population of trigger species. That is, waterbirds using the shores of Comox Valley, Baynes Sound and Hornby Island-Lambert Channel intermingle.

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1 IBA Amalgamation: Baynes Sound, Hornby Island-Lambert Channel & Comox Valley IBAs become K omoks IBA B ritish Columbia has a new Important Bird Area, which is the result of amalgamating three IBAs that were originally nominated and designated separately in The new IBA, called K omoks, includes the same areas covered by the original IBAs, namely the Comox Valley, Baynes Sound, Hornby Island and Lambert Channel along the East Coast of Vancouver Island (Fig 1), although the boundaries have been refined. The idea to amalgamate the IBAs came from analysis that showed the three separate IBAs share a common population of trigger species. That is, waterbirds using the shores of Comox Valley, Baynes Sound and Hornby Island-Lambert Channel intermingle. The amalgamation also makes it easier for the Volunteer Caretaker, Art Martell, to communicate about the IBA to local community members and decision makers. Rather than explaining details about three adjacent but separate IBAs, Art can focus on the key message that the entire area is internationally recognized for its importance to birds. continued on page 4 Comox Courtney Denman Island Hornby Island Figure 1. Boundary of the amalgamated K omoks Important Bird Area on the East Coast of Vancouver Island near Comox Volume 7 Issue 1 September 2013 Inside this Issue IBA in the Spotlight: K omoks... 1, 4 Regional Workshops bring IBA Volunteers Together Important Cetacean Areas... 3 BirdLife International Congress held in Ottawa, June Project Update: Integrating Human and Wildlife Values... 5, 6 Upcoming Events... 6 Websites of Interest o r g a. c a

2 2 Important Bird Areas in BC Photo: Andrew Stuckey Photo: Krista Englund Photo: Krista Englund Photo: Krista Englund Volunteer Caretakers at a workshop in Tsawwassen in November Volunteer Caretakers at a workshop in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island in January Volunteer Caretakers birding in Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay IBA. Volunteer Caretakers at a workshop in Osoyoos (Kilpoola Lake IBA) in April Regional Workshops bring IBA Volunteers Together to Discuss IBAs Volunteer Caretakers are the eyes, ears and hands on the ground at Important Bird Areas. They help monitor birds, increase local awareness, support conservation, and/or update online IBA site summaries. Not surprisingly, BC s Caretakers are as widely spread as our IBAs and equally diverse in their activities. IBA partners (BC Nature, Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada) assist Caretakers by providing coordination, support, reference materials and technical guidance. However, Caretakers are the real experts who take action at their individual sites and help source site level information for the national and global IBA program. In 2012, BC Nature received funding from Mountain Equipment Co-op to provide an opportunity for Caretakers to get together and share their expertise. Over forty Caretakers and volunteers participated in three workshops held in Tsawwassen (Nov 2012), Nanoose Bay (Jan 2013) and Osoyoos (April 2013), and in several calls/ webinars. These sessions provided an opportunity for Caretakers and other interested volunteers to meet and learn from each other and for IBA program coordinators to share new resources and provide support. One result has been the creation of unofficial site support groups for some IBAs, in which the Caretaker carries the responsibility of communicating with IBA program coordinators, but is assisted by a number of other volunteers to undertake monitoring, outreach and other activities. Key topics covered in the workshops/calls included the process to update online site summaries, monitoring IBAs, using ebird.ca, and communications. As a result, Caretakers have a better understanding of the detailed process followed to update online site summaries and tools available to help with monitoring. Through this project, several Caretakers were able to implement new initiatives or improve existing bird monitoring programs at their IBAs. Discussions at the workshops highlighted some future needs for the IBA program, including: an IBA certification or recognition program; a standard letter of introduction directed to businesses interested in assisting with monitoring; a code of ethics/communication best practices guide for Caretakers; improvements to standard IBA messaging; updated data management and mapping systems; interpretive IBA signage for several sites; and a need for bird monitoring workshops in several locations. This capacity building project also provided the opportunity for IBA Coordinators to compile, produce and make a variety of materials and resources available to Caretakers and the general public on the BC Nature web site (described in Box 1 on Page 3). Although the project is now complete, IBA program staff at BC Nature, Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada will continue to work towards fulfilling the needs identified at workshops and supporting Caretakers at their individual sites. Caretakers are encouraged to continue to communicate with other Caretakers individually, through the IBA program coordinator, or by using the newly established BC IBA listserv (see Box 2 on Page 3 for instructions). By Krista Englund

3 Important Cetacean Areas Inspired by IBAs The IBA program has spawned a new program here in BC known as the Important Cetacean Area. Its aim is to identify discrete areas of the ocean of importance for feeding, breeding and migrating whales and dolphins. The ICA is a first for the world and will be discussed at a conference in Europe as a precursor for a worldwide program similar to Important Bird Areas in BC 3 the IBA program. With the assistance from whale researchers in BC and Alaska, Rob Butler from the IBA Technical Committee and Jim Darling from the Pacific WildLife Foundation, have assembled six ICAs. Learn more at By Rob Butler Box 1. Resources Available on the BC Nature Web site >> Projects >> IBA >> Caretaker Network Monitoring Resources links to ebird.ca and naturecounts.ca, bird identification guidesheets, counting techniques, bird codes, and a generic monitoring form for birds in IBAs. Updating Site Summary Resources forms that adapt the standard BirdLife International terminology and approach for the purpose of compiling the information needed to update online site summaries for BC s IBAs. Communication Resources links to the IBA Canada Facebook page and blog, an outreach kit that contains standard IBA messaging and outreach tips, a link to migratory bird day materials, samples of IBA presentations for a variety of audiences, and examples of outreach materials produced at IBAs (posters, signs, brochures). A third BC IBA brochure has been developed, with a focus on interior IBAs and a target audience of First Nations, landowners and other local community members. Box 2. Instructions for Using the BC-IBA Listserv Join the Listserv iba@bcnature.ca and ask to be added (or visit search for BC-IBA and then request to join group ). Send an to the Listserv Enter bc-iba@googlegroups.com in the to field of your , compose your , and hit send. Reply to an Sent Through the Listserv Select reply to respond only to the poster or reply to all to respond to the whole listserv, compose your , and hit send. Change your Settings The default setting for all listserv participants is to receive a separate for every new message that is posted to the listserv (generally only one or two a month). You can change this setting to either receive daily summaries, combined updates of 25 messages, or no s (in which case, you can view posts online only). To view posts online or change your settings, visit First you will need to create a username and password and log in, and then you will be able to change your settings. Alternatively, iba@bcnature.ca to request a change. Unsubscribe iba@bcnature.ca and ask to unsubscribe (or visit create a username and password and log in, and then select leave this group under the settings button).

4 Important Bird Areas in BC 4 Photo: Tom Middleton Photo: Ralph Hocken Harlequin Duck in breeding plumage. Harlequin Ducks aggregate during the herring spawn near Hornby Island, and use the shores of Hornby to roost while moulting in the summer and early fall. Trigger bird species include Trumpeter Swan, Harlequin Duck, Thayer s Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Mew Gull, Great Blue Heron and Peregrine Falcon. The numbers of Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Western Grebe, and Red-necked Grebe also exceed IBA thresholds in some years. Wintering Red-necked Grebe. IBA Amalgamation (K omoks) continued The K omoks IBA is named for the First Nation within whose traditional territory the IBA lies. Trigger bird species include Trumpeter Swan, Harlequin Duck, Thayer s Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Mew Gull, Great Blue Heron and Peregrine Falcon. The numbers of Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Western Grebe, and Red-necked Grebe also exceed IBA thresholds in some years. Over 2000 Trumpeter Swans overwinter in the Comox Valley. Recent habitat loss and degradation from expanding development and loss of soil based agriculture is a concern for Trumpeter Swans. However, some upland habitat is owned and managed for wildlife by Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Trust of British Columbia. The Comox Valley Waterfowl Management Project is a cooperative farm and wildlife extension program established to maintain wintering waterfowl populations in harmony with successful farming. Historically, globally significant numbers of Western Grebe wintered regularly in the IBA, but the numbers have declined steeply in the last decade. This significant decline has been noted throughout British Columbia and Washington; the reasons for the decline are not clear but may be related to a decrease in forage fish on the south coast of BC and a subsequent southerly shift in wintering areas. Several national species at risk occur in the K omoks IBA, including Great Blue Heron (fannini subspecies), which has several colonies supporting up to 100 individuals; Marbled Murrelet, of which occur regularly in the IBA most of the year; and Peregrine Falcon, which winters and nests in the IBA. The local Caretaker Art Martell and other community members are involved in many monitoring, conservation and outreach efforts. The IBA is recognized in some Official Community Plans. Members of Comox Valley Nature have been conducting standardised bird monitoring for five decades, including the Christmas Bird Counts since Aggregations of 30,000-60,000 waterbirds occur each year during herring spawn. About a third of those birds are waterfowl, including significant numbers of Surf Scoter 1961, Spring Bird Counts since 1976, Contact Information for the BC IBA Program and White-winged Scoter in some and weekly Trumpeter Swan Counts years, BC Nature and about 60% are gulls, since Bird Studies Canada Volunteers also have including c/o Heritage significant Centre numbers of Mew been 5421 Robertson doing monthly Rd. surveys for the Gull, 1620 Thayer s Mt Seymour Gull Rd. and Glaucouswinged Gull. Harlequin Duck also Survey since 1999 and the British British Delta, BC Columbia V4K 3N2 Coastal Waterbird North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9 Phone: Phone: bcprograms@ bsc-eoc.org aggregate during the herring spawn Columbia Beached Bird Survey since iba@bcnature.ca Web: at a Web: few locations on the northeast Future efforts will seek to better side of Hornby Island, and they use document Advancing the Harlequin understanding, Duck appreciation & to conservation determine of Canada s if the wild IBA is a numbers the To shores know of nature Hornby and to Island keep it to roost and while worth moulting knowing in summer and early regular birds and their moulting habitats site for significant fall. Given the large number of species numbers of Red-necked Grebe. that The depend BC IBA program on the greatly herring appreciates spawn, the support of our sponsors: any activity that negatively impacts For more information, please visit ibacanada.ca or contact iba@bcnature.ca. the herring spawn (e.g. reductions in water quality, foreshore development) By Krista Englund could significantly impact the IBA.

5 Important Bird Areas in BC 5 Six Hundred Delegates Attend BirdLife International Congress in Ottawa, June 2013 In June, BirdLife s two Canadian partners, Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada, co-hosted one of the world s greatest gatherings of conservation leaders. The 2013 BirdLife International World Congress took place in Ottawa from June Conservationists, politicians, and business people from more than 120 countries attended. Special guests included HIH Princess Takamado of Japan, Margaret Atwood, and Graeme Gibson. Participants discussed global threats to biodiversity and the environment, and shared expertise and innovative solutions. A key topic throughout the congress was the flagship Important Bird Areas Program, which is seen as one of the most effective ways to mesh science with community action/conservation. The meeting emphasized the need for Canada to continue to show leadership with its IBA program and injected renewed interest and enthusiasm into Canada s IBA leaders. BirdLife s State of the World s Birds Report 2013 was also launched at the congress. For more info visit: Nature Canada Blog: BSC Latest News: State of the World s Birds: Project Update: Integrating Human and Wildlife Habitat Values through Urban Planning and Policy Development Six hundred delegates attended the biggest and best BirdLife Congress ever in Ottawa, June Margaret Atwood with the new State of the World s Birds Report 2013, which was launched at the BirdLife congress in June. Photo: BirdLife International Photo: BirdLife International In May 2013, Bird Studies Canada s (BSC) BC office started a new project, funded by the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC), to work with local governments to develop ways of improving conservation of birds and habitats in areas where high human-use overlaps with Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The goals are to advance the Important Bird Area (IBA) program and enhance overall biodiversity conservation in the Lower Mainland, on the east coast of Vancouver Island, and in the Okanagan. This project expands on a previous project conducted by BSC in , also funded by REFBC. The current project will focus on developing policy recommendations and best practices; increasing recognition of IBAs in local government policy; developing tools for conservation planning; facilitating use of bird data in local planning; and supporting specific municipal conservation projects. Although the Contact REFBC Information project is still for the The BC current IBA project Program will focus on in the early stages, there have been BC Nature Bird developing Studies Canada policy recommendations several excellent opportunities to work c/o Heritage Centre 5421 and Robertson best practices; Rd. increasing with 1620 local Mt governments. Seymour Rd. For example, Delta, BC V4K 3N2 we North provided Vancouver, breeding BC V7G bird 2R9 and recognition of IBAs in local Phone: waterbird Phone: data to the Capital Regional government policy; developing tools bcprograms@ bsc-eoc.org District s draft iba@bcnature.ca Management Plan for Web: for conservation planning; facilitating the Island Web: View Beach Regional Park use of bird data in local planning; adjacent to the Sidney Channel IBA. Advancing and supporting the understanding, specific municipal appreciation conservation & projects. of Canada s wild Policy To know recommendations nature and to keep have it also been worth submitted knowing to the City of Surrey birds and their habitats for their updated Official Community The BC IBA program greatly appreciates Plan and to the City of Vancouver the support of our sponsors: for their new Community Plan for the Grandview-Woodland Neighborhood. Article continued on page 6

6 Important Bird Areas in BC 6 Project Update: Integrating Human and Wildlife Habitat Values continued Article continued from page 5 In May 2013, Vancouver City Council passed a motion to develop a Bird Friendly Strategy as part of Vancouver s Greenest City goals. This Strategy recognizes the importance of conserving and enhancing urban natural areas for birds, wildlife and overall biodiversity, as well as for ensuring community health and well-being. Under this new Strategy, BSC, Nature Vancouver, Stanley Park Ecology Society and other partners are working with the City to develop bird-friendly landscape guidelines and building guidelines, and to expand birding eco-tourism opportunities and the annual Bird Week festival. In September, BSC will attend the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Tradeshow and Exhibition and host an information booth to promote the products from this project, reach a wider audience of local governments, and engage new partners. This project builds on significant efforts of Volunteer IBA Caretakers and other partners. By linking municipal policy with local IBAs, the success of local conservation initiatives will be strengthened. We are very grateful for the continued support of the Real Estate Foundation of BC. For any questions about this project, please contact Karen Barry (BCprograms@birdscanada.org). By Karen Barry Upcoming Events at IBAs across BC September 22, 12-4:30 pm. CRESTON VALLEY IBA (Creston Wildlife Interpretation Centre). Join IBA Coordinator and local Caretaker for a free presentation and tour of the IBA. Info/registration: iba@bcnature.ca. October 15, 11 am. SIDNEY CHANNEL IBA (Resthaven Ave at Roberts Bay, Sidney). Celebrate All Buffleheads Day, one of the most punctual migrations in the world. Info: kjfinley@telus.net October 19. SIDNEY CHANNEL IBA. Join the Friends of Shoal Harbour Sanctuary in a symposium to increase public awareness and develop a strategy to protect the sanctuary and IBA. Info/registration: sstan@shaw.ca October 20, 10 am-3:30 pm. UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA. A free workshop for volunteers to learn about Bird Studies Canada s coastal waterbird monitoring programs. Info/registration: bcprograms@birdscanada.org October 27. SOMENOS MARSH IBA, Duncan. WildWings Festival celebrates the return of Trumpeter Swans. Info: November 9, 9:30 am - 2: 30 pm. ENGLISH BAY-BURRARD INLET IBA (Stanley Park, Vancouver). A free workshop for volunteers to learn about BSC s bird monitoring programs. Info/registration: bcprograms@birdscanada.org November CHEHALIS ESTUARY IBA. Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival celebrates the return of Bald Eagles. Info: Contact Information for the BC IBA Program BC Nature c/o Heritage Centre 1620 Mt Seymour Rd. North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9 Phone: iba@bcnature.ca Web: To know nature and to keep it worth knowing The BC IBA program greatly appreciates the support of our sponsors: Bird Studies Canada 5421 Robertson Rd. Delta, BC V4K 3N2 Phone: bcprograms@ bsc-eoc.org Web: Advancing the understanding, appreciation & conservation of Canada s wild birds and their habitats