Index

Grant 
Application
Information

2002 Projects

2001 Projects

1999 Projects

Meet 
the Trustees

The Library

Return to
Bird Studies 
Canada

Regular Project Grants

Monitoring Neotropical Migrant And Resident Birds In The Venezuelan Andes; La Mucuy Bird Observatory, Sierra Nevada National Park, Venezuela
Gannet Colony Restoration Project; Québec Labrador Foundation, Québec
Piping Plover Guardian Program; Island Nature Trust, Prince Edward Island
St Walburg Bird Survey; Muriel Carlson, Saskatchewan
Population Monitoring Of Harlequin Ducks In The Strait Of Georgia, BC; Kenneth Wright, British Columbia
Algoma Sharp-tailed Grouse Survey; Robert D. Knudson, Ontario
Saw-whet Owl Migration At Pigeon Lake, Ontario; Erica Nol & Chris Risley, Ontario
Red-necked Grebe Migration Survey; Friends of Cabot Head, Ontario
Les Oiseaux Á Statut Précaire De La Réserve Nationale De Faune Du Cap Tormente; Fondation Les oiseleurs du Québec inc.
Update Of The Époq Database; Les Productions du Corbeau, Québec
Bald Eagle Nesting Success-2000; Georgia Basin Ecological Assessment & Restoration Society, British Columbia
Olympic Vulture Study; Diann McRae, Washington
Ranger Creek Maps Station; Bow Valley Naturalists, Alberta
Winter Bird Monitoring At Thunder Cape Bird Observatory; Jody Allair & Jessie Antoniak, Ontario
Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch; Doug Lockrey, Ontario
Type Songs: Townsend’s And Black-throated Gray Warblers; Douglas Innes, British Columbia
 
Migration Monitoring Project Grants

Mackenzie (Mugaha Marsh) Migration Monitoring Station; Mackenzie Nature Observatory, British Columbia
Rocky Point Bird Observatory; Rocky Point Bird Observatory, British Columbia
Atlantic Bird Observatory - Seal Island & Bon Portage Island Migration Monitoring Stations; Atlantic Bird Observatory, Nova Scotia
Observatoire d’Óiseaux de Tadoussac; Explos - Nature, Québec
Cabot Head Research Station; Friends of Cabot Head, Ontario
Selkirk Provincial Park, Ruthven Park and Rock Point Provincial Park Migration Monitoring Stations; Haldimand Bird Observatory, Ontario
Beaverhill Bird Observatory; Beaverhill Bird Observatory, Alberta
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory; Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, Ontario
Last Mountain Bird Observatory; Last Mountain Bird Observatory, Saskatchewan
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary; Calgary Bird Banding Society, Alberta

James L. Baillie Student Research Award

The Ecology and Evolution of Female Eavesdropping and Female Choice of Extra-pair Partners; Daniel Joshua Mennill, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

Abstract: Within a communication network an individual may gain information by eavesdropping on the vocal interactions of others. Research focuses on communication networks and the significance of female eavesdropping on male vocal interactions in the Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus). During the breeding season, Mennill will promote or demote male chickadees of known dominance rank through interactive song playback and examine the behavioural responses, including extra-pair partner choice, of eavesdropping females. Paternity data from the first field season indicate that females evaluate potential extra-pair partners by eavesdropping on asymmetrical vocal exchanges and select the winners of these exchanges as extra-pair partners. This investigation of female eavesdropping promises to be an important step towards understanding the role of male vocal interactions in female extra-pair partner choice and the evolution of communication networks.

Regular Grants

Monitoring Neotropical Migrant And Resident Birds In The Venezuelan Andes; La Mucuy Bird Observatory, Sierra Nevada National Park, Venezuela

Neotropical migrants nesting in Canada and commonly found migrating through or wintering in the Mérida Andes include: Cerulean Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Golden-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Mourning Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush and Summer Tanager.

Although many of these species are at the southern limits of their wintering ranges, the area may be of particular importance to the conservation of Canadian songbirds due to the "leapfrog effect". This theory suggests that birds at the northern limits of their breeding ranges spend the winter at the southern limits of the wintering ranges (Mead, 1983; Alerstam, 1990). If this theory is proven true, a disproportionate number of high latitude songbirds may be wintering in areas such as the Mérida Andes. The issue of the leapfrog effect may only be resolved through banding, or more likely through use of stable isotopes, a technique that has been successfully used to link breeding and wintering grounds of migratory songbirds in different parts of Central America (Hobson, 1997). High latitude birds are poorly monitored at present because their summering grounds lie beyond the coverage of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and because their wintering grounds lie south of the main focus of monitoring in Central America.

La Mucuy Bird Observatory staff will train local personnel to conduct monitoring of Neotropical migrant and resident birds. As well, the Observatory staff and volunteers will undertake to educate the park staff, visitors and local people as to the international importance of the National Park, and the Venezuelan Andes in general, for migratory and resident birds. Throughout the Neotropics, rapid assessment research continues to be greatly needed to help determine which tropical ecosystems most require preservation.

Gannet Colony Restoration Project; Québec Labrador Foundation, Québec

The Île aux Perroquets Gannet colony was lost during the late nineteenth century as a result of hunting, egg collecting, disturbance and the construction of a lighthouse. Only 6 Northern Gannet breeding colonies remain in the Northwest Atlantic and the Île aux Perroquets site has been chosen for restoration because the island is an historic nest site with suitable habitat, abundant food (mackerel) and it lacks predators. The island is protected by Parks Canada. The restoration project started in 1997 with the creation of an artificial colony of 45 life-sized Gannet decoys in nesting and courtship poses, complete with a continuous play sound system broadcasting vocalizations of nesting birds. Adult Gannets have taken up residence among the decoys each year since 1997 and Gannets have been observed flying over Île aux Perroquets in increasing numbers each year. In 2000 the project will proceed as in past years with project staff installing the Gannet decoys in appropriate nesting habitat in early spring. A local biologist will visit the site twice weekly to monitor the site and observe any resident Gannets.

Piping Plover Guardian Program; Island Nature Trust, Prince Edward Island

The Piping Plover Guardian Program aims to improve productivity of PEI’s only national endangered species, the Piping Plover. The program uses volunteers and staff to monitor plovers nesting on beaches outside of PEI National Park. Plovers nesting within the park are protected by beach closures, monitoring and enforcement. The program also undertakes to educate beach visitors and the general public by distributing a brochure entitled "Prince Edward Island Piping Plover - Share The Shore" and posting signs warning the public to stay out of nesting areas. Piping Plovers are susceptible to disturbance by humans and their pets. Garbage left behind by humans attracts predators such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, gulls and crows. Although fledging rates have been good recently, 1999 marked the first increase in the returning spring population since 1991. The program begins in April with initial beach visits conducted by experienced "Guardians". New volunteers are then recruited and trained in May and June. Volunteers learn how to identify Piping Plovers, what factors constitute disturbance and how to minimize disturbance. Effective monitoring techniques are taught as are strategies for dealing with the public. The nine beaches monitored in 1999 had an average fledging rate of 1.79 chicks per pair. The most productive being Canavoy beach where 6 pairs produced 20 eggs and 18 chicks fledged.

St Walburg Bird Survey; Muriel Carlson, Saskatchewan

The information gathered in the St. Walberg Survey will be used to create an inventory of bird populations in the region and to develop a map that will provide a self guided birding tour. The map will pinpoint particular locations and list possible species to be found at each location. The map will encourage bird-watching in appropriate locations using public roads and will also be used by local schools and nature clubs for ongoing monitoring. The surveys will be conducted at a minimum of 8 sites and will take place over the course of 12-15 weeks beginning in late April or early May.

Population Monitoring Of Harlequin Ducks In The Strait Of Georgia, BC; Kenneth Wright, British Columbia

Harlequin Ducks will be censused in known moulting areas of the Strait of Georgia. Harlequin Ducks will be banded and in the case of recaptures, worn bands will be replaced with new encoded bands for resighting purposes. Volunteers will gather information such as band status, sex, and age of birds encountered. The information gathered to date has assisted in determining regional population estimates and local survival rates that will be used to assess population trends. In 1999, 371 birds were captured of which 83 or 22% were recaptures and the remaining 78% were new captures. Of the 371 birds captured, 246 or 66% were female suggesting that 1998 was a productive year for Harlequins.

Algoma Sharp-tailed Grouse Survey; Robert D. Knudson, Ontario

This survey aims to determine the status of Sharp-tailed Grouse in Algoma and on Manitoulin Island, to locate every Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek (a favourite territorial display dancing ground used by Gallinaceous birds) within the Algoma district and to identify and document possible hybrids of Sharp-tailed Grouse x Greater Prairie Chicken within the Algoma District and Manitoulin Island. Sharp-tailed Grouse populations are believed to have declined in Michigan over the past ten years, and it has been de-regulated as an upland game species. Similar action may be necessary in Ontario but there is no data available to determine the status of Sharp-tailed Grouse in Ontario . In 2000 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will conduct a study to determine the population and status Sharp-tailed Grouse and the Algoma study will use the same protocol. It is hoped that the surveys will provide information regarding the status of Sharp-tailed Grouse in the Great Lakes Basin. There are 211 sites with suitable habitat have been identified in Algoma. Sites will be visited daily at sunrise and in the evenings when Sharp-tailed Grouse usually display. There have been 8 Lek sites identified. Surveys will be conducted between 1 April and 31 May 2000.

Saw-whet Owl Migration At Pigeon Lake, Ontario; Erica Nol & Chris Risley, Ontario

Monitoring will be conducted to determine the extent and degree of inland migration of Saw-whet Owls through banding at a migration stopover site. It will also document age ratios of birds migrating through Pigeon Lake, Ontario and compare these ratios to those found at more northerly and southerly banding locations such as Thunder Cape Bird Observatory and Long Point Bird Observatory. The project also aims to increase public awareness of owl biology and bird conservation in the Peterborough area. Monitoring will begin in late September and continue until mid-November each year for the next 5-10 years. It is thought that having detailed information from an inland site will help to pinpoint the migratory pathway of this enigmatic species. Also, if age ratios can be used to determine productivity rate it may be possible to detect whether migration is differentially costly to young birds, by examining age ratios of birds travelling through the site which is close to the breeding grounds and those of birds travelling through Long Point bird Observatory which is several hundred kilometres to the south.

Red-necked Grebe Migration Survey; Friends of Cabot Head, Ontario

The Cabot Head area has recently been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) based on the large numbers of Red-necked Grebes which pass through the area and stage along the Georgian Bay shoreline during spring migration. There are few recent data on the scope and magnitude of this migration and information on potential threats is not available. The Cabot Head IBA steering committee is developing a Conservation Action Plan for the IBA and has identified a baseline Red-necked Grebe survey and the development of an ongoing population monitoring program as high priority actions. Starting in 2000 the Friends of Cabot Head will establish an annual, volunteer-based survey (using an appropriate survey protocol) of Red-necked Grebes staging along the Georgian Bay shoreline within the Cabot Head IBA. In 2000 a minimum of 6, and a maximum of 20 surveys will be organized and conducted using local volunteers (when possible) to determine the number of Red-necked Grebes (and other waterbirds) staging in the study area between 15 March and 30 May. Red-necked Grebes migrating past the tip of Cabot Head will be monitored daily from a fixed observation point. The surveys will be conducted from 1 April to late May with counts beginning soon after dawn and continuing for a minimum of 4 hours (longer when Grebes are actively migrating). Data is recorded hourly along with notations of flight direction, weather conditions, and disturbances.

Les Oiseaux Á Statut Précaire De La Réserve Nationale De Faune Du Cap Tormente; Fondation Les oiseleurs du Québec inc.

The huge size of the province of Québec and its supposedly inexhaustible natural resources have had a profound on Québec culture thus far. But in the past decade the clearing of land and the destruction of habitat have provoked a change in attitudes towards conservation and the management of resources.

The goal of this project is to increase our knowledge of birds at risk in the National Wildlife Reserve at Cap Tourmente, in order to provide them with better protection. This NWR is world-renowned for its avifaunal richness, such as being the stopover site of the Snow Goose, and the breeding territory of many other species of birds. Among this latter group, 29 species have been designated as being at risk. In order to give them better protection, the Fondation des Oiseleurs de Québec wants to increase the monitoring of these species by using nest cards during the nesting season. These cards will keep track of the breeding population while on their breeding grounds, and map the nest site of each nesting pair. This will permit managers to set up adequate protection measures for birds at risk while at the same time allowing them to increase our understanding of local habitat conditions (e.g. agricultural fields, coastal marshes).

The results of this project will help us to make enlightened decisions on the management of resources and the use of the land, as well as take appropriate steps to protect endangered species.

Update Of The Époq Database; Les Productions du Corbeau, Québec

The Études des populations d’oiseaux du Québec (EPOQ) or Québec Bird Populations Study was founded in 1975 to create a database of all bird observations in Québec. The observations are collected on a daily checklist that is free at all those who submit observations. At year end in 1999 the database contained 304,254 checklists, 4,209,412 observations, 4,766 localities and 204,640 notes. It is believed to be the second largest database of bird records in the world. This year approximately 2000 checklists will be added to the database. The 30 participating clubs will be contacted and asked to submit checklists. The checklists will be entered between May and December with updates to the main database done every 3 months. The database has a high level of credibility and is used by the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Québec Wildlife and Environment Ministry, private firms, ornithologists, university professors, students and authors.

Bald Eagle Nesting Success-2000; Georgia Basin Ecological Assessment & Restoration Society, British Columbia

The Bald Eagle is on the BC Yellow List of species of special management concern, primarily because of the threat of ongoing habitat loss and resulting population decline in specific portions of its range within BC. Of greatest concern is the near shore perimeter of the Strait of Georgia, and particularly the east coast of Vancouver Island and adjacent Gulf Islands where habitat loss has been caused by logging, land clearing and urban development. This project studies the Bald Eagle in its home and nesting territory and compiles important information needed as a basis for future land use management decisions to ensure the long term survival of the species. In 1999 the project monitored 170 sites, 143 nests and 89 active nests.

In 2000 the Bald Eagle nest monitoring program will: a) monitor bald eagle nesting success along the east coast of Vancouver Island from Nanaimo to Courtenay for the current year using volunteers from local naturalist clubs; b) prepare a written report summarizing the regional results of this year’s monitoring effort to be submitted to the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP), Nanaimo, BC; c) collect the 2000 nest site data forms from each volunteer and review each one for accuracy in preparation for data entry into the MELP computer database developed in 1999.

Olympic Vulture Study; Diann McRae, Washington

This study was established in 1992 to search out the route taken by Turkey Vultures which congregate at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, BC, each September-October. The Olympic Vulture Study has been operating for eight years at Tongue Point on Washington state’s Olympic peninsula. The site is monitored from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. daily from 15 September to 10 October. In 1998 2,092 vultures were observed. In 2000 the project will continue to monitor the Vancouver Island Turkey Vulture as it migrates across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Washington’s northern Olympic coast. As well, the project will investigate the northern breeding range of these birds to try to determine where the population originates. Finally, project staff and volunteers will continue its education and public awareness program of the Turkey Vulture and its place in the environment.

Ranger Creek Maps Station; Bow Valley Naturalists, British Columbia

The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program consists of standardized constant-effort mist netting and banding during the breeding season. The project will provide long-term information on the status of migratory songbirds in the montane zone of Banff National Park through standardized constant-effort mist netting. The research will also contribute to a continent-wide program to monitor migratory landbirds. The breeding season is divided into 10-day periods depending on local latitude and altitude. For the Ranger Creek site the season extends from period four, May 21-30, to period 10, July 30-August 8. Ten mist nets are operated for six hours, starting at sunrise, on one day during each of the 10-day periods. The MAPS program divides the continent into eight major regions based on biogeographical and meteorological considerations, and each region has target species identified within it. Banff National Parks falls into the Northwest Region. Of the 13 target species for the region the following 12 have been captured, observed or heard at the Ranger Creek site: Western Flycatcher, Swainson’s Thrush, American Robin, Warbling Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Song Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow and "Oregon" Dark-eyed Junco.

Winter Bird Monitoring At Thunder Cape Bird Observatory; Jody Allair & Jessie Antoniak, Ontario

This project proposes to gather additional information once routine monitoring has ended at Thunder Cape Bird Observatory with a view to developing a better understanding of late fall and early winter migration patterns along the north shore of Lake Superior and assessing the feasibility of conducting winter migration monitoring at Thunder Cape in the future. During a visit to the site in December 1999 the project coordinator recorded significant numbers of migratory Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and American Goldfinches. Also noted were seasonally rare and uncommon migrants such as Song Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, American Robin and Cedar Waxwing. During the course of the three week stay in December 2000 the volunteers will record daily migration of birds using the standardized migration recording protocol utilised at Thunder Cape Bird Observatory.

Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch; Doug Lockrey, Ontario

The Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch, instituted in 1991 documents the numbers and species of raptors, other birds, dragonflies and butterflies migrating through the Whitby-Ajax area in the fall of the year at two affiliated viewing stations using stationary visual migration counts. The project is set up to gather and compare data from two closely located, but geographically different viewing stations. The sites are located along the Lake Ontario shore and several kilometres inland respectively. Numbers and varieties of birds moving past these stations vary greatly on a day-to-day basis. Volunteers also document weather patterns and flight directions to determine optimal migration conditions. All data collected is submitted to the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) which represents a network of groups involved in the systematic counting of migrating hawks with the goal of contributing scientific data about birds of prey, based on a standardized reporting system and techniques.

Type Songs: Townsend’s And Black-throated Gray Warblers; Douglas Innes, British Columbia

This study expects to contribute to the understanding of Townsend’s and Black-throated Gray Warblers song types, distribution and the relationship of the two related species. The project coordinator will attempt to establish type songs that can be expected on Vancouver Island and the adjoining Gulf Islands. For example the Strait of Georgia appears to have a sustainable population of individuals that favour these types. The project also aims to determine type songs that do not appear to be established and may not last a season, and lastly to determine sound units that appear to be common in songs or some songs of Townsend’s and Black-throated Gray Warblers where territories are sympatric.

Migration Monitoring Project Grants

Mackenzie (Mugaha Marsh) Migration Monitoring Station; Mackenzie Nature Observatory, British Columbia

The goal of the Mugaha Marsh program is to monitor changes in the populations of small landbirds that migrate through the Mackenzie area, by providing consistent and comparable annual indices of population size and structure, survival rates, species composition and migration timing. Of particular concern are species not monitored effectively with other methods like the Breeding Bird Survey and/or species that have shown declines in other regions. Mackenzie lies in the Rocky Mountain Trench, a large valley immediately west of the Rocky Mountains, a suitable location to monitor migration of species that breed in the forests and mountains of northern BC and the YK. To provide a broader understanding of migration patterns in the area, censuses are also conducted at Gagnon creek and Chichouyenily creek. The primary banding station is situated at Mugaha Marsh, along Williston reservoir, a prominent funnelling feature in the landscape. Mugaha Marsh is approximately 12 km north of Mackenzie. The site is the most northern migration monitoring station in BC. Mugaha's first full season was in 1995. The Mugaha Marsh banding site includes banding and living facilities (tent and trailers), 18 net lanes and a daily census route centred on the public wildlife_viewing site. The site is on crown land managed by the BC Ministry of Forests and the municipality of Mackenzie. The site is proposed as a Sensitive Area under the Forest Practices Code Act of BC providing a designation of the site that allows for the long_term presence of the banding station. The upland habitat is primarily shrub dominated and subject to regular flooding by the Williston Reservoir.

In 1999 water levels at the marsh were low during the banding season and overgrown vegetation resulted in a higher than usual number of birds flying over the nets. These factors combined with several days of rain in August likely impacted the catch rate. However, the station still managed to band 2536 birds. In 1999 the station captured its first White-winged Crossbill and Bohemian Waxwings. The fall of 99 saw 30 returning birds from the fall of ‘98, 1 from the spring of ‘98, 19 from fall ‘97, 12 from fall ‘96, and 2 from fall ‘95. Some noteable sightings include Barrow’s Goldeneye, Black-billed Magpie, Brewer’s Blackbird, Cooper’s Hawk, Gadwall, Long-billed Dowitcher, Northern Goshawk, Red-breasted Merganser, Red Crossbill, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Shortbilled Dowitcher and Steller’s Jay.

Rocky Point Bird Observatory; Rocky Point Bird Observatory, British Columbia

Rocky Point Bird Observatory has been operating in the fall for 6 years, is a designated member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) and is located on Canadian Forces Ammunitions Depot Department of National Defense lands to the southwest of Victoria, B.C. on the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Rocky Point lies at the extreme southern tip of Vancouver Island where passerines, raptors and seabirds converge. The site habitat contains stands of old growth Douglas and Grand fir, tidal flats, endangered Gerry Oak forest, open meadow and riparian habitat. Rocky Point is well suited to migration monitoring because of its fairly stable habitat and very little human disturbance (access to the site is restricted by the Department of National Defense). As of the fall 1999, 245 bird species have been recorded and more than 80 of those species are known to breed on the site. The most common species banded during fall migration include: Wilson’s Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Ten mist nets set at standard locations are operated for 6 hours per day beginning 30 minutes before dawn. The staff at Rocky Point also conduct a Seawatch which is a non-standard sampling method to determine water bird density, diversity and movement. A Raptor Count is also conducted to survey migrating hawks, falcons, eagles and vultures in September and October.

Atlantic Bird Observatory - Seal Island & Bon Portage Island Migration Monitoring Stations; Atlantic Bird Observatory, Nova Scotia

Established in 1996 the Atlantic Bird Observatory is a designated member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) and operates two field stations: Seal and Bon Portage (Outer) Islands, situated off the southwest coast of Nova Scotia. Seal Island is situated about 16 km off the extreme southwest coast of Nova Scotia. The southern half of Seal Island is designated as the migration monitoring area. Seal Island is owned in part by the Department of Transport and Communications, and the banding station is on their land. Bon Portage is situated 15 km east of Seal Island near mainland Nova Scotia. The migration monitoring area of Bon Portage encompasses the southern half of the island. Bon Portage Island is owned by Acadia University and the Department of Transport and Communications. Habitat on both islands is primarily spruce forest, with shrubby understory. 15 banding lanes operate at each site with mist netting beginning 30 minutes before sunrise and continuing for 6 hours (weather permitting). Net locations remain the same from year to year. Due to the fact that both sites are only accessible by boat, the number of visitors is minimal. Excellent living and working facilities exist at both sites. The primary goal of the Atlantic Bird Observatory is to use migration counts to monitor landbird populations on a long_term basis. Data collected will contribute to the larger scale effort of the CMMN. The association of the observatory with Acadia University will allow other aspects of migration to be studied. Several species stand out as prime candidates for migration monitoring: American Pipit, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Waterthrush, Blackpoll Warbler, White_winged Crossbill, Myrtle Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat. These species move through the area during the fall in large numbers. Notable numbers of Bay_breasted and Magnolia warblers were also observed in the spring of 1997. Raptor fall migration target species include Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Sharp_shinned Hawk and American Kestrel.

Observatoire d’Óiseaux de Tadoussac; Explos - Nature, Québec

The Tadoussac Bird Observatory (TBO) is located 4 km to the northeast of the village of Tadoussac, Québec close to the interpretive centre in Saguenay Provincial Park. It is the only migration monitoring station in Québec, and it is the most northerly station in eastern North America.

The TBO’s purpose is to collect data on bird populations, especially of birds that breed in the boreal zone of Canada: TBO keeps track of their numbers, following them over the long term, and evaluating their risk status. In the fall TBO counts raptors. The observatory also offers training in banding and identification of birds, to children, students and adults. This particular project however is focussed on monitoring songbird populations.

The primary target species are Alder Flycatcher, American Pipit, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Grey-cheeked Thrush, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Swainson’s Thrush, Tennessee Warbler, White-winged Crossbill, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Eighty-four other species are also monitored. Even though many of these species are already well monitored by many CMMN stations, very little info about them comes from the eastern half of the continent, and in this sense, the TBO fills a huge void.

Cabot Head Research Station; Friends of Cabot Head, Ontario

Cabot Head is located at the northeastern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, a location in the Great Lakes Basin which makes it a natural corridor and concentration point for migrating landbirds. The peninsula shoreline is also used as a staging area by many waterbirds. The Bruce Peninsula has been identified as an important gap in the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network’s coverage of Ontario. The site is located in the Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve, a highly significant natural area managed by Ontario Parks as a protected area. The study area is about 3 hectares in size with habitat of scrubby mixed woods, shrub thickets and open mowed lawn. The site is not accessible to the public. The station will operate during spring migration from 1 April to 15 June and in fall migration from 1 August to 31 October. This is the first year of operations at this site so various net and trap types will be tested to determine the ideal set-up. A preliminary protocol for migration monitoring at the site was developed following field work in 1998, and will be updated at the end of each season with a final standard operating protocol expected to be completed within two years.

Selkirk Provincial Park, Ruthven Park and Rock Point Provincial Park Migration Monitoring Stations; Haldimand Bird Observatory, Ontario

The Haldimand Bird Observatory is a designated member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and operates three migration monitoring stations. The three stations are about 25 miles apart. The composition of the species banded at each station is quite different, both in spring and fall. There have been no between station retraps.

Selkirk Provincial Park is located on the north shore of Lake Erie (almost due north of Long Point Bird Observatory's Tip station). The Park is on crown land and is currently leased from Parks Ontario by the Long Point Region Conservation Authority. Banding is carried out on a park picnic table. The establishment of more permanent facilities is unlikely. The banding site is located in a white pine plantation approximately 25 years old. This plantation is bordered on the east side by the marshes of Spring Creek and on the west by cultivated fields. In effect, a wooded point is created, jutting out toward Lake Erie, similar to a miniature Point Pelee. Birds in the spring arrive, land in the pines and then move inland unless a grounding occurs and they remain in the area for a day or so.

Ruthven Park is owned by the Grand River Land Trust and is located on the east side of the Grand River about 11/2 miles north of Highway 3. Nets are set up in the brushy edge of the wooded area that surrounds an old mansion situated high on the east bank of the Grand River. Banding is carried out in an old outbuilding on the estate.

The Rock Point station will begin operations in the fall of 2000. The station is located in Rock Point Provincial Park located just east of the mouth of the Grand River on Lake Erie. The banding site is accessible to the public but rarely used and contains small isolated clumps of trees such as dogwood.

Beaverhill Bird Observatory; Beaverhill Bird Observatory, Alberta

Beaverhill Bird Observatory is a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and has been operating a field station near the south shore of Beaverhill Lake since 1984. The field station is located on Provincial Crown Land leased to the Observatory. The undisturbed site is located on the shore of a large lake and open to the public. The station operates during spring migration from 25 April to 4 June and during fall migration from 14 July to 14 October. Twelve net lanes are operated on the site and are situated in areas selected for type of habitat, time of year and weather conditions. The Observatory also runs a MAPS program, Breeding Bird Census and conducts Tree Swallow research.

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory; Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, Ontario

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and is located along the eastern tip of Prince Edward County about 30 minutes east of Picton, ON in a National Wildlife Area owned by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS). The observatory was established as a migration monitoring station in 1995 to continue the research started by the Kingston Field Naturalists in the 1970s and 1980s. The habitat consists of a savannah area with medium height trees and shrubs with evidence of successional traits, and light forested areas of oak, prickly ash, aspen and cedar trees. Intermittent ponds occur at the south end of the net lanes and produce multitudes of midge flies and mosquitoes, attracting birds to the nets. CWS monitors the habitat and is responsible for land management changes. Prince Edward Point is a very significant migration and banding location on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and represents very little overlap with other observatories. The assumption can be made that in the spring many of the birds move up along the south shore of Lake Ontario before island hopping to the point. The islands are Main Duck, False Duck and Timber Island. Significant numbers of birds pass through the area which is a focal point for migratory passerines, waterfowl and raptors, with yearly occurrences of rare and unusual species. In 1997 Prince Edward Point was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

The goals of this project are to continue monitoring spring bird migration and to begin monitoring fall bird migration; to create awareness in Prince Edward County of this environmentally significant area and increase community involvement in the Observatory programs; and to develop and implement educational programs for the local school board.

Last Mountain Bird Observatory; Last Mountain Bird Observatory, Saskatchewan

Last Mountain Bird Observatory is jointly run by the Canadian Wildlife Service and Nature Saskatchewan and is located in Last Mountain Regional Park at the north end of Last Mountain Lake. It is a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and the only migration monitoring station in Saskatchewan. Thus it forms an important link between observatories at Beaverhill Lake in Alberta and Delta Marsh in Manitoba. The site is jointly owned by Last Mountain Regional Park and the Canadian Wildlife Service. The early to mid-successional "subclimax" habitat remains unchanged due to poor soils and drought-like conditions in the area so there is no need for habitat management. Thirteen mist nets are operated and two additional nets are used from 21 September until fall monitoring ends. The site is open to the public and visitors are welcomed.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary; Calgary Bird Banding Society, Alberta

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN). The migration monitoring program is the flagship project of the Calgary Bird Banding Society and has operated a migration monitoring program since 1995. The migration monitoring station operates during fall migration from 31 July until 7 October and is located in Calgary along the Bow River, a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Situated 80 km east of the Rocky Mountain the Sanctuary is located in a unique and strategic location in the CMMN. The habitat within the sanctuary is mature riparian balsam poplar forest with a well developed, impenetrable understorey of Red-Osier Dogwood, Saskatoon etc. The migration monitoring area is in the reserve portion of the sanctuary and is not open to the public.

Return to Top of Page
Return to Previous Page

The Organization  International Programs  National Programs  Regional Programs  
Long Point Bird Observatory Programs  Join BSC  Web Site Map