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Canada

Regular Project Grants

Hawk Cliff Raptor Banding Station; Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders, ON
Canadian Migration Monitoring Network Workshop ‘99;  MB
Piping Plover Guardian Program; Island Nature Trust, PE
Population Monitoring of moulting Harlequin Ducks in the Strait of Georgia, BC; Kenneth Wright, BC
Gannet Colony Restoration Project at Île aux Perroquets; Quebec Labrador Foundation, Qc
The Queen Charlotte Owl Project; Society for the Conservation and Research of Owls, BC
Piping Plover Guardian Program, Etta M. Parker, NS
American Avocet Conservation at Kelowna; Central Okanagan Naturalists’ Club, BC
Ranger Creek MAPS Station; Bow Valley Naturalists, AB
Salmonellosis and bird feeder stations; Dr. John Prescott, ON
BIT (Bird Identification and Tally) 1999 Challenge; SEEDS Canada Foundation, AB
BC Grassland Birds - Habitat utilization at White Lake Ranch (WLR), Laure Wilson Neish, BC
Bald Eagle Nesting Success; Georgia Basin Ecological Assessment & Restoration Society, BC
Cats Indoors Campaign; Toronto Wildlife Centre, ON
James Bay Islands Avifaunal Survey; Robert Tymstra, NWT
Junior Banding Course; Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation, SK
Ongoing study of Anna’s & Rufous hummingbirds in SW BC; J. Cam Finlay, BC
Hilliardton Marsh Avian Diversity; Bruce Murphy, ON
Update of the ÉPOQ database; Les Productions du Corbeau, QC
 
Migration Monitoring Project Grants

Gros Morne National Park Migration Monitoring Station; Gros Morne Co-operating Association, NF
Seal Island & Bon Portage Island Migration Monitoring Stations; Atlantic Bird Observatory, NS
Observatoire d’oiseaux Tadoussac/Tadoussac Bird Observatory; Le Jeunes Explos Inc., Qc
Thunder Cape Bird Observatory; Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, ON
Mackenzie (Mugaha Marsh) Migration Monitoring Station; Mackenzie Nature Observatory, BC
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, ON
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary; Calgary Bird Banding Society, AB
Selkirk Provincial Park Banding Station; Haldimand Bird Observatory, ON

James L. Baillie Student Research Award

Natural and Sexual Selection in Least Flycatchers (Empidonax minimus): Why do
Breeding Birds Cluster?; Scott Tarof, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON

Regular Grants

Hawk Cliff Raptor Banding Station; Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders, ON

Hawk Cliff is located on the Lake Erie shoreline just east of Port Stanley where raptors pass in great numbers each fall. Raptors are monitored and banded at six stations along and within 1½ miles of the Lake Erie shoreline. From 1969 to 1998 74,707 raptors have been banded by the Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders. Target species include Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Rough-legged Hawk, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk. Mist and bow nets are used for trapping raptors. Each station has four bow nets and the number of mist nets varies from three to five depending on the location and need. Each bander keeps a written record of all raptors seen during each shift regardless of whether or not they were banded. The station is manned and operated entirely by volunteers. The site is on a private road and is not open to the public.

Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) Workshop '99; MB

The CMMN workshop will bring together representatives from migration monitoring stations across Canada in a workshop/conference to be held at Delta Marsh Bird Observatory, MB in September 1999. The CMMN is probably the best tool available, from a practical perspective, for assessing changes in bird populations nesting in remote and inaccessible areas. The Network provides data on regional and national population trends and is building capacity to play a key role in North American landbird conservation. Its effectiveness, however, is largely dependent on the knowledge and continuing enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers who crew the stations, and on their achieving a high degree of uniformity in the way that they carry out their operations. It is important that key players get together once a year to share information, forge bonds, develop a sense of community, and work together on developing scientifically important research projects that are relevant to conservation issues projects that only a broad-based and cohesive Network can conduct.

Piping Plover Guardian Program; Island Nature Trust, PE

The Piping Plover is Prince Edward Island's only endangered species. It nests on the beaches most heavily used by humans on the north shore of the Island. Monitoring begins in early April with spot checks at beaches where plovers have nested in the past. From this point on beaches are checked (at least) weekly by volunteers. The adult birds choose nesting beaches in May and have full clutch nests by mid June. Signs and symbolic fencing are erected on nesting beaches. Hatching and critical early growth of chicks occur during peak beach use periods. Monitoring includes counts of birds, nests and eggs. Egg laying dates are recorded in order to determine hatching and fledging dates. These activities help offset the many risks the plovers are exposed to. For example, nests and chicks can be lost to storm tides, predators, blowing sand (egg burial) and human disturbance. Eggs left exposed by disturbed birds may cool or overheat; chicks frequently disturbed may succumb to exposure or fail to thrive as they do not feed when disturbed. Predators (gulls, crows, foxes, skunks, raccoons, etc.) are attracted to beaches by human activity and the waste left behind. Other projects similar to this have shown that protection by monitors and signage can increase survival of chicks to fledging through reduction of disturbance and improving awareness.

Population Monitoring of moulting Harlequin Ducks in the Strait of Georgia; Kenneth Wright, BC

Harlequin Ducks are an important health indicator of the nearshore marine community. Being a long-lived (>12 yrs), upper trophic level sea duck, they show great sensitivity to changing habitat conditions, increases in death rates, biotoxins, and disturbance levels. Additionally, Harlequins experience a high level of site fidelity, thus retarding natural colonization rates. Currently, Harlequins are listed as an endangered species on the east coast of North America and there is concern that populations are declining in British Columbia and the northwestern U.S. In response, the Canadian Wildlife Service and BC Waterfowl Society have banded nearly 3000 moulting Harlequin Ducks. To date, the banding has aided in determining regional population estimates and local survival rates that will be used to assess population trends. In order to determine reliable and comparable information on population levels, it is important to continue to monitor previously marked individuals through time. Harlequin Ducks, exhibiting great moulting site fidelity and often hauling out of the water during the moulting period, present unparalleled opportunities for following "marked" birds over time. Once a large component of the population has been marked, emphasis will move to resighting banded birds and surveying moulting groups in the northwestern Strait of Georgia. The monitoring will include a census of known Harlequin Duck moulting areas in the Strait of Georgia. Surveyors obtain band status, sex and age of birds encountered during censuses of moulting areas. Harlequin Ducks are banded, and any worn plastic tarsal bands on recaptures are replaced with new encoded bands for resighting purposes. A technical report summarizing data collected will be prepared.

Gannet Colony Restoration Project at Île aux Perroquets; Quebec Labrador Foundation, Qc

The primary aim of this project is the re-establishment of a breeding colony of Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) at their historic nesting location at Île aux Perroquets in the Mingan Island National Park Reserve (northern Gulf of St. Lawrence, Qc). The Gannet colony at Île aux Perroquets was lost during the nineteenth century as a result of hunting, egg collecting, disturbance and the construction of the lighthouse. With only 6 Northern Gannet breeding colonies left in the northwest Atlantic, the species remains vulnerable to disease, epidemics, oil spills, disturbance and nest site predation. The project aims to educate local residents and tourists visiting the National Park about gannets, seabird biology and conservation, biodiversity and ecology of the marine environment. As well, this project will be used to test the effectiveness of the social attraction method to re-establish a viable breeding population on Northern Gannets.

The Gannet restoration project began during summer 1997, with the installation of 47 life-size Gannet decoys in nesting and courtship poses, and a continuous-play broadcast of the vocalizations of nesting birds. The project has had a promising beginning, with adult Gannets taking up residence among the decoys during both the 1997 and 1998 breeding seasons. Project biologists have observed hundreds (and on some occasions thousands) of Gannets flying past Île aux Perroquets on a daily basis, with far more sightings in 1998 than in 1997 (a peak of 4800 on 13 July 1998). In addition, one adult Gannet was observed pulling grasses on 15 occasions, a behavior that can presage nest building.

The Queen Charlotte Owl Project; Society for the Conservation and Research of Owls, BC

The Society for the Conservation and Research of Owls (SCRO) has undertaken a study of the "Queen Charlotte Owl." This owl is one of the least known North American owls and it has a dangerously small distribution range, restricted to the islands of the Queen Charlotte Archipelago in the North Pacific (less than 9,000 square kilometres).

In April 1997, SCRO selected potential nest box sites in the islands and made contact with landowners and volunteers who might be interested in maintaining the nest boxes. In October 1997, 50 nest boxes were installed and in 1998 another 50. In April 1998 the 50 nest boxes installed in 1997 were inspected, but no evidence was found of any Queen Charlotte Owl's presence. Population status and trends will be determined by volunteers conducting auditory surveys, by imitating the call of the Queen Charlotte Owl, or by tape play-back. All hearings, sighting and road kills will be mapped. Nest boxes have been placed in areas of untouched wilderness, cultivated land and managed forests. SCRO hopes to determine the ability of this owl to adapt to changes in habitat and to determine population differences in various areas.

In 1998 SCRO obtained a Queen Charlotte Owl that had been hit by a car. Tissue samples from the breast muscle were sent to Dr. Wink in Germany, the world's foremost scientist in DNA-testing regarding Owls. The results of this analysis were very clear. This owl is a subspecies of the Northern Saw-whet Owl.

Piping Plover Guardian Program; Etta M. Parker, NS

This program aims to protect and monitor the endangered Piping Plover on all breeding beaches in mainland Nova Scotia. The 1991 International Piping Plover census showed that this shorebird was declining, leading to the regional implementation of The Piping Plover Guardian Program in 1992. Following many studies on Maritime beaches it has been determined that easier accessibility to NS coastal beaches is causing damage to sand dunes which are the home of the Piping Plover. The beaches most popular for recreation are often also used for nesting by the Piping Plover. The areas ncluded in this project are 27 beaches where nesting sites of the Piping Plover are located. The goal is to protect the Piping Plover from human disturbance, and volunteers also discourage human activity around sand dunes, and keep plover beaches free of human garbage and carrion thereby discouraging predation on the plovers.

The Adopt-A-Beach program was first implemented in NS and has worked satisfactorily. Community volunteers place signs around nesting areas (leaving a wide buffer zone) to instruct beach users to avoid these areas. Volunteers working shifts monitor the site as much as possible, so that someone is on the beach especially during heavy traffic times to watch the site and hand out pamphlets to educate beach users. Volunteers monitor the success of plover nests and surviving chicks, and report to the Project Coordinator throughout the summer and submit a final report the first week in September. Schools and community organizations in plover areas are contacted and given presentations on the Piping Plover as well as how to protect coastal sand dunes.

American Avocet Conservation at Kelowna; Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club, BC

The largest and the only regularly breeding colony of American Avocets in BC is on the southern remnants of Alki Lake. The north half of Alki Lake is already buried under the City of Kelowna landfill, but the southern half was only used as a landfill from the mid 1960s to the mid 1980s. In 1987, 2 avocet nests were found on the southern half; this increased to 19 nests by 1997. No more than 3 avocet nests have ever been found in any other single spot in BC (in total, counting all years), and no other spot in BC has supported breeding avocets for more than 2 years. The city plans to reopen this part of the landfill, thus threatening the existence of this colony.

The aim of this project is to conserve the American Avocet as a breeding bird in or near Alki Lake, and, by extension, within BC, after the present breeding site becomes part of the City of Kelowna landfill. The measure of success will be whether avocets continue to breed and raise young in the Kelowna area in numbers equivalent to the average number of breeding pairs in the 2 years for which we now have data (1997 19 pairs, 1998 4 pairs).

The plan for 1999 will begin with a review of avocet ecology/habitat and their status in BC, and the design and execution of a field study to determine what makes Alki Lake so attractive to avocets compared to other potential sites in the area. From this, recommendations for the creation of wetlands or the enhancement of existing wetlands are expected to be made by the end of the first year. The second or further years will involve developing the recommended wetlands or enhancements, and monitoring the breeding success of avocets in these created or enhanced wetlands.

Ranger Creek MAPS Station; Bow Valley Naturalists, AB

The MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) Program is a recommended survey in the Canadian Landbird Monitoring Strategy. The Special Resources of Banff National Park recommended further study of Bird Community 9, which is almost wholly confined to the Vermilion Lakes Ecosection in the montane (tree line and above) zone. While considerable study has been undertaken of the waterfowl species of this community, only recently have landbird surveys (standardized point counts) been undertaken. Monitoring of passerine use of this wetland/shrub complex will contribute long-term population and demographic information to a number of monitoring programs. A MAPS station in a national park will allow monitoring at a minimally disturbed site, something not always possible at other stations. This research will also contribute to a continent-wide program to monitor migratory landbirds.

The overall goal of this project is the operation of a long-term MAPS station in the vicinity of Ranger Creek, in Banff National Park. This project will provide long-term information on the status of migratory songbirds in the montane zone of the park through standardized constant-effort mist netting during the breeding season. The breeding season is considered to extend from 1 May to 28 August, depending on local latitude and altitude, and is divided into 12 ten-day periods. For the Ranger Creek area the season would extend from period four, 21-30 May to period ten, 30 July 10 August. Ten 30 mm mist nets will be operated for six hours, starting at sunrise, on one day during each of the 10-day periods. Thus, banding will occur on seven days (the minimum number of days for a station to operate is six). Each bird captured is marked with a uniquely numbered aluminum leg band. Band number, capture status, species, age and sex, aging and sexing criteria, date, time, station, and net number are recorded for all birds captured, including recaptures. An on-site interpretive talk for the public or special groups (e.g. school classes) will be scheduled each banding day.

Salmonellosis and bird feeder stations; Dr. John Prescott, ON

Winter-feeding is a common and rewarding practice among people concerned for the survival and promotion of birds. In the winter of 1997/1998, there was an epizootic (temporary but widespread outbreak) of salmonellosis in flocking winter birds. This occurred over the entire northeast North America. Species affected were flocking birds, in particular Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls, but American Goldfinches, House Sparrows, and Evening Grosbeaks were also affected. One major reason for the outbreak was lack of food in the north causing some of these species (redpolls, siskins) to move far south. A salmonellosis outbreak was observed in redpolls in Alaska the previous winter. It is well known that Salmonella is carried in the intestines of certain animals and is spread largely by fecal contamination. Winter bird feeders are often heavily contaminated with feces from small birds defecating into the feed, feces which are commonly mixed inextricably with the feed in the trough area by snow or rain. A mild winter with extensive rain or wet snow, rather than severe freezing, could thus lead to feeders becoming severely contaminated with a slurry of fecally contaminated feed. Under these conditions, virulent strains of Salmonella can spread like wildfire.

The study area will be Guelph, Ontario. Owners of 160 bird feeders agreed to be monitored monthly in Guelph and the immediate surrounds from January to April 1999. Households enrolled in the study agreed to feed birds, to record bird activity throughout the study period and to treat feeders exactly as they did in 1997/1998. Volunteers will visit households every three weeks.

The long-term objective of this study will be to define standards for the design and maintenance of bird feeders, which will minimize disease resulting from fecal contamination. Short-term objectives include:

a) The monitoring of bird feeders in an urban southwestern Ontario over the winter of 1998/1999 for their state of hygiene and for the presence of Salmonella, and to correlate Salmonella carriage with feeder hygiene.

b) The monitoring of House Sparrows and other feeder birds for fecal shedding of Salmonella over the course of the winter.

c) The examination of bird feed for the presence of Salmonella before it is added to feeders, the relationship between feed and feeder type, and the study of the development of Salmonella contamination of feeders.

BIT (Bird Identification and Tally) 1999 Challenge; SEEDS Canada Foundation, AB

The intent of the BIT Challenge is to promote an interest in birds and their identification in the youth of Canada as part of increased environmental awareness. This is done by involving up to 20,000 students across Canada in a national initiative to establish an annual focus on amateur, volunteer, bird identification and recording. This program began in 1991 as a project in St. Albert, Alberta, and was adopted by the SEEDS Canada Foundation in 1993 to be expanded as a 'challenge activity' for all schools participating in the 'green school program' across Canada. Birds are a perfect focus for entry-level involvement of Canadian youth in nature studies. Elementary teachers are usually willing to attempt simple, challenge- based, motivational studies such as offered in the BIT Challenge.

The BIT Challenge is most suitable for grades two to six but is adaptable up to high school. It can be any continuous 48-hour period in May. With an adult to help and to verify sightings, students tally as many birds as possible within the 48 hours. Students count different species and the number of each species seen during the period. The tally sheet is taken to the school after the count and given to the teacher. The school's grand tally includes the number of students participating and how many birds were seen. Participating schools or classes receive a certificate of participation and a summary letter of results obtained as well as 25 BIT Challenge Stickers for students involved in the challenge. Teachers also receive the "BIT Challenge Extended Activity Guide" a take-home activity for students interested in birds and biodiversity.

BC Grassland Birds Habitat utilization at White Lake Ranch (WLR); Laure Wilson Neish, BC

The White Lake basin near Penticton, BC is a small reminder of the "Old West." Scented by its dominant plant, Big Sagebrush, the wide expanse attracts a unique collection of nesting and migratory birds. In close proximity to the Okanagan Valley, the White Lake area provides specialized habitat, suitable for the endangered Sage Thrasher and rare Brewer's Sparrow, and for characteristic grassland birds such as Western Meadowlark, Mountain Bluebird and Short-eared Owl. Vesper Sparrows and hawks are a common sight. Many areas within the already endangered South Okanagan grasslands have been lost or degraded from the impact of human development and agricultural activities. Land use in the White Lake area over the years has been fairly constant: the dominion radio Astrophysical Laboratory and horse and cattle grazers are the primary occupants of the lands. However, the future of the laboratory is uncertain and there are signs of creeping encroachment from human habitation around the basin. Weed invasion is already a serious problem.

The aims of this project are: 1) To provide baseline data on grassland bird species that are associated with the unique and newly protected habitat at the White Lake Ranch; 2) To analyze data in terms of seasonal distribution and note breeding bird species; 3) Assess current status of grassland bird species populations (particularly vulnerable and threatened species); and 4) Use survey data to make recommendations on land management within the WLR (as well as other locations in the White Lake Basin when necessary).

Twelve stations have been set up in key locations within the 560-hectare area that comprises White Lake Ranch. The census began in August 1998. Volunteers continue to collect data on bird species present approximately every 2 weeks and will carry out the census for at least two more years (2000).

Bald Eagle Nesting Success; Georgia Basin Ecological Assessment & Restoration Society, BC

Until recently, the Bald Eagle was on the BC Blue List of species considered vulnerable to serious population decline and at risk of becoming threatened within the province, mainly due to a variety of human impacts. The species is now on the 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. The area of greatest concern is the near shore perimeter of the Strait of Georgia, particularly the east coast of Vancouver Island and adjacent Gulf Islands, as a result of historic and ongoing loss of nesting habitat to logging, land clearing and urban development. Bald Eagles resident and breeding around the Strait of Georgia, especially along the east coast of Vancouver Island and the adjacent Gulf Islands, occupy home territories almost year-round, typically located along and within 1 km of the marine shoreline in areas that are also in the greatest demand for residential development, and the birds require primarily large old (150-250+ years) Douglas fir with particular top structures to support their large nests.

There are approximately 300 documented Bald Eagle nest sites (including active nests, alternate nests and currently inactive former nest sites) along the East Coast of southern Vancouver Island and on the adjacent Gulf Islands. About 200 of these are currently monitored by local naturalist groups to document site use, condition and brood production from successful nests. Perhaps 75-80 sites (including about 50 active nests) are also monitored early in the spring to determine initial site use and thus nesting success, mainly in the Nanaimo area. The objective is to expand this sub-sample to better represent the whole area in future years.

The Strait of Georgia Bald Eagle Nest Tree Inventory was initiated by the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP), Nanaimo, BC. However, MELP is currently unable to conduct Bald Eagle nest site monitoring due to a lack of personnel and funding, so local naturalist clubs will continue the Bald Eagle nest monitoring work in 1999. Monitoring involves making trips to each nest site at appropriate times during the nesting season, ideally early in spring (late Feb. early Apr.) near the beginning of egg incubation to determine initial site use, and at least once in summer (late June early July) shortly before fledging in late July, to determine nesting success and brood production. Additional observations may be made periodically for nearby and easily accessible nests, particularly those being rebuilt after collapse, which often provide useful supplementary information.

Cats Indoors Campaign; Toronto Wildlife Center, ON

More studies are coming out each year which illustrate the devastating impact that domestic cats have on wildlife populations. One study in the US estimated that cats were killing approximately 4.4 million songbirds each day (in the U.S.). Another study told of a single cat that killed 1,600 animals in 18 months! How well fed a cat is or whether or not it wears a bell seems to have little impact on how many animals are killed. Toronto Wildlife Centre operates a wildlife rehabilitation program as one of its services. Cat attacks are the primary reason injured or orphaned birds are admitted.

The objectives of this project are to educate as many animal-related organizations as possible about the implications of cats being allowed to roam unsupervised outdoors and then to disseminate information about this subject to the public via these organizations. The long-term objective will be that more cats are kept indoors.

In April 1999 volunteers will call vet clinics, pet shops, municipal animal control agencies, animal welfare groups, etc. and speak to key personnel about the cat issue. Volunteers will then obtain permission from as many organizations as possible to display/disseminate information pamphlets for the public on the Cats Indoors Campaign.

James Bay Islands Avifaunal Survey; Robert Tymstra, NT

The James Bay Islands Avifaunal Survey is a long-term study of the birdlife of the James Bay Islands. Little is known about the avian life of this remote region. Recently, increased attention has been given to the area because of power projects and other developments in both Québec and Ontario, and so the establishment of some baseline data on the birdlife of these islands seem prudent.

A low-impact survey will be conducted to describe the distribution and abundance of the breeding and migratory birds of the islands and waters of James Bay. Other lifeforms, such as mammals, herptiles, and butterflies, will be recorded, as well. The project should yield valuable information on numbers and movements of shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds, as well as on larger mammals such as beluga whales, seals, and polar bears. Available literature indicates that research on the birds of the James Bay islands has been sparse; some smaller islands have never been visited by ornithologists.

Fieldwork in 1999 will investigate some of the islands in the central section of James Bay, i.e. those that are accessible by freighter canoe from Wemindji or Eastmain. Twenty days of fieldwork are planned in late June early July, a time chosen as the earliest possible time for travel after ice breakup on the Bay and coinciding with maximum birdsong.

Junior Banding Course; Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation, SK

The mandate of this Environmental Education Centre is to promote awareness and appreciation of the native prairie ecosystem, while providing students with field experience in the natural sciences. Further to the possibility of inspiring possible career choices, it is the intent to promote positive ecological mind-sets increasing the likelihood that, in the future, a greater percentage of the general population will support ecological initiatives.

The objectives include the development of a Junior Volunteer Banders Course for high school students at the Ed and May Scissons Environmental Centre, operating as a satellite station of, and in partnership with the Last Mountain Bird Observatory. It is hoped that participation in this course will result in appreciation of the ornithological diversity within prairie ecosystems. The course will expose participants to field techniques involved in the study and monitoring of songbirds; develop a future "volunteer pool" by providing education and practical experience to high school students; and support the findings of a recent attitudinal survey re environmental education which suggests that students are more interested in "doing" than "reading about" environmental activities.

This proposed project would allow students to contribute to a real-life data-base as they learn. It would give them practical experience encouraging vocational and/or avocational choices in ornithology. Long term benefits include the cultivation of appreciation of nature and the establishment of an experienced volunteer pool to ensure participation in and continued support of bird monitoring programs in the future.

Ongoing study of Anna's & Rufous hummingbirds in southwest BC; J. Cam Finlay

This project will involve two species of breeding birds in Canada, one of which is a newcomer to BC. Anna's Hummingbirds first appeared on the Victoria Christmas Bird Count in 1971. Each year thereafter, numbers have increased, in 1996, 74 birds were reported and in 1997, 88 were noted. This study will undertake an assessment of Rufous Hummingbird populations in southwest BC and the small breeding & resident population of Anna's Hummingbirds in Greater Victoria.

A census of these hummingbirds will commence in February and as part of that project the birds will be netted, banded, weighed, and measurements will be taken of wing chords and tail length. Netting will continue on into April. It is hoped that females carrying eggs (as noted in Rufous Hummingbirds in 1997) will be netted. This will help to determine if they are nesting in "clumps" or "groups" in areas of feeder concentration. Netting and reweighing banded birds will help to determine if female Anna's nest more than once in northern latitudes.

The study will help in assessing the population expansion of Anna's Hummingbirds and monitor the growth in numbers. It will also provide insight into the populations of Rufous Hummingbirds as urbanization spreads into breeding areas of these birds. Public awareness will be developed through newspaper articles, television interviews and banding demonstrations.

Hilliardton Marsh Avian Diversity; Bruce Murphy, ON

The aims of this project are threefold.

• Aid in migration network monitoring
• Aid in collection of data on avian diversity in the Timiskaming region in general and more specifically at Hilliardton Marsh
• Aid in the education of elementary students, high school students and the general public

The past three years of banding have provided a great deal of new information on species that use the marsh. Banding has yielded the recovery of a Yellow-rumped Warbler originally banded at Long Point Bird Observatory. In 1998 several new species were banded including Black-billed Cuckoo, Warbling Vireo, Blackburnian Warbler, Pine Warbler and Northern Parula.

Local volunteers have been enthusiastic and students from Sir Sanford Fleming College, University of Waterloo and Lakehead University have assisted with banding.

Update of the ÉPOQ database; Les Productions du Corbeau, Qc

ÉPOQ stands for Études des populations d'oiseaux du Québec (Québec Bird Populations Study), initiated by M. Jacques Larivée in 1975, is a database of all bird observations in the province of Québec. The database now contains 279,416 checklists, 3,823,592 observations, 4,625 locations, and 186,596 notes. It is believed to be the world's second largest database of bird records.

M. Larivée created a program entitled Systéme de gestion des données ornithologiques (SDGO or Ornithological Data Management System) that any naturalist club can use for the management of their regional data. These results are then incorporated in the ÉPOQ database. The volume of checklists is quite large. However, due to time restrictions only about 1500 2000 checklists are entered each year. This project will update the database and meet the demand for current data by biologists, students and ornithologists from the Canadian Wildlife Service, Québec, and the Environment Ministry, private firms, and universities.

The most important objective of this project will be to update the ÉPOQ database with the daily checklists that are spread across Québec in different bird clubs. The 31 regional bird clubs will be contacted, the checklists collected, codified and entered. It is important that this database remain reliable for the different users and by keeping it updated, it will maintain a high standard of credibility.

Migration Monitoring Project Grants

Gros Morne National Park Migration Monitoring Station; Gros Morne Co-operating Association, NF

The Gros Morne National Park Migration Monitoring Station is located, 1.5 km West of Rocky Harbour, NF. This is an important site as there are no other stations at this latitude in Eastern Canada, nor are there any other stations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The site is situated centrally within Gros Morne National Park and is owned by Parks Canada. The site is highly accessible and open to the public. There are special guided interpretation events and managed visitation.

The long-term goal of the passerine station is to contribute data to the international effort to determine what changes are taking place in populations of migratory birds. Specifically, the station is designed to contribute to the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. Passerines are the primary group targeted for these data, but at this station, there is also a component that involves banding of seabirds. Several small islands within the park are breeding grounds for local seabird populations, specifically gulls and terns. Banding of seabirds began in 1998 to determine the health of their populations. Gull and tern censuses have been conducted for 25 years.

Seal Island & Bon Portage Island Migration Monitoring Stations; Atlantic Bird Observatory, NS

The Atlantic Bird Observatory currently operates two field stations: Seal and Bon Portage (Outer) Islands, situated off the southwest coast of NS. Seal Island (SI) is situated about 16 km off the extreme southwest coast of NS. The southern half of SI 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 (BP) is situated 15 km east of SI close to mainland NS. The migration monitoring area of BP encompasses the southern half of the island. Bon Portage Island is owned in part by Acadia University and in part by the Department of Transport and Communications.

Habitat on both islands is primarily spruce forest, with shrubby understory. Atlantic Bird Observatory (ABO) intends to start a long-term vegetation management plan for the banding areas at both locations in 1999. The study sites are easily accessible, yet isolated. The number of visitors is minimal at the stations due to the fact that both are only accessible by boat. Excellent living and working facilities exist at both sites.

The primary goal of the ABO 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 we also observed in the spring of 1997. Raptor fall migration target species include Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawk and American Kestrel.

Observatoire d'oiseaux Tadoussac/Tadoussac Bird Observatory: Les Jeunes Explos, Qc

The Tadoussac Bird Observatory is located 4 km northeast of the town of Tadoussac, in Saguenay Provincial Park, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Qc. The observatory is operated by Les Jeunes Explos, a non-profit organization that has been monitoring migratory birds since 1993. The mission of Les Jeunes Explos is to encourage understanding and appreciation of our natural environment through a scientific approach to nature: direct observation and hands-on experience. The observatory was founded primarily to offer the opportunity, both to youngsters and adults, to identify, handle and band birds. The ultimate goal is to acquire data on migrating and resident bird populations, particularly the boreal species.

This station is of interest to the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network because it is the only migration monitoring station in Qc. This makes the data especially interesting and important. For example, in 1995 the funneling effect that concentrates migrating raptors at Tadoussac in the fall, resulted in a tally of 20,287 raptors the greatest number ever recorded at a station in Qc.

Thunder Cape Bird Observatory; Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, ON

The Thunder Cape Bird Observatory (TCBO) is located at the southern tip of the Sibley Peninsula, on the north shore of Lake Superior. TCBO is operated by the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists (TBFN), a non- profit organization formed in 1933. Funding for this project is provided in part by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

The Canadian Coast Guard owns the site; it is a small clearing on the shore surrounded by boreal forest. The Coast Guard maintains a lighted beacon where a 19th century lighthouse used to stand. Immediately behind the Coast Guard property is Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (SGPP). A management plan is in place to maintain constant vegetation conditions. The site contains adequate facilities, including accommodation for up to 8 people, a banding lab, running water and a shower. This site is quite isolated; access is by boat from Silver Islet, or along a 13-km trail through SGPP. The site is open to the public and is visited by a few hikers each season.

The objectives of this program are to participate in the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and to monitor populations of northern Ontario's breeding birds.

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

Mackenzie lies in the Rocky Mountain Trench, a large valley immediately west of the Rocky Mountains, and therefore in 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 funneling 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. Very little broad scale management is expected in the future.

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.

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, ON

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory 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 is monitoring 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. It 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. Eventually the Observatory hopes to build an interpretive centre at Prince Edward Point.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary; Calgary Bird Banding Society, AB

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (IBS) migration monitoring program is the flagship project of the Calgary Bird Banding Society, a non-profit organization. The IBS migration monitoring site is located along the Bow River within Calgary, AB. It is a federal sanctuary known for its flights of warblers and other bird species during migration. The site is 80 km east of the Rocky Mountains and occupies a unique and strategic position in the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. The habitat is mature riparian balsam poplar forest with a well developed, impenetrable understory of Red Osier Dogwood, Saskatoon etc. a stable old-growth forest. Currently, the primary banding lab is in the field. The migration monitoring area (mist net locations) is in the reserve portion of the sanctuary and is closed to the public.

Many neotropical priority species migrate through IBS including Blackpoll Warbler, Least Flycatcher, Tennessee Warbler, Palm Warbler, Alder Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Yellow Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Ovenbird, Western Wood-Pewee, American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, Lincoln's Sparrow, Black-and- white Warbler, and Western Tanager.

The primary objective of the CBBS is to monitor neotropical migrant birds at IBS over the long term as part of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. The intent of the CBBS is to maintain migration at IBS as an ongoing project for a minimum of 10 years.

Selkirk Provincial Park and Ruthven Park Banding Stations; Haldimand Bird Observatory, ON

Selkirk Provincial Park is located on the north shore of Lake Erie (almost due north of Long Point Bird Observatory's Tip station). Selkirk Provincial Park is 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. 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 1½ 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 out building on the estate.

The two stations are about 10 miles apart. The composition of the species banded both in the spring and fall is quite different. There have been no between station retraps.

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