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The western most point of land in Nova Scotia, Brier Island is found at the southern end of a low, basalt mountain ridge, running much of the length of Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy coastline. More than 20 years of migration monitoring has demonstrated excellent fall songbird and raptor migration. The island has long been recognized as one of the most important bird areas in the Maritimes, and is considered a mecca for Canadian birders with over 325 species having been noted there.
Brier Island is 7 km by 3 km in size and is separated from Long Island by the 1.5 km wide Grand Passage. It is easily accessed via an hourly ferry service. Except for the village of Westport and the fields surrounding it, much of the island is dominated by alder and White Spruce. Two parallel ridges run the length of the island, with lowland, such as bogs and ponds, in between.
Not only is the island a migration trap for landbirds, it is an important year-round feeding area for marine birds. Greater Shearwater can occur in globally significant numbers as illustrated by the reporting of a flock of 20,000 birds in the fall of 1997. Many other seabird and alcid species can be found in the plankton rich waters surrounding the island.
The research station is situated on property owned by Acadia University and operates only in the fall. Facilities on site are rustic. Volunteers may camp at the station or stay at a nearby hostel, motel, or one of several B&B’s in the town of Westport.
For more information, please contact:
Lance Laviolette
RR 1
Glen Robertson, ON
Canada K0B 1H0
Tel: 613_874_2449 (H); 514_340_8310 Ext. 8495 (W)
Email: lance.laviolette@lmco.com
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