Local bird bander Ron Reist has been recognized by the Ellis Bird Farm for his contributions to bluebird conservation and was awarded the Blue Feather Award.
Bird banders attach small, specially numbered metal or plastic tags to the leg or wing of a bird so they can be identified and researchers can keep track of where they are.
The Blue Feather Award is given to someone who contributes to the welfare of the bluebird population in Alberta.
Reist has had an interest in birds from a young age when he lived near Camrose. From there he travelled the jungles of Columbia and floated down the Amazon River in search of rare birds.
Recently, his primary focus has been on two birds -- tree swallows and the mountain bluebird.
“The mountain bluebird is one of the prettiest birds in the world, and to have it here in Alberta is very special,” said Reist.
Reist became a certified bird bander after meeting a man named Don Stiles and learning banding from him. Reist only has an interest in banding two species -- the tree swallow and bluebird.
“I went through the training and became a certified bird bander for bluebirds, tree swallows; and that’s a great passion of mine,” Reist said proudly.
Reist followed Stiles on multiple trips and was eventually given 30 bird boxes, which he used to create his own trail. It had 50 boxes in the first year.
One of Reist’s favourite things to do as a bander is the recovery of older birds provincewide.
“I’ve captured seven-year-old bluebirds, which is a real treat, so that’s quite gratifying,” he said.
Reist is proud and grateful to have been given the Blue Feather Award but initially felt that he didn’t deserve it.
“I’ve always respected people who got the award and known many of them over the years,” said Reist. “I’m humbled and I graciously accepted it. It’s a beautiful trophy.”
Reist says the award only furthers the meaning behind why he does what he does and he couldn’t be more proud.
The conservation and welfare of bluebirds is something that’s important to Reist as they rely on us to survive.
“The mountain bluebird became dependent on us and probably wouldn’t survive without us,” said Reist.
Reports say while they aren't endangered, they have become partial to nesting boxes like the ones Reist makes and puts out.
Reist believes the future of the conservation of the mountain bluebird rests on the shoulders of younger people.
“Our average age is over 65 so someone has to take on this thing. So we’re always looking for younger people and like I said, they became dependent on us. So it’s up to the next generation to continue doing this and to continue monitoring,” Reist explained.
“We have to have a new generation of conservationists; I think it’s important to give back to the bird population as they give so much to us,” said Reist.
He encourages any young people to join him to ensure the well-being of these birds.
