borders and between over-wintering and summer habitat.

Occurrences and distribution

• Barn Swallow is widely distributed across southern and eastern Ontario, with an estimated range of approximately 66,900 square kilometres based on recent observations of Barn Swallow.
• The Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) has received over 129,000 records of the species based on observations made between 1926 and 2019, and 1,900 of these records contain evidence of nesting activity.
• Since 2012, the species has been observed in locations where they were not previously known to occur and at locations previously thought to be historical. Based on up-to-date information, the species’ extant distribution is estimated to encompass an area 40,200 square kilometres larger than was known since the species was listed and protected.

Government-supported stewardship projects

• Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, the Government of Ontario has enabled its stewardship partners to conduct 47 projects ($4,670,550) since the species was listed in 2012 that have supported the protection and recovery of Barn Swallow. One project focused exclusively on Barn Swallow, while the other 46 projects focused on multiple species at risk, including Barn Swallow.
• The government’s support helped its stewardship partners to involve 4,000 individuals who volunteered 50,260 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for species at risk, including Barn Swallow. The estimated value of these voluntary contributions, as well as additional funding and in-kind support, is $9,532,700.
• Stewardship partners reported that through their actions 2,963 hectares of habitat were enhanced for Barn Swallow and other species at risk that inhabit the same ecosystem.
• Stewardship partners reported providing outreach on multiple species at risk, including Barn Swallow, to 1,362,680 individuals.
• Through the Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario, the Government of Ontario supported five research partners to improve understanding of nesting and foraging behaviour, collect information on species’ distribution and population trends, and assess the effectiveness of artificial nest structures.

Supporting human activities while ensuring appropriate support for species recovery

• The Government of Ontario has issued 17 permits for this species: one ‘human health or safety’ permit was issued under clause 17(2)(a), 14 ‘protection or recovery’ permits were issued under clause 17(2)(b), and two ‘overall benefit’ permits were issued under clause 17(2)(c) of the ESA.
• One thousand three hundred forty-four activities have been authorized for the species under the conditional exemptions requiring registration under Ontario Regulation 242/08 of the ESA. The activities were registered under ‘Barn swallow’ (section 23.5), ‘Notice of drainage works’ (section 23.9), ‘Early exploration mining’ (section 23.10), ‘Ecosystem protection’ (section 23.11), ‘Hydro-electric generating stations’ (section 23.12), ‘Newly listed and transition species’ (section 23.13), ‘Pits and quarries’ (section 23.14), ‘Species protection or recovery activities’ (section 23.17), ‘Threats to health and safety, not imminent’ (section 23.18), and ‘Wind facilities’ (section 23.20).

Reporting on the progress towards the protection and recovery of Barn Swallow

The implementation of government-led and government-supported actions demonstrates progress toward reaching the desired objectives and the recovery goal set out in the GRS.

Progress towards implementing government-led actions

Progress has been made towards implementing all of the government-led actions identified in the GRS. Common actions for the government to lead as it works toward achieving a species’ recovery goal include:

• Educate other agencies and authorities involved in planning and environmental assessment processes on the protection requirements under the ESA.
• Encourage the submission of Barn Swallow data to Ontario’s central repository at the Natural Heritage Information Centre.
• Undertake communications and outreach to increase public awareness of species at risk in Ontario.
• Protect the Barn Swallow and its habitat through the ESA. Continue to implement and enforce the species-specific habitat description for Barn Swallow.
• Support conservation, agency, municipal and industry partners, and Aboriginal communities and organizations to undertake activities to protect and recover the Barn Swallow support will be provided where appropriate through funding, agreements, permits (including conditions) and/or advisory services.
• Encourage collaboration, and establish and communicate annual priority actions for government support in order to reduce duplication of efforts.

Additionally, the government has directly undertaken the following species-specific actions:

• Develop, publish, and update best management practices on techniques to mitigate impacts of activities on Barn Swallow, such as information on creating nesting habitat.
• Work with stakeholders to develop an action plan (e.g., related to pollinator health) to reduce neonicotinoid use in Ontario, including developing a system to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed.
• Work with industry partners and stakeholders to further reduce overall pesticide use in Ontario through actions such as integrated pest management, education, technology and incentives.

The Government of Ontario has published two separate best management practices for Barn Swallow: one outlining best practices for excluding this species from buildings and structures, and one providing direction for those seeking to create nesting habitat for Barn Swallow. Both of these resources have been made available to proponents on Ontario.ca and are provided to proponents working in Barn Swallow habitat.

The Ontario government has moved to strengthen managed bee and wild pollinator populations by working with farmers on ways to promote environmental stewardship, providing education programs and supports for farmers to promote integrated pest management, and addressing pollinators’ exposure to pesticides by reducing the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed. Ontario was the first jurisdiction in North America to regulate neonicotinoid-treated seeds.

On January 31 of each year, the government releases a report summarizing annual vendor sales data of neonicotinoid-treated seeds (Class 12 pesticides) and non-Class 12 corn and soybean seed. From the 2014 baseline, the estimated number of acres planted with the neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed reduced by nearly 3.66 million in 2019.

The Ontario government has also worked with the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology to develop their Integrated Pest Management course content and helped train the course trainers. Approximately 12,000 (43 percent of) Ontario corn and soybean growers have taken the training.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs updated the Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Publication 811) released in 2017 and the Field Crop Protection Guide (Publication 812) 2018-2019. These updates included Best Management Practices that support the reduction of overall pesticide use. Both provide information on integrated pest management options and insect, pest and disease control products. In addition, a new chapter in Publication 811 describes sustainable crop production which includes decreasing negative impact of crop inputs on the environment (e.g. pest management).

Guides and resources

As noted above, the Government of Ontario has completed two documents outlining best management practices relating to Barn Swallow to fulfill the associated government-led recovery action in the GRS. In 2016 the Best Practices Technical Note: Creating Nesting Habitat for Barn Swallows (PDF) was created to give clear guidance to proponents on how to design nesting structures based on best available knowledge. Information on site selection, materials to use, designs to incorporate, and means to minimize predation were all provided. A second document was published in 2017 entitled Best Management Practices for Excluding Barn Swallows and Chimney Swifts from Buildings and Structures (PDF). This guide includes contributions from stakeholders and partners and gives direction to those seeking to exclude Barn Swallow from a structure while preventing harm to the species. It includes general information on how the ESA applies to this type of undertaking, planning advice, technical information on how exclusion methods may be applied, and effectiveness monitoring recommendations.

Occurrences and distribution

Barn Swallow is widely-distributed across southern and eastern Ontario. Given the species’ broad distribution and the high volume of records submitted, the species’ occurrence information has been assessed at a landscape scale using 10 by 10 kilometre grid “squares” to approximate the species’ distribution. The squares were used to estimate where the species has been recently observed (i.e., has been observed within the past 20 years) as well as squares where the species is considered historical ^{footnote 1[1]} .

Using this approach, the species has been recently observed in 669 squares, and there remain 94 additional squares that contain historical observations of the species. This equates to a potential range ^{footnote 2[2]} of approximately 66,900 square kilometres based on recent observations of the species, and an additional 9,400 square kilometres based on historical observations.

The NHIC has received over 129,000 records of Barn Swallow. The records are based on observations between 1926 and 2019, and 1,900 if these records contain evidence the birds observed were nesting near where they were recorded. Based on records since 2012, the species has been observed in locations associated with 402 squares in which it was not previously known to occur, and the species’ presence has been re-confirmed in 147 additional squares, 29 of which were previously thought to be historical. Conversely, the occurrences in 94 squares are now considered historical as a result of the date that the species was last observed. Based on up-to-date information, the species’ extant distribution is estimated to encompass a greater area (by approximately 40,200 square kilometres) than was known in 2012.

This enlargement of the species’ estimated distribution is most likely the result of increased search effort and education about Barn Swallow and represents increased knowledge on the distribution of the species. Efforts to engage citizen scientists in collecting data for these species have increased since 2012, with an assortment of programs and tools available for observations to be submitted and confirmed. This includes eBird, a program that collects an assortment of data on birds submitted by users, and shares this data with other agencies, such as the NHIC.

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the primary source for long-term, large-scale population data for breeding bird species. It is a standardized roadside survey that started in 1966 and relies on volunteer participation. It is coordinated in Canada by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service. Results analyzed from 2007 – 2017 suggest that over this time the population size has been decreasing by 2.7% each year (Smith et al. 2019).

Encouraging the submission of observations of this species is included in the GRS as a government-led action. Submission of species observations increases our knowledge of where they occur and can play an important role in assessing the viability of species’ populations.

Everyone is encouraged, or may be required by an authorization or approval, to submit observations of Barn Swallow, and any other species at risk, to the NHIC for incorporation into the provincial record of observations. Observations may now be submitted to NHIC via the Rare Species of Ontario project in iNaturalist, or through eBird.

• 129,000
  observations of this species were submitted to the NHIC since 2012

Government-supported stewardship projects

An important government-led action in the GRS for Barn Swallow is to support partners to undertake activities to protect and recover the species. Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program the government has supported 47 stewardship projects ($4,670,550) since the species was listed in 2012 designed to contribute to the protection and recovery of Barn Swallow ^{footnote 3[3]} . One of these projects focused exclusively on the species, while the other 46 projects focused on multiple species at risk, including Barn Swallow. In addition to the government funding, partners with projects benefiting Barn Swallow reported they were successful in securing additional funding ($9,532,700) from other sources. These contributions include in-kind support in the form of time and expertise provided by volunteers.

Stewardship partners reported that provincial funding helped them to secure in-kind support by involving more than 4,000 individuals who volunteered over 50,260 hours of their time toward protection and recovery activities for multiple species at risk, including Barn Swallow. This support has an estimated value of $1,105,030. Partners also reported that through both their efforts and the efforts of their volunteers to implement actions contained in the GRS, they were successful in enhancing 2,963 hectares of habitat that will benefit multiple species at risk, including Barn Swallow. In addition, stewardship partners reported providing ecosystem-based outreach on multiple species, including Barn Swallow to 1,362,680 individuals.

The government also supports proponents in conducting research that addresses important knowledge gaps for species at risk. Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program for Ontario, the government provided funding to five research projects ($120,660) to fill knowledge gaps about the species identified in the GRS. This included research on causes of population declines, the impact of understudied threats, and the use of artificial nesting structures. In addition to the government funding, partners with research projects focusing on Barn Swallow reported they were successful in securing additional funding ($144,760) from other sources.

The following highlights 3 projects supported through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program and the Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario, as well as the corresponding government-supported recovery actions for the species:

1. High priority actions have been implemented as part of a targeted Barn Swallow and Bank Swallow project completed by Bird Studies Canada (BSC) with the support of the Species at Risk Stewardship Program in the 2018-19 funding year. BSC completed sampling to examine the dispersal and return rates of Barn Swallows in a variety of breeding habitats, collecting valuable information on population trends in the areas examined. Additionally, targeted public outreach was delivered to farmers and rural landowners to communicate best management practices for maintaining and improving Barn Swallow habitat. Site visits and the provision of educational materials were used to share information catered to the intended audience. BSC also participated in workshops and events with federal and international partners to share recent findings and to discuss priorities for future research and recovery actions.
2. A project carried out by Nature Canada made progress on a number of GRS actions, including both those aiming to increase understanding of Barn Swallow distribution, and those promoting stewardship and awareness. Surveys were created and distributed to rural landowners that sought to collect data both on observations of Barn Swallow on individual properties, and on landowner understanding of (and application of) best management practices to assist in recovery of the species. These surveys provided valuable information on the locations of foraging and nesting Barn Swallow and gathered data on what best management practices landowners report to be applying. Workshops were also held with a focus on participation by rural and agricultural landowners to both educate participants on the value of practices like minimizing pesticide application and maintaining Barn Swallow access to nesting areas, and to collect information on perceptions surrounding these approaches. This allowed for the development of strategic communications catered to rural landowners that promoted habitat enhancement and protection actions they were most likely to find reasonable and applicable to their property.
3. The University of Waterloo was able to complete a study aimed at improving understanding of Barn Swallow foraging habitat and the impact of European Reed, also known as Phragmites (Phragmites australis ssp. australis) on foraging behaviour and food availability. This project addressed high priority actions in the GRS by collecting valuable research and monitoring data that can be used in management of the species and addressing a known threat. The research project was able to examine Barn Swallow foraging preferences in the area studied and documented differences in feeding behaviours between areas impacted by invasive species, those unaffected, and those where restoration and mitigation activities had occurred. Results were shared with local and international partners to help inform future recovery efforts.

Species at Risk Stewardship Program

• 
  47

  projects included Barn Swallow

• 
  1

  project for Barn Swallow exclusively

• 
  $4,670,550

  for multi-species projects that included Barn Swallow

• 
  $9,532,700

  in additional funding and in-kind support

• 
  4,000

  volunteers

• 
  50,260

  volunteer hours

• 
  1,362,680

  people received outreach

• 
  2,963

  hectares of habitat enhanced

Supporting human activities while ensuring appropriate support for species recovery

Supporting partners through authorizations and their associated conditions is an important government-led action.

Seventeen permits have been issued for Barn Swallow since the species has been protected under the ESA: one ‘health and safety’ (17(2)(a)) permit, 14 ‘protection or recovery’ (17(2)(b)) permits and two ‘overall benefit’ (17(2)(c)) permits.

‘Health and safety’ permits are issued when an activity that may harm species at risk is considered necessary for the protection of human health and safety. One ‘health and safety’ permit was issued for multiple species, including Barn Swallow, to allow for the replacement of a bridge structure that posed a risk to public safety. Activities undertaken to minimize the adverse effects on Barn Swallow included an assortment of deterrent measures to prevent the species from nesting on the structure during construction and ensuring the design of the new bridge included the same amount of nesting area as the previous structure.

‘Protection or recovery’ permits are issued if the purpose of the activity is to assist in the protection or recovery of a species at risk. Of the 14 ‘protection or recovery’ permits, two were issued exclusively for Barn Swallow and 12 were issued for multiple species, including Barn Swallow. These projects enabled a variety of monitoring projects including banding of captured birds, collection of nesting data, and assessment of wind project operations. To protect the well-being of the species, all people that would be handling or interacting with individual Barn Swallows were required to be properly qualified and trained in measures to prevent stress or injury.

Two ‘overall benefit’ permits were issued for Barn Swallow. One permit was issued exclusively for Barn Swallow and the other was issued for multiple species, including Barn Swallow. Several of the conditions included in the permits were designed to implement government-supported actions identified in the GRS, including:

• creating suitable nesting structures for Barn Swallow and installing nest cups to be maintained for a minimum of five years
• establishing suitable foraging habitat to be maintained for five years
• carrying out monitoring activities related to Barn Swallow foraging and nesting

Other conditions designed to minimize adverse effects included:

• requiring work activities that occur in proximity to identified nests to only be undertaken outside of the established nesting season
• minimizing construction noise wherever possible to prevent disturbance to Barn Swallow nesting or foraging close to the construction site
• ensuring appropriate dust and erosion controls are implemented

More detailed information regarding ‘overall benefit’ permits for this species is available through the Environment Registry of Ontario.

A total of 1,344 activities that may affect Barn Swallow or its habitat have been authorized under the conditional exemptions requiring registration under Ontario Regulation 242/08 of the ESA. The conditional exemptions require the registrant to comply with all conditions of the Regulation, as laid out in the relevant sections.

• ‘Barn swallow’ (section 23.5) – 338 activities were registered under this section, which requires the registrant to comply with all conditions of the Regulation, such as ensuring that if the activity is carried out during the active season for the species, actions are taken to exclude them from the building or structure, taking actions to replace or substitute any removed or damaged habitat areas, and completing tending and monitoring activities according to the rules set out in the Regulation.
• ‘Threats to health and safety, not imminent’ (section 23.18)– 933 activities were registered under this section which requires the registrant to comply with all conditions of the Regulation, including taking reasonable steps to minimize the adverse effects of the activity on the species, such as installing barriers to create a protective zone if the activity may be completed without harming members of the species, or if feasible, relocating members of the species to suitable habitat.
• ‘Drainage works’ (section 23.9), ‘Early exploration mining’ (section 23.10), ‘Ecosystem protection’ (section 23.11), ‘Hydro-electric generating stations’ (section 23.12), ‘Transition – development ongoing when species first listed, etc.’ (section 23.13), ‘Pits and quarries’ (section 23.14), ‘Species protection, recovery activities’ (section 23.17), and ‘Wind facilities’ (section 23.20) – 73 activities were registered under these sections which require the registrant to comply with all conditions of the Regulation, such as the requirements to prepare a mitigation plan, monitor the effectiveness of the actions included in the mitigation plan, and to take reasonable steps to minimize the adverse effects of the activity on the species.

• 1
  health or safety permit
• 14
  protection or recovery permits
• 2
  overall benefit permits
• 1,345
  registrations

Progress towards implementing government-supported actions

Government-supported actions are organized under overarching recovery objectives. Progress has been made towards achieving all of the government-supported recovery objectives and implementing all of the associated actions identified in the GRS for Barn Swallow.

Under this objective, considerable progress has been made towards implementing Action No. 2 and Action No. 4, while some progress has been made toward implementing Action No. 1 and Action No. 3, and initial progress has been made toward Action No. 5.

Progress towards Action No. 1 has been achieved through an assortment of projects supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program. Multiple studies have been carried out examining the diet of Barn Swallows and factors on the landscape that influence food availability.

The second action has been implemented by projects supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program and through conditions of ESA authorizations. A component of the ‘overall benefit’ permits issued for this species required monitoring of nesting and foraging habitat within and adjacent to the project site. Additionally, multiple stewardship partners have undertaken surveys to identify and document habitat areas used by Barn Swallow to carry out their life processes, both as a component for developing management plans for specific lands, and as a component of larger research projects.

Projects funded by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program have also achieved progress toward Action No. 3 and Action No. 4. Monitoring projects completed on both the local and landscape scale have documented population trends and, where possible, sought to compare this information to previous monitoring efforts, or the findings of studies completed elsewhere.

Initial progress has been made towards Action No. 5 through a project supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program. Bird Studies Canada participated in multiple workshops, meetings, and working groups involving both federal and international partners to share information on recent studies surrounding Barn Swallow and the threats that affect this species.

Under this objective, considerable progress has been made towards implementing all of these actions. Components of all actions have been undertaken through conditions of ESA authorizations. Additionally, many projects funded by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program have made progress towards these actions through cooperative development of best management practices, examining the efficacy of various nest structure designs, and maintaining wetland and riparian habitat. Outreach programs were also completed that focused on encouraging agricultural landowners to minimize the application of pesticides where possible, and to apply the principles of integrated pest management.

Ontario Parks made progress toward Action No. 6 by successfully creating habitat for Barn Swallow to replace habitat provided by the former marsh viewing tower at Rondeau Provincial Park which had to be removed due to ongoing damage from shoreline dynamics. Ontario Parks created alternative nesting sites and monitored use of the structure the following year to evaluate the success of the design. They also used it as an opportunity for communication and outreach to promote these practices to the public.

Under this objective, considerable progress has been made towards implementing both actions. These actions have been implemented through multiple projects supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, including single-year focused outreach activities, and multi-year programs where Barn Swallow education and the promotion of appropriate stewardship activities were incorporated. These included targeted landowner workshops, development of focused outreach materials for the agricultural community and aggregate operations, implementation of long-term stewardship strategies, and the inclusion of Barn Swallow best management practices into existing landowner outreach programs.

Summary of progress towards meeting the recovery goal

The government’s short-term goal for the recovery of the Barn Swallow is to “reduce the rate of decline by minimizing threats and improving habitat conditions”. The long-term goal is to “maintain a stable, self-sustaining population throughout the species’ range by 2035 (within 20 years)”. Effort made toward the government-led and government-supported actions has helped to make progress toward this goal. The provincial record of observations indicates efforts to increase awareness and reporting of the species have been effective, as the NHIC has received over 129,000 reports of sightings including 1,900 observations with evidence of nesting activity, and the understanding of Barn Swallow distribution in the province has considerably increased since the species was added to the SARO list in 2012.

Considerable work has been completed to address threats to the species by stewardship partners through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program and the Species at Risk Research Fund. Efforts made to improve understanding of how particular threats, such as invasive species, incompatible land use, and decreased food availability, affect Barn Swallow populations have allowed for better application of stewardship activities to target these threats. The development of best management practices by the Government of Ontario and by stewardship partners has provided valuable resources for minimizing threats to this species and maintaining habitat for both foraging and nesting. Additionally, work has been carried out with funding through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program to restore and improve foraging habitat for Barn Swallow across the province both through targeted species-specific projects and through large-scale stewardship initiatives.

Recommendations

As stated in the GRS, this review of progress can be used to help identify whether adjustments to the implementation of GRS actions are needed, to achieve the protection and recovery of the species. Based on progress to date, the overall direction provided in the GRS for Barn Swallow, particularly the implementation of actions identified as high priority, should continue to guide protection and recovery of the species.

Relative to actions that have received a stronger level of support, the following actions have received less implementation, and may be considered in future work towards the protection and recovery of the species:

• Action No. 5 – Coordinate efforts and share information with other jurisdictions, including the federal government, to understand the relative degree to which Barn Swallow is impacted by threats that occur within Ontario versus threats that occur outside the breeding season (e.g., on wintering grounds).

Protecting and recovering Barn Swallow will continue to be a shared responsibility that will require the involvement of many individuals, organizations and communities. Financial support for the implementation of actions may be available through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program. The government will continue to advise if any authorizations under the ESA or other legislation may be required to undertake a project. By working together, progress can continue to be made toward protecting and recovering Barn Swallow in Ontario.

References

• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 2017. Best Management Practices for Excluding Barn Swallows and Chimney Swifts from Buildings and Structures. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2017. 22 pp.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 2016. Creating Nesting Habitat for Barn Swallows, Best Practices Technical Note Version 1.0. Species Conservation Policy Branch. Peterborough, Ontario. 14 pp.
• Smith, A.C., Hudson, M-A.R. Aponte, V., and Francis, C.M. 2019. North American Breeding Bird Survey - Canadian Trends Website, Data-version 2017. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0H3.