Contents. CBCL Limited. NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds i

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2 Contents CHAPTER 1 Introduction Project Overview Previous Studies Project Boundaries Biophysical Setting General Approach... 5 CHAPTER 2 Methodology Desktop Review Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces Breeding Bird Surveys Incidental Observations Noctural Owl Surveys Survey Dates... 8 CHAPTER 3 Results Desktop Results Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces Breeding Bird Surveys Breeding Bird Surveys Breeding Bird Surveys Incidental Observations Species of Conservation Concern Species of Conservation Concern Species of Conservation Concern Nocturnal Owl Surveys Regulatory Considerations CHAPTER 4 Discussion Summary of Key Findings Breeding Bird Surveys Breeding Bird Surveys CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds i

3 4.2 Assessment Limitations Closure CHAPTER 5 References APPENDICES A Explanation of ACCDC Rarity Ranks B ACCDC Rare Species List C Survey Location Maps D The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces and Species LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 Proposed Highway 104 Alignment between Sutherland s River and Antigonish, Pictou & Antigonish Counties, NS... 3 Figure 3.1 Active Spotted Sandpiper nest observed on May 25, 2017 within the study area located on an island within the French River Figure 3.2 Active American Woodcock nest observed within the study area on May 23, LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1 Major Habitat Types and Descriptions... 7 Table 3.1 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 1), Table 3.2 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 2), Table 3.3 Data Summary of 50 Survey Locations (Round 1), Table 3.4 Data Summary of 55 Survey Locations (Round 2), Table 3.5 Summary of Species Richness and Abundance Table 3.6 Incidental Observations Table 3.7 Incidental Observations Table 3.8 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in Table 3.9 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in ACRONYMS ACCDC CEAA COSEWIC GPS MBBA NSESA NSTIR SARA VEC Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Global Positioning System Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces (Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas) Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Species at Risk Act Valued Ecosystem Component CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds ii

4 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Overview CBCL Limited (CBCL) was contracted by the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) Registration document for proposed highway twinning of Highway 104, Sutherlands River to Antigonish. In 2018, supplementary and additional field programs were completed for avifauna, wetlands, vegetation, lichen, aquatics, fish and fish habitat, noise, bats, and moose. The present study is specific to avifauna of Highway 104 (Sutherlands River to Antigonish). This study endeavours to document a suitable baseline of data, as may be required for: Facilitating future regulatory requirements; Establishing conservation priorities for species of conservation concern; Defining project design constraints; and Implementing mitigation measures during construction and operational phases of the Project. 1.2 Previous Studies Between 2015 and 2017, CBCL completed a Highway Twinning Feasibility Study on NSTIR s behalf for eight corridors. This Study, consisted of a number of components, which included environmental elements as indicated below: Preliminary Screening Assessment: o Desktop environmental constraints assessment; o Environmental regulatory review; Detailed Feasibility Study; and 2016 Environmental Field Programs: o Site Reconnaissance, Breeding Birds, Moose, Owls, Aquatics, Wood Turtles, Wetlands, and Vegetation. During the Preliminary Screening Assessment, CBCL performed a desktop constraints analysis and identified several Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs), including avifauna, that may interact with the proposed highway twinning Project. A number of field studies have since been initiated investigating these VECs, this report presents a summary of the findings of the Breeding Bird programs for Highway 104. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 1

5 1.3 Project Boundaries The proposed highway corridor will link the twinned Highway 104 infrastructure east of Sutherlands River to the twinned Highway 104 infrastructure west of Antigonish (Figure 1.1). The proposed route will include twinning two segments of the existing alignment in addition to the construction of an all new fourlane highway. This new infrastructure will diverge from the present alignment at Barneys River Station and reconnect west of Exit 30. Highway 104 (Sutherlands River to Antigonish) is divided into three subsections: Sutherlands River to Barneys River; Barneys River Station to James River; and James River to Antigonish. Project Area: The Project area is defined as the Right-of-way for the new highway alignment which includes the daylighting extent or area of impact of the Project; this would include any areas of vegetation clearing, grubbing, cut and fill, etc. Study Area: The Study area is defined as the area surveyed, i.e., the Project area plus the point counts survey areas conducted outside the Project area Biophysical Setting This section of Highway 104 intersects with the Pictou Antigonish Highlands (west of Antigonish), St. George s Bay (surrounding Antigonish), and the Northumberland Lowlands (east of Sutherlands River) ecodistricts (Neily et al., 2005). The Pictou Antigonish Highlands ecodistrict is defined by well drained, sandy loamy soils. Soils derived from shales are also common. Tolerant hardwood and mixedwood forests consisting of American beech (Fagus grandifolia), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), red spruce (Picea rubens) and sporadic eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) can be located along on the crests and the upper and middle reaches of hills and larger hummocks. Eastern hemlock is often associated with steep slopes along the banks of watercourses. Red spruce and eastern hemlock are predominantly located in the low lying areas with black spruce (Picea mariana) occupying poorly drained sites. Coarser soils that were deposited during the melting of the glaciers, often found along stream banks, will support stands of white pine (Pinus strobus). Old fields that were once tolerant hardwood stands are reclaimed by white spruce (Picea glauca). The St. George s Bay ecodistrict includes most of Antigonish County and extends towards the Cape Breton Hills. This low lying area is characterised by cool springs, and warm, moist summers. These climatic conditions produce prime growing conditions as seen by the abundance of agricultural lands amongst the rolling hills. Soils are primarily imperfectly drained to moderately drained gravel to gravelly clay loams. Well drained gravelly sand loams are often associated with major tributaries. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 2

6 NSTIRHighway 104 Figur e1.1 Suther land sriver toantigonish, Pictou& AntigonishCounties,NS 19/09/ ,260 1,890 2,520 m 1:50,000Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ Study Area Page 1 of 2

7 NSTIRHighway 104 Figur e1.1 Suther land sriver toantigonish, Pictou& AntigonishCounties,NS 19/09/ ,260 1,890 2,520 m 1:50,000Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ Study Area Page 2 of 2

8 Gypsum outcrops and karst topography, areas that often support the growth for rare species, are found along the cliffs of St. George s bay. Natural forest stand compositions are infrequent due to the extensive agricultural disturbance. Abandoned agricultural lands have been reclaimed primarily by white spruce. Under normal conditions, it is likely that tolerant hardwoods including beech, sugar maple, and yellow birch would be present along the upper hillslopes, while tolerant softwoods including red spruce, eastern hemlock, and white pine would be found along the low lying areas. Black spruce and tamarack (Larix laricina) could be common amongst imperfect to poorly drained soil types. The Northumberland Lowlands ecodistrict extends along the Northumberland Strait into New Brunswick, seldom exceeding 50 m above sea level. This area is bounded and sheltered by the Cobequid Mountains, Pictou Antigonish Highlands, and the Cumberland Hills. This area consists primarily of black and red spruce. After a disturbance, either natural (i.e., fire) or anthropogenic (i.e., forest harvesting), early successional species including balsam fir (Abies Balsamea), red maple (Acer rubrum), white birch (Betula papyrifera), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), and largetooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) will likely become established. Tolerant hardwood stands are uncommon to rare in this ecodistrict but can occur along the upper hillslopes with better drained soils. 1.4 General Approach Surveys for breeding birds were conducted in varying habitat types in the Study Area using point count surveys and playback surveys for species of conservation concern. A background review was conducted using the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) database and the Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces (Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas (MBBA)) databases to consider which bird species are likely to be encountered within the study area. Surveys were designed to determine the presence/absence, diversity and abundance of avian species. The over-arching intent of the study was to generate products that would support future regulatory submissions in support of the Project s eventual development; these primarily include (but are not limited to) Environmental Assessment applications to NS Environment, pursuant to the Environment Act. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 5

9 CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Desktop Review Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre The ACCDC maintains linked databases that document what species occur in the Maritimes, and the locations at which provincially-rare species are known to occur and have been documented. A review of the ACCDC database was conducted and a list of species of conservation concern that were previously identified within a 5 km buffer of the proposed Project area was obtained Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces The MBBA provides detailed information on the breeding status (i.e., confirmed, probable and possible breeders), distribution, and abundance of bird species, including rare and at risk species that breed in the Maritime Provinces (Stewart et al., 2015). Data collection for this volume occurred between 2006 and The MBBA database was queried to provide supplementary baseline data of bird species potentially breeding within and near the Project area. 2.2 Breeding Bird Surveys Recognizing that the timing of peak breeding activity varies among species, two rounds of breeding bird surveys were conducted during each year of the program (2016 and 2018). Breeding bird surveys were conducted at 80 survey locations within the study area in The first round of breeding bird surveys were conducted from May 24 to June 16, 2016 and the second round of surveys were conducted between July 19 and July 27, An attempt was made to evenly space survey locations, however, the availability of access points and the location of different habitat types influenced the placement of survey locations. In 2018, breeding bird surveys were conducted in additional new areas to supplement the 2016 program. The first round of breeding bird surveys were conducted between June 4 and June 7, 2018 and the second round of surveys were conducted between June 26 and June 28, Survey locations were spaced to facilitate appropriate survey coverage within the 2018 survey area, however, the availability of access points and the location of different habitat types influenced the placement of survey locations. For both years, ten-minute, unlimited radius point counts were conducted between dawn and approximately six hours after sunrise, weather permitting (wind speed <30 km/hr and precipitation not CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 6

10 exceeding a light drizzle). All species detected visually or by sound were recorded, and individuals were monitored throughout the duration of the point count in order to limit double counting. When traffic noise interfered with the surveyors ability to detect birds by sound, surveys were extended in duration by approximately five minutes. Surveyors used playback (playing a recording of a bird s song or call) in areas that appeared to be suitable breeding habitat for species of conservation concern (e.g., Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis), Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), and (Contopus virens)). Playback was only used in potential breeding habitat and when species of conservation concern were not detected through passive listening. Birds that were observed flying over the study area without stopping were recorded as flyovers. Birds that were encountered outside of the point count survey period, but within the study area were recorded as incidentals. Survey date, time of day, Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the survey location, and a brief habitat description for each point count station were also recorded. Each survey location was classified according to major habitat types in order to further understand breeding bird occupancy across different habitats within the study area. The five major habitat types are listed and described in Table 2.1. During both rounds each year, the total number of individuals for each species was calculated from the number of individuals and flyovers that were recorded during point counts and the number of incidentals that were observed within the breeding bird survey window. Calculations of the number and percentage of survey locations that each species were detected at in 2016 are shown in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 and in Tables 3.3 and 3.4 for each species detected in Mean species richness (average number of species recorded per survey location) and mean abundance (average number of individuals recorded per survey location) were calculated for each major habitat type in 2016 and 2018 (Table 3.5). Table 2.1 Major Habitat Type Major Habitat Types and Descriptions Description Wetland Open canopy / Disturbed Hardwood Softwood Mixed wood Includes swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, and seasonally flooded forest areas. Refers to habitats that lack tree canopy, including areas of anthropogenic disturbance such as clear cuts, agricultural fields, and openings adjacent to roads and lakes. Includes both young and old stands of broadleaf trees, as well as mixed stands that are hardwood dominated. Includes young and old stands of primarily coniferous trees, as well as mixed stands that are softwood dominated. Mixed wood stands are a mix of both softwood and hardwood but not dominated by either type. 2.3 Incidental Observations Species of conservation concern were noted outside of point count surveys and during other field programs. For each observation, the location (GPS waypoint), the date, number of individuals, and additional behavioural observations were recorded. In 2016, all incidental observations of species of CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 7

11 conservation concern occurred between August 10 and August 26, An incidental observation was recorded (nest) on May 25, 2017 during wood turtle visual encounter surveys and in 2018, incidental observations were recorded on May 23, between June 13 and June 15, 2018, and on August 1, Noctural Owl Surveys The nocturnal owl surveys followed the Guideline for Nocturnal Owl Monitoring in North America (Takats et al., 2001) protocol which consists of broadcast surveys. Broadcast surveys are ten minutes and include periods of passive listening and playback (Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) and Barred Owl (Strix varia) vocalizations). Surveys were conducted 30 minutes after sunset in suitable weather conditions (wind speed <25 km/hr and precipitation not exceeding a light drizzle). Surveys for nocturnal owls were conducted at nine different surveys locations within the study area on May 10, Nocturnal owl surveys were not conducted in Survey Dates Surveys were conducted by CBCL biologists specializing in avifauna. Nocturnal owl surveys were conducted on May 10, In 2016, breeding bird surveys were conducted from May 24 to June 16 and between July 19 and July 27. In 2018, breeding bird surveys were conducted between June 4 and June 7 and from June 26 to June 28. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 8

12 CHAPTER 3 RESULTS 3.1 Desktop Results Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Species ranks are defined by the ACCDC located in Sackville, New Brunswick. A more detailed explanation of species rankings can be found in Appendix A (ACCDC, 2017). ACCDC data reports (ACCDC, 2015; 2018) identified 40 species of conservation concern that were previously identified within a 5 km buffer around the proposed highway corridor (Appendix B) and observations that occurred within close proximity to the corridor are identified on the Project maps (Appendix C) Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces The proposed project area along Highway 104 intersects 5 atlas squares (100 km 2 sampling unit) (20NR34, 20NR44, 20NR54, 20NR64, and 20NR74) that were surveyed during in the Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritimes Provinces. Of the 120 species detected, 79 species were classified as confirmed breeders, 68 species were classified as probable, and 85 as possible in 1 atlas square(s) (Appendix D). 3.2 Breeding Bird Surveys Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 80 point count locations in five different habitat types were surveyed during each round of surveys (round 1 was surveyed between May 24 and June 16, 2016; round 2 was surveyed between July 19 and July 27, 2016). Eleven point count survey locations occurred in wetlands, 5 in mixed woods, 6 in softwood, 39 in hardwood, and 19 in open canopy. Point count locations and the locations where species of conservation concern were detected (during point counts and incidentally) are identified on the Project maps found in Appendix C. Each point count survey location is labeled with reference to the type of survey (breeding bird denoted by BB), survey year, and the point count number. The Project area is outlined by the red dashed line and species of conservation concern are highlighted by red text. In total, 2,042 individuals comprising 82 species were recorded within the study area ROUND 1 The first round of the breeding bird surveys detected 938 individuals consisting of 63 species. The three most abundance and widespread species detected during the first round of surveys were the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla individuals observed, 81.3% of survey locations), Black-throated Green CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 9

13 Warbler (Setophaga virens - 69 individuals, 60% of locations), and Northern Parula (Setophaga americana - 59 individuals, 56.3% of locations) (Table 3.1). Table 3.1 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 1), 2016 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Alder Flycatcher S5B (15%) American Black Duck S (1.25%) American Crow S (25%) American Goldfinch S (30%) American Redstart S4S5B (41.3%) American Robin S5B, S3N (42.5%) American Woodcock S5B (1.3%) Bald Eagle S (1.3%) Black-and-white Warbler S5B (38.8%) Blackburnian Warbler S4B (15%) Black-capped Chickadee S (25%) Black-throated Blue Warbler S5B (1.3%) Black-throated Green Warbler S5B (60%) Blue Jay S (15%) Blue-headed Vireo S5B (26.3%) Broad-winged Hawk S5B (1.3%) Canada Goose SNAB, S4N (1.3%) Canada Warbler S3B 6 (1) 7 5 (6.3%) Chestnut-sided Warbler S5B (13.8%) Common Grackle S5B (7.5%) Common Raven S (5%) Common Yellowthroat S5B (30%) Dark-eyed Junco S4S (11.3%) Eastern Phoebe S4B (1.3%) S3S4B (1.3%) Golden-crowned Kinglet S (23.8%) Hairy Woodpecker S (1.3%) Hermit Thrush S5B (17.5%) Killdeer S3B (1.3%) Least Flycatcher S4S5B (16.3%) Lincoln's Sparrow S4B (1.3%) Magnolia Warbler S5B (33.8%) CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 10

14 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Mourning Dove S (2.5%) Mourning Warbler S4B (8.8%) Nashville Warbler S4S5B (1.3%) Northern Flicker S5B (12.5%) Northern Parula S5B (56.3%) Northern Waterthrush S4B (12.5%) Osprey S4B (2.5%) Ovenbird S5B (81.3%) Pileated Woodpecker S (3.8%) Purple Finch S4S5B, S3S4N (10%) Red-eyed Vireo S5B (30%) Red-winged Blackbird S4B (5%) Rose-breasted Grosbeak S2S3B (2.5%) S3S4B (15%) Ruffed Grouse S (1.3%) Song Sparrow S5B (10%) Sora S5B (1.3%) Spotted Sandpiper S3S4B (2.5%) Thrush S3S4B (17.5%) Swamp Sparrow S5B (1.3%) Tree Swallow S4B (2.5%) S3S4B (5%) White-breasted Nuthatch S (2.5%) White-throated Sparrow S5B (32.5%) White-winged Crossbill S4S (1.3%) Winter Wren S5B (1.3%) Wood Duck S5B (1.3%) Yellow Warbler S5B (1.3%) Yellow-bellied Flycatcher S3S4B (6.3%) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker S4S5B (11.3%) Yellow-rumped Warbler S5B (11.3%) Total: 63 species (1) ROUND 2 The second round of breeding bird surveys detected a total of 1,095 individuals from 67 species. The three most abundant and widespread species detected include the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis - CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 11

15 90 individuals, 52.5% of survey locations), Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus - 89 individuals, 65% of survey locations), and American Robin (81 individuals, 45% of survey locations). Table 3.2 Data Summary of 80 Survey Locations (Round 2), 2016 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Alder Flycatcher S5B (13.8%) American Black Duck S (1.3%) American Crow S (2) (45%) American Goldfinch S (2) (52.5%) American Kestrel S3B (1.3%) American Redstart S4S5B 18 (2) (15%) American Robin S5B, S3N (3) (45%) Bald Eagle S (2.5%) Barn Swallow S2S3B (1.3%) Barred Owl S5 1 (1) 2 1 (1.3%) Belted Kingfisher S5B 3 (1) 4 4 (5%) Black-and-white Warbler S5B 13 (4) (17.5%) Blackburnian Warbler S4B (10%) Black-capped Chickadee S (5) (28.8%) Black-throated Green Warbler S5B 35 (4) (35%) Blue Jay S5 24 (2) (21.3%) Blue-headed Vireo S5B (5%) Brown Creeper S (1.3%) Cape May Warbler S2B (1.3%) Cedar Waxwing S5B (22.5%) Chestnut-sided Warbler S5B (5%) Chipping Sparrow S4B (2.5%) Common Grackle S5B (22.5%) Common Raven S5 1 (3) 4 2 (2.5%) Common Yellowthroat S5B 35 (2) (23.8%) Dark-eyed Junco S4S5 10 (2) (12.5%) Downy Woodpecker S (6.3%) S3S4B (8.8%) European Starling SNA (1.3%) Golden-crowned Kinglet S (23.8%) Hairy Woodpecker S (3.8%) Hermit Thrush S5B 40 (2) (37.5%) Least Flycatcher S4S5B (6.3%) Lincoln's Sparrow S4B (3.8%) Magnolia Warbler S5B 26 (1) (23.8%) Merlin S5B (1.3%) Mourning Dove S (7.5%) CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 12

16 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Mourning Warbler S4B (1.3%) Nashville Warbler S4S5B (2.5%) Northern Flicker S5B 33 (1) (26.3%) Northern Harrier S3S4B (1.3%) Northern Parula S5B (22.5%) Osprey S4B (1.3%) Ovenbird S5B (13.8%) Pileated Woodpecker S (3.8%) Purple Finch S4S5B, S3S4N 13 6 (1) (12.5%) S3 9 (1) 10 9 (11.3%) Red-eyed Vireo S5B (65%) Red-tailed Hawk S (2.5%) Red-winged Blackbird S4B (1.3%) Rock Pigeon SNA (2.5%) S3S4B (1.3%) Ruby-throated Hummingbird S5B (3.7%) Ruffed Grouse S5 3 (3) 6 2 (2.5%) Savannah Sparrow S4S5B (2.5%) Song Sparrow S5B 23 (1) (18.8%) Spruce Grouse S (1.3%) Thrush S3S4B 13 (2) (13.8%) Swamp Sparrow S5B (5%) Tree Swallow S4B (1.3%) S3S4B (3.7%) White-throated Sparrow S5B (21.3%) Wilson's Snipe S3B (2.5%) Yellow Warbler S5B (1.3%) Yellow-bellied Flycatcher S3S4B (1.3%) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker S4S5B (10%) Yellow-rumped Warbler S5B (2.5%) Total: 67 species (48) Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 50 survey locations were surveyed during the first round of breeding bird surveys and 55 survey locations were surveyed during the second round. The additional locations during the second round were added to accommodate an increase in Project area size between the first and rounds. Survey locations were located in five different habitat types during each round of surveys (round 1 was surveyed between June 4 and June 7, 2018; round 2 was surveyed between June 26 and June 28, 2016). For the first round of breeding bird surveys, 12 point count survey locations that occurred in wetlands, 11 in mixed woods, three in softwood, 12 in hardwood, and 12 in open canopy. During the CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 13

17 second round, each of the 50 survey locations were resurveyed, with the addition of five survey locations which occurred in softwood (two) and open canopy (three) habitats. Point count locations and the locations where species of conservation concern were detected (during point counts and incidentally) are identified on the Project maps found in Appendix C. Each point count survey location is labeled with an assigned point count survey number, with naming convention as described for 2016 survey locations. The Project area is outlined by the red dashed line and species of conservation concern are highlighted by red text. In total, 1,194 individuals of 61 species were recorded within the study area ROUND 1 The first round of the breeding bird surveys detected 677 individuals consisting of 55 species. The three most abundance and widespread species detected during the first round of surveys were the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla - 67 individuals observed, 88% of survey locations), American Robin (Turdus migratorius 47 individuals, 60% of survey locations), and Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens - 46 individuals, 58% of locations) (Table 3.3). Table 3.3 Data Summary of 50 Survey Locations (Round 1), 2018 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Alder Flycatcher S5B (14%) American Crow S (18%) American Goldfinch S (36%) American Redstart S4S5B (40%) American Robin S5B,S3N (60%) Bald Eagle S5 1 (1) 2 2 (4%) Bay-breasted Warbler S3S4B (10%) Belted Kingfisher S5B (4%) Black-and-white Warbler S5B 19 (1) (28%) Blackburnian Warbler S4B (12%) Black-capped Chickadee S5 31 (1) (34%) Blackpoll Warbler S3S4B (6%) Black-throated Green Warbler S5B (58%) Blue Jay S5 3 (1) 4 3 (6%) Blue-headed Vireo S5B (22%) Brown Creeper 5C (2%) Chestnut-sided Warbler S5B (16%) Chipping Sparrow S4B (4%) Common Grackle S5B (6%) Common Loon S4B,S4N (2%) Common Raven S (6%) Common Yellowthroat S5B (20%) Dark-eyed Junco S4S (26%) CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 14

18 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Downy Woodpecker S (4%) S3S4B (4%) European Starling SNA (2%) S3S4B,S3N (18%) Golden-crowned Kinglet S5 22 (1) (32%) Gray Jay S (12%) Hairy Woodpecker S (4%) Hermit Thrush S5B (16%) Killdeer S3B (4%) Least Flycatcher S4S5B (22%) Lincoln's Sparrow S4B (2%) Magnolia Warbler S5B (44%) Mourning Dove S (2%) Mourning Warbler S4B (4%) Northern Flicker S5B (4%) Northern Parula S5B (46%) Northern Waterthrush S4B (10%) Ovenbird S5B (88%) Purple Finch S4S5B,S3S4N (10%) S3 11 (1) (20%) Red-eyed Vireo S5B 19 (2) (34%) Red-winged Blackbird S4B (2%) S3S4B (28%) Ruby-throated Hummingbird S5B (2) 2 1 (2%) Ruffed Grouse S (6%) Song Sparrow S5B 10 (2) 12 8 (16%) Thrush S3S4B 2 (2) 4 4 (8%) Tree Swallow S4B (2%) White-throated Sparrow S5B (46%) Yellow Warbler S5B (6%) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker S4S5B 5 (1) 6 4 (8%) Yellow-rumped Warbler S5B (18%) Total: 55 Species (15) ROUND 2 The second round of breeding bird surveys detected a total of 517 individuals from 50 species and three other taxa. The three most abundant and widespread species detected include American Robin (48 individuals, 56.4% of survey locations), Ovenbird (40 individuals observed, 50.9% of survey locations), and Black-throated Green Warbler (32 individuals, 43.6% of locations) (Table 3.4). CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 15

19 Table 3.4 Data Summary of 55 Survey Locations (Round 2), 2018 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Alder Flycatcher S5B (20%) American Crow S (21.8%) American Goldfinch S (1) (18.2%) American Redstart S (21.8%) American Robin S5B,S3N 46 (2) (56.4%) Bald Eagle S (1.8%) Belted Kingfisher S5B (1.8%) Black-and-white Warbler S5B 8 (1) 9 8 (14.5%) Blackburnian Warbler S4B (5.5%) Black-capped Chickadee S (20%) Black-throated Green S5B 30 (2) (43.6%) Warbler Blue Jay S (7.3%) Blue-headed Vireo S5B (16.4%) Cedar Waxwing S5B 15 (1) (23.6%) Chestnut-sided Warbler S5B (7.3%) Common Grackle S5B (9.1%) Common Raven S (1.8%) Common Yellowthroat S5B (25.5%) Dark-eyed Junco S4SB (7.3%) Downy Woodpecker S (1.8%) S3S4B,S3N (1.8%) European Starling SNA (5.5%) S3S4B,S3N (12.7%) Golden-crowned Kinglet S (20%) Hairy Woodpecker S (5.5%) Hermit Thrush S5B (18.2%) Least Flycatcher S4S5B (18.2%) Magnolia Warbler S5B (12.7%) Mourning Warbler S4B 5 (1) 6 5 (9.1%) Northern Flicker S5B (5.5%) Northern Parula S5B (34.5%) Northern Waterthrush S4B (3.6%) Osprey S4B (1.8%) Ovenbird S5B (50.9%) Pileated Woodpecker S (3.6%) Purple Finch S4S5B,S3S4N (5.5%) S (14.5%) Red-eyed Vireo S5B (20%) Red-tailed Hawk S (1.8%) Red-winged Blackbird S4B (3.6%) Rock Pigeon SNA (1.8%) S3S4B (10.9%) CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 16

20 Species ACCDC S-Rank Individuals Flyovers (Incidentals) Total no. of individuals No. of survey locations detected Ruby-throated Hummingbird S5B (3.6%) Savannah Sparrow S4S5B (1.8%) Song Sparrow S5B (16.4%) Thrush S3S4B 1 (1) 2 2 (3.6%) Tree Swallow S4B (1.8%) White-throated Sparrow S5B (38.2%) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker S4S5B (7.3%) Yellow-rumped Warbler S5B (3.6%) Duck sp (1.8%) Bueteo sp (1.8%) Woodpecker sp (1.8%) Grand Total: 50 species (+ 2 other taxa) (9) 517 Five major habitat types were surveyed for breeding bird species. Mean species richness and abundance of birds were similar across most habitat types for each year (Table 3.5). Table 3.5 Summary of Species Richness and Abundance Major Habitat Type No. of survey locations Mean Species Richness per survey location (range) Mean abundance per survey location (range) 2016: Round 1 (May 24 June 16, 2016) Wetland (8 18) 14 (11 23) Mixed woods 5 10 (8 13) 14.8 (10 23) Softwood (7 10) 11.8 (10 15) Hardwood 39 8 (1 11) 10.7 (1 19) Open canopy (3 13) 11.6 (3 18) 2016: Round 2 (July 19 27, 2016) Wetland (6 18) 21.9 (8 61) Mixed woods (5 11) 12.8 (9 20) Softwood (3 13) 15.5 (5 31) Hardwood 39 7 (2 13) 12 (2 47) Open canopy (2 16) 12.1 (2 26) 2018: Round 1 (June 4 June 7, 2018) Wetland (3 17) 13.8 (4 24) Mixed woods (4 14) 12.7 (9 21) Softwood (2 14) 12 (3 25) Hardwood (5 11) 11.9 (7 18) Open canopy (7 17) 16.1 (9 25) CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 17

21 Major Habitat No. of survey Type locations 2018: Round 2 (June 26 28, 2018) Mean Species Richness per survey location (range) Mean abundance per survey location (range) Wetland (2 14) 10.3 (2 27) Mixed woods 11 5 (3 11) 6.2 (3 15) Softwood (5 11) 11.8 (6 15) Hardwood (2 14) 8.8 (2 21) Open canopy 15 7 (4 12) 10.8 (4 20) 3.3 Incidental Observations In 2016, nine incidental observations of two species of conservation concern were recorded between August 10 and August 26, during the execution of other field programs (Table 3.6). Table 3.6 Incidental Observations 2016 Species Date ACCDC S-Rank Individuals detected August 10, 2016 S3S4B 1 August 11, 2016 S3S4B 1 August 15, 2016 S3S4B 1 August 18, 2016 S3S4B 1 August 18, 2016 S3S4B 1 August 18, 2016 S3S4B 1 Canada Warbler August 24, 2016 S3B 1 Canada Warbler August 25, 2016 S3B 1 August 26, 2016 S3S4B 1 On May 25, 2017, during spring wood turtle Visual Encounter Surveys (VES), a Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) nest with four eggs was observed on an island in the French River (Figure 3.1). The pair of Spotted Sandpipers, a species of conservation concern (see Section 3.5), were observed within the vicinity of the nest. The location of the nest is highlighted on the Project maps (Appendix C). CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 18

22 Figure 3.1 Active Spotted Sandpiper nest observed on May 25, 2017 within the study area located on an island within the French River. In 2018, incidental observations of six species of conservation concern were recorded between June 12 and June 15 and on August 1, 2018 (Table 3.7). On May 23, 2018, an active American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) nest was observed in close proximity to a watercourse (5 10 m) (Figure 3.2). CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 19

23 Table 3.7 Incidental Observations 2018 Species Date ACCDC S-Rank Individuals detected Barn Swallow June 15, 2018 S2S3B 1 Canada Warbler June 13, 2018 S3B 1 June 12, 2018 S3S4B 3 Olive-sided Flycatcher June 15, 2018 S2B 1 Rough-legged Hawk June 11, 12, 2018 S3N 2 June 12, 2018 S3S4B 1 Figure 3.2 Active American Woodcock nest observed within the study area on May 23, Species of Conservation Concern Species of conservation concern were recorded during breeding bird surveys and during other field programs (incidentally). A total of 19 species of conservation concern were observed, including four species listed under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) (Schedule 1) and the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act (NSESA): Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Canada Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and (Contopus virens). The (Coccothraustes vespertinus), a species listed under the NSESA, was also observed during the breeding bird surveys. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 20

24 Species of Conservation Concern In 2016, 15 species of conservation concern were observed along Highway 104 and are summarized in Table 3.8. The locations where each species of conservation concern were observed are indicated in red text on the Project maps (Appendix C). The Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, and Eastern Wood- Pewee are listed under both SARA and NSESA, and were observed within the study area. Nine species of conservation concern were observed during the first round of surveys in 2016 and 11 species of conservation concern were observed during the second round (Table 3.8). Table 3.8 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in 2016 Species of Conservation Concern COSEWIC Listing SARA Listing NSESA Listing ACCDC S-Rank Detected Barn Swallow Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B Second round Canada Warbler Threatened Threatened Endangered S3B First round Special Concern Special Concern Vulnerable S3S4B Both rounds Cape May Warbler S2B Second round Rose-breasted Grosbeak S2S3B First round American Kestrel S3B Second round Killdeer S3B First round S3 Second round Wilson s Snipe S3B Second round Northern Harrier S3S4B Second round S3S4B Both rounds Spotted Sandpiper S3S4B First round Swainson s Thrush S3S4B Both rounds S3S4B Both rounds Yellow-bellied Flycatcher S3S4B Both rounds Species of Conservation Concern In 2018, 11 species of conservation concern were observed along Highway 104 and are summarized in Table 3.9. The locations where each species of conservation concern were observed are indicated in red text on the Project maps (Appendix C). The Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and are federally and provincially listed species at risk and were observed within the study area. The, a provincially listed species, was also observed within the study area. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 21

25 Table 3.9 Species of Conservation Concern Recorded in 2018 Species of Conservation Concern COSEWIC Listing SARA Listing NSESA Listing ACCDC S-Rank Detected Barn Swallow Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B Incidental Canada Warbler Threatened Threatened Endangered S3B Incidental Olive-sided Warbler Special Concern Threatened Threatened S2B Incidental Special Special Concern Concern Vulnerable S3S4B Both rounds Special S3S4B, No Status Vulnerable Concern S3N Both rounds Gray Jay S3 First round Killdeer S3B First round S3 Both rounds Bay-breasted Warbler S3S4B First round Blackpoll Warbler S3S4B First round S3S4B Both rounds Swainson s Thrush S3S4B Both rounds Canada Warbler: The Canada Warbler is ranked as Threatened at the federal level (SARA) and Endangered provincially (NSESA). The ACCDC ranked Canada Warbler as Vulnerable (S3B) in NS. The Canada Warbler is widely distributed across every Maritime region (Stewart et al., 2015) using a wide range of deciduous and coniferous forests. In the Maritimes, the Canada Warbler is associated with wetlands and dense understoreys (Stewart et al., 2015). Seven Canada Warblers were detected at five point count locations in suitable breeding habitat during the first round of surveys conducted in The Canada Warbler was categorized as confirmed (two atlas squares) and possible (two atlas squares) breeders within four of the five atlas squares that occur within the Project area. Canada Warblers were also detected incidentally within the study area in August, 2016 outside of their peak breeding window. On June 13, 2018, a Canada Warbler was incidentally observed in suitable breeding habitat within the study area. Barn Swallow: The Barn Swallow is designated as Threatened federally (SARA Schedule 1) and is listed as Endangered provincially (NSESA). The ACCDC has assigned a rank range between Imperiled and Vulnerable (S2S3B). In the Maritimes, the Barn Swallow occurs mostly in agricultural areas and uses manmade structures (e.g., barns) to nest and raise young (Stewart et al., 2015). A Barn Swallow was recorded during the second round of surveys in suitable breeding habitat (observed flying over agricultural fields adjacent to a barn). The barn is located north of Highway 4, outside of the Project area. From the MBBA, breeding evidence associated with Barn Swallows were classified as confirmed (three atlas squares) and possible (one atlas square) within the study area. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 22

26 Olive-sided Flycatcher: Olive-sided Flycatcher is designated as Threatened provincially (NSESA) and federally (SARA Schedule 1) and has a rank of Imperiled (S2B) (ACCDC). The Olive-sided Flycatcher is considered uncommon in the summer throughout the province (McLaren, 2012). This flycatcher prefers to breed in moist, mixed coniferous forest, and is most often associated with forest openings, forest edges near natural or human-made openings, or open to semi-open forest stands (Altman and Sallabanks, 2012; Stewart et al., 2015). An Olive-sided Flycatcher was recorded as an incidental observation during the execution of another field program. On June 15, 2018, the Olive-sided Flycatcher was recorded singing approximately 100 m away in potential breeding habitat. The Olive-sided Flycatcher was classified as confirmed, probable, and possible breeders (in 2, 2, and 1 atlas squares respectively) within the study area (Stewart et al., 2015). : is listed as Vulnerable provincially (NSESA) and Special Concern by SARA. The ACCDC has ranked the as S3S4B in NS, indicating a range rank between Vulnerable and Apparently Secure. The is generally associated with forest clearings and edges and will breed in both deciduous and coniferous forests (Watt et al. 2017). In the Maritimes, the prefers older, predominately deciduous forests and shows preference for riparian forests (Stewart et al., 2015). Stewart et al. (2015) also indicates that s avoid young coniferous and managed forests as well as humanoccupied areas in the Maritimes. The was recorded during both rounds of breeding bird surveys in 2016 and 2018 and was also incidentally recorded both years. In 2016, the was observed at 7 survey locations and incidentally at 7 different locations. During the 2018 surveys, the Eastern Wood- Pewee was recorded at two survey locations and incidentally at six different locations. The Eastern Wood-Pewee was classified as confirmed, probable, and possible breeders (in 1, 1, and 3 atlas squares respectively) within the study area. : The is listed as Vulnerable provincially (NSESA) and Special Concern by COSEWIC (not it is not on SARA Schedule 1). The ACCDC has ranked the (breeding population) as S3S4B in NS indicating a range rank between Vulnerable and Apparently Secure. The generally breeds in old coniferous and mixed wood forest stands where insects are abundant (COSEWIC, 2016; Stewart et al., 2015). The was observed at 14 survey locations during the 2018 breeding bird surveys and was classified as probable (four atlas squares) and possible (one atlas square) breeders within the study area (Stewart et al., 2015). Cape May Warbler: The Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) is unlisted at provincial and federal levels. The ACCDC assigned an S-Rank of S2B indicating this species is provincially Imperiled. The Cape May Warbler prefers a variety of medium to old-aged coniferous habitats comprised of spruce and balsam fir with preference for spruce stands over 10 m tall and well-developed crowns (Baltz and Latta, CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 23

27 1998). In the Maritimes, the Cape May Warbler is most strongly associated with mid-aged black spruce (Stewart et al., 2015). A Cape May Warbler was recorded at one survey location during the second round of breeding bird surveys conducted in This warbler was found to be a possible breeder in one of the atlas squares that occurs in the Project area. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: The ACCDC ranked the Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) in NS as S2S3B representing a rank ranging from Vulnerable to Imperiled. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak uses a wide variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed wooded uplands and lowlands. This grosbeak can also be found along forest edges adjacent to wetlands, open water, and human-made area (parks, gardens) (Wyatt and Francis, 2002). The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is primarily associated with hardwood stands and is partial to cutover areas, marshes, and forested wetlands in the Maritimes (Stewart et al., 2015). The Rose-breasted Grosbeak was observed at two survey location in hardwood habitat in The Rose-breasted Grosbeak was recorded in five of the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. American Kestrel: The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is not listed provincially or federally. The American Kestrel is ranked as Vulnerable (S3B) in Nova Scotia by the ACCDC. The American Kestrel are commonly found perched on telephone wires along roadsides in open country and agricultural fields (Stewart et al., 2015). One American Kestrel was observed at one survey location during the second round of surveys conducted in American Kestrel were also observed in four of the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. Gray Jay: The Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is ranked as Vulnerable (S3B) in NS. Gray Jays nest during late winter in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forest where spruces (Picea spp.) are present. Once young have fledged, they stay in their natal territories until early June (Strickland and Ouellet, 2011). In the Maritimes, the Gray Jay prefers older spruce-fir forests (Stewart et al., 2015). Gray Jays were observed in early June at six survey locations within the study area and was classified as confirmed breeders in three of the MBBA atlas squares. Killdeer: The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is ranked as Vulnerable (S3B) but is not listed provincially or federally. Killdeer are associated with open habitats such as grasslands, mudflats, and various humanmodified habitats including cultivated fields, graveled areas, parking lots, and airports (Jackson and Jackson, 2000; Stewart et al., 2015). Declines have been observed across the Maritimes and these declines may be linked to changes in farm practices and human interference (Stewart et al., 2015). A Killdeer was observed at one survey area located in open canopy. During the MBBA atlas, Killdeer was recorded in 3 of the atlas squares that intersects the Project area. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 24

28 : The (Sitta canadensis) is ranked as Vulnerable (S3) in Nova Scotia. In the Maritimes, the is widespread and prefers mature coniferous forests (Stewart et al., 2015). The was recorded along Highway 104 and was observed in 5 MBBA atlas squares that intersects the Project area. Wilson s Snipe: The Wilson s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) is ranked as Vulnerable (S3B) in Nova Scotia by the ACCDC. The Wilson Snipe breeds across Canada in sedge bogs, fens, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and rivers (Mueller, 1999). In the Maritimes, the Wilson s Snipe is closely associated with freshwater wetlands and often close to scrublands and grasslands (Stewart et al., 2015). A Wilson s Snipe was observed at two survey locations in 2016 and was also recorded in 5 of the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. Northern Harrier: The Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) has an S-Rank ranging between Vulnerable and Apparently Secure (S3S4B) in Nova Scotia. The Northern Harrier occurs across Nova Scotia and prefers to breed in cultivated or managed grasslands and wetlands that provide cover for nesting (Stewart et al., 2015). A Northern Harrier was observed during the second round of surveys in 2016 and recorded in 2 of the MBBA atlas squares that occur within the Project area. : The (Regulus calendula) has an S-Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. This kinglet breeds across the province, with the highest abundance in forest stands where conifers dominate (Stewart et al., 2015). The was observed across the Project area both years and was recorded as a confirmed and possible breeder in five MBBA atlas squares that intersects the Project area. Spotted Sandpiper: The Spotted Sandpiper has an S-Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. The Spotted Sandpiper is widespread and breeds in close proximity to a variety of waterbodies such as rivers and lakes (Stewart et al. 2015). A Spotted Sandpiper was observed during in 2016 during the first round of surveys. On May 25, 2017, during wood turtle visual encounter surveys, a pair of Spotted Sandpipers and their nest was observed on a small island within the French River (indicated on map). Swainson s Thrush: The Swainson s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) has an S-Rank of S3S4B. In the Maritimes, the Swainson s Thrush generally prefers balsam fir and spruce forest of a variety of ages and treatments (Stewart et al. 2015). CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 25

29 Swainson s Thrush was observed at multiple locations across the Project area during 2016 and 2018 and recorded as a probable and possible breeder in five MBBA atlas squares that intersects the Project area. : The (Catharus fuscescens) has an S-Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. In the Maritimes, the breeds across the province in primarily damp, deciduous woods and is associated with young poplar and shrubs in proximity to aquatic habitats (McLaren, 2012; Stewart et al. 2015). The was observed during both rounds of breeding bird surveys conducted in 2016 and has been classified as a probable and possible breeder in five MBBA atlas squares that interest the Project area. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) has an S-Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. This flycatcher is primarily a boreal nester and prefers younger forests and poorly drained areas such as bogs and fens in the Maritimes (Stewart et al., 2015). The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was observed during both rounds of breeding bird surveys conducted in 2016 and classified as a probable or possible breeder in 3 MBBA atlas squares that occur within the Project area. Bay-breasted Warbler: The Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) has an S-Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia. The Bay-breasted Warbler is primarily found in conifer forests, with great abundance in those that are mid-aged to mature (Stewart et al., 2015). The Bay-breasted Warbler was observed during the first round of breeding bird surveys in 2018 and was classified as a possible breeder in five MBBA atlas squares found within the Project area. Blackpoll Warbler: The Blackpoll Warbler has an S-Rank of S3S4B in Nova Scotia and is strongly associated with high-density coniferous stands in high-elevation and coastal areas (Stewart et al., 2015). The Blackpoll Warbler was observed at three survey locations during the first round of breeding bird surveys conducted in 2018 and has not being classified as a breeder within the MBBA atlas squares that intersect the Project area. 3.5 Nocturnal Owl Surveys No owls were detected during the nocturnal owl surveys conducted within the study area. Two avian species that were not owls, American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) and a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), were recorded as incidentals. Survey locations are identified on the Projects maps found in Appendix C. 3.6 Regulatory Considerations Under current legislation, linear project activities that could interact with avifauna typically adhere to the following acts: CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 26

30 Federal Species at Risk Act. S.C. 2002, c.29; Federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. S.C. 1994, c.22; Provincial Endangered Species Act. 1998, c.11, s.1; and Provincial Wildlife Act. R.S., c. 504, s. 2. Should the proposed twinning of the highway proceed, the project may be subject to environmental permits and approvals pursuant to federal and provincial legislation. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 27

31 CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION 4.1 Summary of Key Findings Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 80 point count survey locations in five different habitat types were surveyed during each round of surveys (round 1 was surveyed between May 24 and June 16, 2016; round 2 was surveyed between July 19 and July 27, 2016). Of the 80 point count survey locations, 5 occurred in mixed woods, 6 in softwood, 11 in wetlands, 19 in open canopy, and 39 in hardwood. During the breeding bird surveys, a total of 2,042 individuals comprising 82 species were recorded within the study area. Of these species, 15 were species of conservation concern. Three species of conservation concern are listed as federal and provincial species at risk: the Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, and Breeding Bird Surveys A total of 55 point count survey locations in five different habitat types were surveyed in the survey area. Fifty of the survey locations were surveyed during the first round (June 4 to June 7, 2018) and each of the 55 were surveyed during the second round (June 24 to 28, 2018). Of the 55 point count survey locations, 11 occurred in mixed woods, 5 in softwood, 12 in wetlands, 15 in open canopy, and 12 in hardwood. A total 1,194 individuals comprising 61 species were recorded within the study area. Eleven species of conservation concern were observed. The Canada Warbler, Barn Swallow, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and are federally and provincially listed species at risk and were observed within the study area. The, a provincially listed species, was also observed within the study area. 4.2 Assessment Limitations Given that most species are aurally detected during surveys, traffic noise likely affects surveys, particularly those that occurred adjacent to a highway. However, as previously mentioned, surveys were extended when traffic noise was noticeably interfering with a surveyor s ability to detect birds aurally. A baseline inventory of breeding birds was collected which included species of conservation concern that were detected by sight or sound. Specific surveys for species at risk were not conducted and may be required by regulatory authorities in future studies. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 28

32 4.3 Closure This report has been prepared for the sole benefit of the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The report may not be relied upon by any other person or entity without the express written consent of CBCL and NSTIR. Any use which a third party makes of this report and any reliance on decisions made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties. CBCL Limited accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions or actions made based on this report. The conclusions presented represent the best judgement of the assessors based on the observed site conditions. Due to the nature of the investigation, the assessors cannot warrant against undiscovered environmental conditions or liabilities. Should additional information become available, CBCL Limited requests that this information be brought to our attention so that we may re-assess the conclusions presented herein. Any changes to the Project alignment may result in a requirement to replicate the field program to capture any new information. Respectfully submitted, CBCL Limited Ian Bryson, M.Sc., EP Principal, Group Leader Environmental Sciences Jason Bernier, P.Eng., PMP Principal, Manager Environmental Sciences and Engineering This document was prepared for the party indicated herein. The material and information in the document reflects CBCL Limited s opinion and best judgment based on the information available at the time of preparation. Any use of this document or reliance on its content by third parties is the responsibility of the third party. CBCL Limited accepts no responsibility for any damages suffered as a result of third party use of this document CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 29

33 CHAPTER 5 REFERENCES Altman, B. and R. Sallabanks (2012). Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Species ranking definitions. Available: Accessed December 5, Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Data Report #5456, Antigonish 4, NS. Baltz, Michael E. and Steven C. Latta. (1998). Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina), The Birds of North America (P. G. Rodewald, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America: DOI: /bna.332 Benítez-López A., R. Alkemade R., and P. A. Verweji The impacts of roads and other infrastructure on mammal and birds populations: a meta-analysis. Biological Conservation. 143, Brumm, H., and Slabbekoorn, H Acoustic communication in noise. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 35, COSEWIC COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Coccothraustes vespertinus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 64 pp. ( Fahrig, L. and Rytwinski, T Effects of roads on animal abundance: an empirical review and synthesis. Ecology and Society, 14, 21. Halfwerk, W., Holleman, L. J., Lessells, C. K., and Slabbekoorn, H Negative impact of traffic noise on avian reproductive success. Journal of applied Ecology, 48(1), CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 30

34 Eberhardt, E., S. Mitchell, and L. Fahrig Current and potential wildlife fatality hotspots along the Thousand Islands Parkway in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada General Nesting Periods of Migratory Birds in Canada. Available: Accessed: November Environment Canada Wind Turbines and Birds: A Guidance Document for Environmental Assessment. Final version, April Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Gatineau Quebec. Available: Jackson, B. J. and J. A. Jackson Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. McClure, C. J., Ware, H. E., Carlisle, J., Kaltenecker, G., & Barber, J. R An experimental investigation into the effects of traffic noise on distributions of birds: avoiding the phantom road. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 280(1773), McLaren, I.A All the birds of Nova Scotia. Gaspereau Press, Kentville, N.S. Mueller, H Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Neily, P.D., Quigley, E., Benjamin, L., Stewart, B., Duke, T Ecological Land Classification for Nova Scotia: Revised Edition Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Renewable Resource Branch. Ortega, Y. K., and Capen, D. E Effects of forest roads on habitat quality for ovenbirds in a forested landscape. The Auk, Polak, M., Wiącek, J., Kucharczyk, M., & Orzechowski, R The effect of road traffic on a breeding community of woodland birds. European Journal of Forest Research, 132(5-6), Šálek, M., Svobodová, J., and Zasadil, P Edge effect of low-traffic forest roads on bird communities in secondary production forests in central Europe. Landscape ecology, 25(7), Species at Risk Public Registry. Accessed November Schedule 1: List of Wildlife Species at Risk. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 31

35 Stewart, R.L. M., K. A. Bredin, A. R. Couturier, A. G. Horn, D. Lepage, S. Markpeace, P. D. Taylor, M. A. Villard, and R. M. Whittam (eds) Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Natural History Society of Prince Edward Island, Nature New Brunswick, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources, Nova Scotia Bird Society, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, and Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Sackville, pp. Summers P.D., G. M. Cunnington, L. Fahrig Are the negative effects of roads on breeding birds caused by traffic noise? Journal of Applied Ecology. 46, Takats, D. L., C. M. Francis, G. L. Holroyd, J. R. Duncan, K. M. Mazur, R. J. Cannings, W. Harris, D. Holt Guidelines for Nocturnal Owl Monitoring in North America. Beaverhill Bird Observatory and Bird Studies Canada, Edmonton, Alberta. 32 pp. Watt, D. J., J. P. McCarty, S. W. Kendrick, F. L. Newell, and P. Pyle (Contopus virens), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (P. G. Rodewald, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Wyatt, V. E. and C. M. Francis Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. CBCL Limited NSTIR Highway 104 Twinning Breeding Birds 32

36 APPENDIX A Explanation of ACCDC Rarity Ranks CBCL Limited Appendices

37 Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Conservation Rank Definitions Page 1 of 2 10/01/2017 Français Home Contact Us Maritimes Butterfly Atlas AC CDC Home About Us Our Services AC CDC Staff Contact Us Maritimes Butterfly Atlas AC CDC Data Submit a Data Request About Our Data Data Interpretations Conservation Ranks Species at Risk Understanding Ranks Sub-national (provincial) ranks (S-ranks) Conservation Data Centres and NatureServe use existing information and expertise, for ranking species rarity or conservation status. Ranks help them identify gaps in knowledge for species for which element occurrence data are maintained; typically information is maintained for species ranked critically imperiled (S1) to vulnerable (S3) in given jurisdictions. Individual CDCs are responsible for developing sub-national ranks for their area. The AC CDC works with provincial and federal experts to develop rarity ranks for species in each of the following provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Factors considered when ranking include: number of element occurrences, distribution, population size, abundance trends, and threats. Sub-national element rank definitions The following definitions refer to species and community ranks at sub-national (provincial) levels. Sub-national ranks are specific to a province. Therefore, a species that is common (S4) in New Brunswick, could be ranked as extremely rare (S1) in Prince Edward Island. More Submit an Observation Publications FAQ NatureServe Network Français S-rank SX S1 S2 Definition Presumed Extirpated - Species or community is believed to be extirpated from the province. Not located despite intensive searches of historical sites and other appropriate habitat, and virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered. Critically Imperiled - Critically imperiled in the province because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state/province. Imperiled - Imperiled in the province because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the nation or state/province. S3 S4 S5 SNR SU SNA S#S# Not Provided Vulnerable - Vulnerable in the province due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation. Apparently Secure - Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. Secure - Common, widespread, and abundant in the province. Unranked - Nation or state/province conservation status not yet assessed. Unrankable - Currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends. Not Applicable - A conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities. Range Rank - A numeric range rank (e.g., S2S3) is used to indicate any range of uncertainty about the status of the species or community. Ranges cannot skip more than one rank (e.g., SU is used rather than S1S4). Species is not known to occur in the province.

38 Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Conservation Rank Definitions Page 2 of 2 10/01/2017 Breeding Status Qualifiers Qualifier B N M Definition Breeding - Conservation status refers to the breeding population of the species in the province. Nonbreeding - Conservation status refers to the non-breeding population of the species in the province. Migrant - Migrant species occurring regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. Conservation status refers to the aggregating transient population of the species in the province. Note: A breeding status is only used for species that have distinct breeding and/or non-breeding populations in the province. A breeding-status S-rank can be coupled with its complementary non-breeding-status S-rank if the species also winters in the nation or state/province, and/or a migrant-status S-rank if the species occurs regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. The two (or rarely, three) status ranks are separated by a comma (e.g., "S2B, S3N" or "SHN, S4B, S1M"). Other Qualifiers Qualifier? Definition Inexact or Uncertain - Denotes inexact or uncertain numeric rank. (The? qualifies the character immediately preceding it in the S-rank.) National and Global Ranks Information supporting S-ranks in turn supports broader-scale ranking, national (N-rank) and global (G-rank). Canadian CDCs, from the Atlantic to British Columbia, help develop and update N-ranks for Canadian plants and animals. Although many believe that National ranks offer great value, there is increasing interest in categories used by COSEWIC and General Status Assessments, outlined briefly below. Global ranks are assigned by staff specialists at NatureServe in consultation with CDC specialists and other science experts. Global rank definitions are similar to sub-national rank definitions but they refer to the entire range for species or communities regardless of national boarders. For instance, G1= Critically Imperiled extremely rare and extremely vulnerable to extinction due to natural or human causes (5 or fewer global occurrences or less than 1000 individuals), while G5 = Demonstrably secure. See the NatureServe explorer for additional details. COSEWIC and General Status of Wild Species The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) uses: extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened, vulnerable, special concern, insufficient information, and secure to describe the status of species (but not communities) in Canada. The General Status of Wild Species in Canada, uses a ranking system similar to that used by NatureServe and all CDCs. (See Wild Species: The General Status of Species in Canada for additional details) Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre Français Home Contact Us Maritimes Butterfly Atlas

39 APPENDIX B ACCDC Rare Species Lists CBCL Limited Appendices

40 Appendix B: ACCDC Rare Species Lists Rare and endangered avian species within the 5 km buffered area around the Project area in order of concern. Common Name Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Provincial Legal Protection Provincial Rarity Rank Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Threatened Threatened Endangered S2S3B Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis Threatened Threatened Endangered S3B Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Threatened Threatened Endangered S2B,S1M Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Special Concern Special Concern Endangered S2B Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Threatened Threatened Threatened S2B Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi Threatened Threatened Threatened S2B Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Threatened Threatened Vulnerable S3S4B Contopus virens Special Concern Special Concern Vulnerable S3S4B Coccothraustes vespertinus Special Concern Vulnerable S3S4B,S3N Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis S1B Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina S2B Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater S2B Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota S2S3B Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator S2S3B,S5N

41 Common Name Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Provincial Legal Protection Provincial Rarity Rank Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus S2S3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus S2S3B Virginia Rail Rallus limicola S2S3B American Kestrel Falco sparverius S3B Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus S3B Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonica S3 Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus S3B Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis S3B Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis S3 Killdeer Charadrius vociferus S3B Sitta canadensis S3 Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata S3B American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus S3S4B Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea S3S4B Black-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus S3S4 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors S3S4B Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Not At Risk S3S4

42 Common Name Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Provincial Legal Protection Provincial Rarity Rank Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Not At Risk S3S4B Nelson s Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni Not At Risk S3S4B Regulus calendula S3S4B Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius S3S4B Swainson s Thrush Catharus ustulatus S3S4B Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina S3S4B Catharus fuscescens S3S4B Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris S3S4B

43 APPENDIX C Survey Location Maps CBCL Limited Appendices

44 Cliff Swallow Eastern Wood-Pewee Ruby-crowned Kinglet Canada Warbler Nelson's Sparrow Common Nighthawk BB ; BB Canada Warbler; Rose-breasted Grosbeak BB BB ; Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Canada Warbler; BB BB Eastern Wood-Pewee BB BB BB BB Eastern Wood-Pewee Thrush BB BB BB BB Olive-sided Flycatcher BB BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher BB BB Barn Swallow E W 2 NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2016 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/ ,170 1,560 m 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Nocturnal Owl Survey Locations Breeding Bird Station Locations Incidental Study Area Red Text Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program Gray Jay Killdeer Bobolink Boreal Chickadee Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Siskin Northern Goshawk Bay-breasted Warbler Canada Warbler Thrush Wilson's Snipe Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Olive-sided Flycatcher Chimney Swift Rusty Blackbird Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills Rusty Blackbird Chimney Swift Olive-sided Flycatcher Common Nighthawk Thrush Olive-sided Flycatcher Thrush Black-billed Cuckoo Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Avondale Station Brierly Brook Barneys River Station Beaver Meadow Page 1 of 5

45 Eastern Wood-Pewee Ruby-crowned Kinglet Chimney Swift Gray Jay Killdeer Bobolink Boreal Chickadee Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Siskin Northern Goshawk Bay-breasted Warbler Eastern Wood-Pewee Common Nighthawk Thrush NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2016 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/2018 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ BB ; Olive-sided Flycatcher Flycatcher Thrush Chimney Swift Common Nighthawk Black-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Wilson's Snipe Canada Warbler Thrush Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Rusty Blackbird Rose-breasted Grosbeak Olive-sided Flycatcher Olive-sided Thrush Olive-sided Flycatcher Black-billed Cuckoo Olive-sided Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Rusty Blackbird Chimney Swift Thrush Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Thrush BB Wilson's Snipe; Thrush; ; ; Canada Warbler BB Thrush; BB Thrush BB Thrush BB Thrush BB Thrush BB Thrush BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Wood-Pewee Olive-sided OWL BB BB ; BB Flycatcher BB ; Pine Grosbeak Cliff Swallow BB Canada Warbler Bank Swallow Olive-sided BB BB Gray Catbird Flycatcher Pine Siskin Wilson's Snipe BB Pine Grosbeak OWL BB Spotted Sandpiper Gray Jay American Bittern Thrush Killdeer BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher BB BB Barn Swallow Olive-sided Flycatcher Bobolink BB Cape May Warbler Chimney Swift Northern Harrier Barn Tennessee Warbler Swallow Rose-breasted Grosbeak ,170 1,560 m ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Nocturnal Owl Survey Locations Breeding Bird Station Locations Incidental Study Area Red Text Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program Egerton OWL McPhersons Mills American Kestrel Eastern Kingbird Chimney Swift BB Rusty Blackbird American Kestrel Boreal Chickadee Bay-breasted Warbler 2 3 Avondale Station Thrush Boreal Chickadee Barneys River Station BB Thrush 4 5 Brierly Brook Beaver Meadow Page 2 of 5

46 Rusty Blackbird Chimney Swift BB Thrush BB Thrush Olive-sided Flycatcher BB Thrush BB Thrush OWL BB Thrush BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet Olive-sided Flycatcher Cape May Warbler Chimney Swift Northern Harrier Tennessee Warbler Rose-breasted Grosbeak Eastern Kingbird BB ; Pine Grosbeak Canada Warbler Gray Catbird Pine Siskin Chimney Swift BB American Kestrel Spotted Sandpiper American Bittern Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Rusty Blackbird American Kestrel Boreal Chickadee Bay-breasted Warbler Thrush Black-billed Cuckoo OWL Cliff Swallow Bank Swallow Wilson's Snipe Killdeer Bobolink Pine Grosbeak Gray Jay Eastern Wood-Pewee Barn Swallow NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2016 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/2018 Thrush Boreal Chickadee BB Thrush 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" Olive-sided Flycatcher Thrush [ BB Red-breasted Nuthatch Thrush BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB Thrush ,170 1,560 m BB ; OWL BB Canada Warbler; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; ; Thrush BB Canada Warbler Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Canada Warbler BB OWL Canada Warbler Thrush BB Thrush Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Thrush ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Nocturnal Owl Survey Locations Breeding Bird Station Locations Incidental Study Area Red Text Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program OWL BB Rose-breasted Grosbeak; BB Thrush Thrush BB Spotted Sandpiper Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Thrush; BB BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher OWL Avondale Station BB Thrush BB OWL Barneys River Station Wilson's Snipe; Thrush Rusty Blackbird Rusty Blackbird 4 BB OWL Yellow-bellied Chimn Eastern Woo Rose-breasted Gr Common Nigh Black-billed Bay-breasted W Red-breasted N Spotted Sand Olive-sided Flyc Black-backed Wood Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 Pine G Brierly Brook Beaver Meadow Page 3 of 5

47 Olive-sided Flycatcher OWL Thrush BB Thrush Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB llow-bellied Flycatcher; Thrush BB Rose-breasted Grosbeak; BB Thrush Thrush BB Spotted Sandpiper BB BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher BB Thrush BB Rusty Blackbird Rusty Blackbird BB Wilson's Snipe; Thrush Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Chimney Swift Rose-breasted Grosbeak Common Nighthawk Black-billed Cuckoo Bay-breasted Warbler Spotted Sandpiper Olive-sided Flycatcher Black-backed Woodpecker Red-breasted Nuthatch Pine Grosbeak BB ; Thrush Eastern Wood-Pewee BB BB ; Thrush Wilson's Snipe Eastern Kingbird Cliff Swallow Canada Warbler Tennessee Warbler Bobolink American Kestrel Thrush Gray Jay Pine Siskin American Bittern Barn Swallow Boreal Chickadee Rusty Blackbird BB Bobolink BB Eastern Wood-Pewee OWL BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB ; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Thrush Olive-sided Flycatcher BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Thrush BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Killdeer Rose-breasted Grosbeak BB BB Canada Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Warbler Spotted Sandpiper BB BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Thrush; Cliff Swallow OWL OWL OWL OWL BB BB BB BB Chimney Swift Bank Swallow Pine Siskin Bobolink Eastern Wood-Pewee BB American Kestrel Eastern Wo American Kestrel Chimney Swift NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2016 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/ ,170 1,560 m 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Nocturnal Owl Survey Locations Breeding Bird Station Locations Incidental Study Area Red Text Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills Avondale Station Barneys River Station Brierly Brook 5 Beaver Meadow Page 4 of 5

48 stern Wood-Pewee Eastern Wood-Pewee t Cliff Swallow BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB ; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Thrush BB Rose-breasted Grosbeak; OWL Bobolink BB Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Thrush BB BB Killdeer BB BB Red-breasted Nuthatch Rose-breasted Grosbeak BB Pine Siskin Bobolink NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2016 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/2018 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" Olive-sided Flycatcher ,170 1,560 m [ Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Spotted Sandpiper BB American Kestrel Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Cape May Warbler; ; BB Common Nighthawk BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Nocturnal Owl Survey Locations Breeding Bird Station Locations Incidental Study Area Red Text Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program BB Thrush Pine Siskin BB Bay-breasted Warbler BB Northern Harrier Wilson's Snipe Ruddy Duck Bobolink Eastern Kingbird Wilson's Snipe Rose-breasted Grosbeak Virginia Rail Tennessee Warbler Barn Swallow Eastern Kingbird Gray Catbird Thrush Bobolink Olive-sided Flycatcher Brown-headed Cowbird Boreal Chickadee Blue-winged Teal Common Nighthawk Bay-breasted Warbler Northern Harrier Cliff Swallow American Bittern Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper American Bittern Wilson's Snipe Chimney Swift American Kestrel Pine Siskin Ruddy Duck Black-billed Cuckoo Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills 2 3 Avondale Station Barneys River Station 4 Brierly Brook 5 Beaver Meadow Page 5 of 5

49 Cliff Swallow Eastern Wood-Pewee Ruby-crowned Kinglet Canada Warbler Nelson's Sparrow BB Bay-breasted Warbler; Common Nighthawk Rose-breasted Grosbeak BB ; BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Red-breasted Nuthatch Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Bay-breasted Warbler Thrush Spotted Sandpiper Nest BB Olive-sided Flycatcher BB Red-breasted Nuthatch Olive-sided Flycatcher BB Blackpoll Warbler; BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Blackpoll Warbler; Bay-breasted Warbler Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Barn Swallow BB Blackpoll Warbler; Thrush BB E W 2 Gray Jay Killdeer Bobolink Boreal Chickadee Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Siskin Northern Goshawk Bay-breasted Warbler Canada Warbler Thrush Wilson's Snipe Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Olive-sided Flycatcher Chimney Swift Rusty Blackbird Rusty Blackbird Chimney Swift Olive-sided Flycatcher Common Nighthawk Thrush Olive-sided Flycatcher Thrush Black-billed Cuckoo Yellow-bellied Flycatcher NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2018 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/ ,170 1,560 m 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ Red Text ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Incidental Observations Breeding Bird Stations Study Area Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills Avondale Station Barneys River Station Brierly Brook 5 Beaver Meadow Page 1 of 5

50 Eastern Wood-Pewee Ruby-crowned Kinglet Chimney Swift Gray Jay Killdeer Bobolink Boreal Chickadee Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Siskin Northern Goshawk Bay-breasted Warbler Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Bay-breasted Warbler Common Nighthawk Thrush Spotted Sandpiper Nest BB NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2018 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/2018 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ Olive-sided Flycatcher Flycatcher Thrush Chimney Swift Common Nighthawk Black-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Wilson's Snipe Canada Warbler Thrush Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Rusty Blackbird Rose-breasted Grosbeak Olive-sided Flycatcher BB Blackpoll Warbler; Olive-sided Thrush Olive-sided Flycatcher Black-billed Cuckoo Olive-sided Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Flycatcher BB Blackpoll Warbler; Thrush Rusty Blackbird Chimney Swift Thrush Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Thrush Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Olive-sided Flycatcher BB American Kestrel Spotted Sandpiper American Bittern Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Olive-sided Flycatcher Cape May Warbler Chimney Swift Northern Harrier Tennessee Warbler Rose-breasted Grosbeak Canada Warbler Gray Catbird Pine Siskin Eastern Kingbird Chimney Swift Rusty Blackbird American Kestrel Boreal Chickadee Bay-breasted Warbler BB Pine Grosbeak BB Bay-breasted Warbler Cliff Swallow Bank Swallow Wilson's Snipe Pine Grosbeak Gray Jay Killdeer Bobolink BB BB Thrush; Barn Swallow Thrush Boreal Chickadee BB Thrush; 1 3 Olive-sided Flycatcher BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Red-breasted Nuthatch BB Blackpoll Warbler; Bay-breasted Warbler Barn Swallow ,170 1,560 m BB Red Text ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Incidental Observations Breeding Bird Stations Study Area Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program BB Killdeer Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills 2 3 Avondale Station Barneys River Station BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet Olive-sided Flycatcher Thrush 5 Red Ru Brierly Brook Beaver Meadow Page 2 of 5

51 Rusty Blackbird Chimney Swift Thrush BB Killdeer Olive-sided Flycatcher BB American Kestrel Olive-sided Flycatcher Cape May Warbler Chimney Swift Northern Harrier Tennessee Warbler Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Grosbeak Canada Warbler Gray Catbird Pine Siskin Spotted Sandpiper American Bittern Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Chimney Swift Rusty Blackbird American Kestrel Boreal Chickadee Bay-breasted Warbler Thrush Black-billed Cuckoo BB BB Bay-breasted Warbler Cliff Swallow Bank Swallow Wilson's Snipe Pine Grosbeak Gray Jay Killdeer Bobolink Barn Swallow BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB BB Thrush; Thrush Boreal Chickadee NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2018 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/2018 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" BB Thrush; BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet Olive-sided Flycatcher Thrush [ BB BB BB BB ; ; Killdeer BB Thrush BB ; BB Thrush ; BB BB Thrush ; ; BB ; BB BB BB BB ; ; ; Bay-breasted Warbler; Canada Warbler Yellow-bellied Flycatcher BB BB BB Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB ; BB Red-breasted Nuthatch Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB Thrush; ; ; ,170 1,560 m Red Text ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Incidental Observations Breeding Bird Stations Study Area Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills Eastern Wood Peewee BB ; 2 3 Avondale Station Barneys River Station Rusty Blackbird Rusty Blackbird 4 BB Red-breasted Nuthatch Eastern Wood Peewee Eve Yellow-bellied Chimn Eastern Woo Rose-breasted Gr Common Nigh Black-billed Bay-breasted W Red-breasted N Spotted Sand Olive-sided Flyc Black-backed Wood 5 Pine G Brierly Brook Beaver Meadow Page 3 of 5

52 Olive-sided Flycatcher Thrush Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB BB BB ; BB BB Thrush ; BB ; BB ; BB BB Red-breasted Nutatch BB ; ; BB Eastern Wood Peewee BB ; Canada Warbler BB ; BB Thrush; ; ; Bay-breasted Warbler; Rusty Blackbird Rusty Blackbird BB Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Chimney Swift Rose-breasted Grosbeak Common Nighthawk Black-billed Cuckoo Bay-breasted Warbler Spotted Sandpiper Olive-sided Flycatcher Black-backed Woodpecker Red-breasted Nuthatch Eastern Wood Peewee Pine Grosbeak Eastern Wood-Pewee BB Wilson's Snipe Eastern Kingbird Cliff Swallow Canada Warbler Tennessee Warbler Bobolink American Kestrel Thrush Gray Jay Pine Siskin American Bittern Barn Swallow Boreal Chickadee Rusty Blackbird BB Cliff Swallow Bobolink Olive-sided Flycatcher Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3 5 Eastern Wood-Pewee Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Wood Peewee Chimney Swift Bank Swallow Pine Siskin Bobolink American Woodcock Nest American Kestrel Chimney Swift NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2018 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/ ,170 1,560 m 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ Red Text ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Incidental Observations Breeding Bird Stations Study Area Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills Avondale Station Barneys River Station Brierly Brook 5 Beaver Meadow Page 4 of 5

53 Olive-sided Flycatcher Wilson's Snipe Pine Siskin Ruddy Duck Rose-breasted Grosbeak Bobolink 4 Pine Siskin American Woodcock Nest BB Eastern Kingbird Eastern Wood-Pewee Bay-breasted Warbler Ruby-crowned Kinglet BB Cliff Swallow Bobolink Eastern Wood Peewee Bobolink Common Nighthawk t Wilson's Snipe Rose-breasted Grosbeak Virginia Rail Tennessee Warbler Barn Swallow Eastern Kingbird Gray Catbird Thrush Bobolink Olive-sided Flycatcher Brown-headed Cowbird Boreal Chickadee Blue-winged Teal Common Nighthawk Bay-breasted Warbler Northern Harrier Cliff Swallow American Bittern Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper American Bittern Wilson's Snipe Chimney Swift American Kestrel Pine Siskin Ruddy Duck Black-billed Cuckoo NSTIR Highway 104 Appendix C 2018 Breeding Bird Survey 21/09/ ,170 1,560 m 1:32,455 Scale when printed at 11"x17" [ Red Text ACCDC Species of Conservation Concern (ACCDC, 2018) Incidental Observations Breeding Bird Stations Study Area Species of Conservation Concern observed during CBCL field program Egerton 1 McPhersons Mills Avondale Station Barneys River Station Brierly Brook 5 Beaver Meadow Page 5 of 5

54 APPENDIX D The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces & Species Detected Species Breeding Evidence (2 nd Atlas data) Detected during Confirmed Probable Possible CBCL bird surveys Alder Flycatcher X American Bittern American Black Duck X American Crow X American Goldfinch X American Kestrel X American Redstart X American Robin X American Woodcock X Bald Eagle X Bank Swallow X Barn Swallow X Barred Owl X Bay-breasted Warbler X Belted Kingfisher X Black-and-white Warbler X Black-backed Woodpecker Black-billed Cuckoo Blackburnian Warbler X Black-capped Chickadee X Black-throated Blue Warbler X Black-throated Green Warbler X Blue Jay X Blue-headed Vireo X Blue-winged Teal Bobolink Boreal Chickadee X Broad-winged Hawk X Brown Creeper X Brown-headed Cowbird Canada Goose X Canada Warbler X Cape May Warbler X Cedar Waxwing X CBCL Limited Appendices

55 Species Breeding Evidence (2 nd Atlas data) Detected during Confirmed Probable Possible CBCL bird surveys Chestnut-sided Warbler X Chimney Swift Chipping Sparrow X Cliff Swallow Common Grackle X Common Loon X Common Merganser Common Nighthawk Common Raven X Common Yellowthroat X Dark-eyed Junco X Double-crested Cormorant Downy Woodpecker X Eastern Kingbird Eastern Phoebe X X European Starling X X Golden-crowned Kinglet X Gray Catbird Gray Jay X Great Blue Heron Great Horned Owl Green-winged Teal Hairy Woodpecker X Hermit Thrush X Hooded Merganser House Sparrow Killdeer X Least Flycatcher X Lincoln's Sparrow X Magnolia Warbler X Mallard Merlin X Mourning Dove X Mourning Warbler X Nashville Warbler X Nelson's Sparrow Northern Flicker X Northern Goshawk CBCL Limited Appendices

56 Species Breeding Evidence (2 nd Atlas data) Detected during Confirmed Probable Possible CBCL bird surveys Northern Harrier X Northern Parula X Northern Saw-whet Owl Northern Waterthrush X Olive-sided Flycatcher X Osprey X Ovenbird X Palm Warbler Pied-billed Grebe Pileated Woodpecker X Pine Grosbeak Pine Siskin Purple Finch X X Red-eyed Vireo X Red-tailed Hawk X Red-winged Blackbird X Ring-necked Duck Rock Pigeon X Rose-breasted Grosbeak X X Ruby-throated Hummingbird X Ruddy Duck Ruffed Grouse X Rusty Blackbird Savannah Sparrow X Sharp-shinned Hawk Song Sparrow X Sora X Spotted Sandpiper X Thrush X Swamp Sparrow X Tennessee Warbler Tree Swallow X X Virginia Rail White-breasted Nuthatch X White-throated Sparrow X White-winged Crossbill X Wilson's Snipe X CBCL Limited Appendices

57 Species Breeding Evidence (2 nd Atlas data) Detected during Confirmed Probable Possible CBCL bird surveys Winter Wren X Wood Duck X Yellow Warbler X Yellow-bellied Flycatcher X Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X Yellow-rumped Warbler X CBCL Limited Appendices

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