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Pink flamingos taking flight

AMASS / Space for Birds

The AMASS (Avian Migration Aerial, Surface, Space) research project, also known as “Space for Birds”, examines the migratory pathways of seven threatened and endangered avian species, integrating art and science in photography to stimulate a connection to the natural world. AMASS is inspired by the natural phenomena of avian migration coupled with Dr. Bondar’s lifelong passion for flight and her view of Earth from space and through a camera lens. Photographs from the surface, air (aerial), and the ultimate wide-view, space, work together in a layered perspective to emphasize the global scale of the birds’ movements and highlight the importance of protecting their habitats.

Perspectives

Whooping cranes with text overtop reading: "Surface: The surface perspective allows the AMASS project to capture the morphology and behavioural patterns of our focal species such as their position in the food web, their flight silhouettes, family structures, and plumage colouring. This gives us insight into the species' way of life."
River surrounded by forest with text overtop reading: "Aerial: The aerial perspective presents a full view of the habitats in which these focal species thrive, as well as the threats they face that may lead to their future endangerment. The condition of their habitats are imperative to the survival of these avian species."
Earth from space with text overtop reading: "Space: The space perspective allows the AMASS / Space for Birds project to demonstrate the great migration scale of these birds as well as critical habitat areas such as stopover, wintering, and breeding sites. These images are taken by astronauts like Dr. Roberta Bondar from space shuttles and the International Space Station."

Learn More

Two Whooping Cranes in a field

Species
Screenshot of StoryMaps map of the world with blue markers

StoryMaps
Piping Plover on a rocky beach

Project Reports
A winding dried-up stream bed with salt on its surface because of evaporation of water from the salty wetland

Field Photos

Project Supporters

We would like to thank our supporters in this project for making AMASS / Space for Birds possible!

Partners

Donors

Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation

Hodgson Family Foundation

RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature 

Takla Foundation