Mosquito Control Program Annual Report

Transcription

1 Mosquito Control Program 2001 Annual Report

2 Table of Contents Mosquito Control Program... 1 Table of Contents... 2 Table of Figures... 4 Table of Tables... 6 Table of Maps... 7 General Director s Report... 8 Letter of Submission...8 Management Priorities for Acknowledgement...11 Program Review Introduction...12 Projects...12 Season Characteristics...15 Proposed Initiatives for Public Outreach...24 Larvae Density Survey Introduction...25 Methods and Materials...26 Results and Discussion...31 Abatement Program Weather and Tides Summary Introduction...45 Observations...45 Meteorological Summary...49 Mosquito Identification Program Introduction...55 Methods of Data Collection...55 Results and Discussion...55 Summary...58 Catch Basin Study Rationale...60 Summary of Methods...60 Results and Discussion

3 Summary...66 Marsh Bird Nesting Survey Objective of the Bird Survey...68 Introduction...68 Methods of Data Collection...69 Results and Discussion...69 Notes on Marsh Birds...77 Muskrat Hut Survey Abstract...81 Introduction...81 Materials and Methods...81 Results and Discussion...82 Hut Distribution...83 Active Hut Distribution...83 Hut Height and Water Depth...84 Conclusion...85 Appendix 1 Board of Directors City of Moncton...88 Province of New Brunswick...88 Town of Dieppe...88 Town of Riverview...88 Appendix 2 Management Committee Appendix 3 List of Authors Appendix 4 List of Summer Staff for the 2001 Field Season

4 Table of Figures Figure 1 Fox Creek at LeBlanc Rd., Dieppe Figure 2 Mapleton Park, Moncton Figure 3 Centennial Park, Moncton Figure 4 Marsh at Selick behind dyke, Dieppe Figure 5 Mill Creek Marsh, Riverview Figure 6 Maritime Products, Moncton Figure 7 Mill Creek, Riverview Figure 8 Information Centre Parking Lot, Riverview Figure 9 This is a pool left by receding floodwaters. Tree canopy reduces the evaporation rate of the pools and thus sustains breeding conditions Figure 10 Old stream channels silt in and create breeding sites Figure 11 Life-stages of an Aedes mosquito: 1. Eggs; 2. Larvae; 3. Pupae; 4. Adult Figure 13 Breeding Concentration Index for Major Areas Figure 14 Breeding Concentration Index for Municipalities Figure 15 St. Anselme Monthly Breeding Concentration Index Figure 16 New Point Park Monthly Breeding Concentration Index Figure 17 Moncton abatement summary indicating total kilograms of larvicide applied May to August Figure 18 Riverview abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August Figure 19 Dieppe abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August Figure 20 Unincorporated areas abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August Figure 21 St. Anselme abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August Figure 22 New Point Park abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August

5 Figure 23 Total kilograms of larvicide applied during the month of May from inclusive Figure 24 Distribution of larvicide throughout the Greater Moncton Area during Figure 25 Distribution of larvicide among major groups during Figure 26 Total application of larvicide from inclusive Figure 27 Total amount of snow on ground during April, inclusive. 49 Figure 28 Rainfall accumulation for the month of May Figure 29 Rainfall accumulation for the month of June Figure 30 Rainfall accumulation for the month of July Figure 31 Rainfall accumulation for the month of August Figure 32 Summary of average daily winds, month of May Figure 33 Summary of average daily winds, month of June Figure 34 Summary of average daily winds, month of July Figure 35 Summary of average daily winds, month of August Figure 36 Predicted tide levels for Greater Moncton Area Figure 37 Standard Catch Basin Structure Figure 38 Standard Catch Basin Gooseneck Construction Figure 39 Comparison of Bird Nest by Locality for Figure 40 Comparison of the Number of Nests found from Figure 41 Nests found per site for the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey Figure 42 Species Distribution for the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey Figure 43 Average Clutch Size for Species Identified Figure 45 Active huts within Greater Moncton Figure 46 Active vs. Inactive huts by municipality Figure 47 Relationship between hut height and water depth

6 Table of Tables Table 1 Larvae sampling sites for the major marshes Table 2 Identification of areas within major control zone Table 3 Precipitation totals for the month of April Table 4 Precipitation totals for the month of May Table 5 Precipitation totals for the month of June Table 6 Precipitation totals for the month of July Table 7 Precipitation totals for the month of August Table 8 Mosquito collection count and identification summary Table 9 Summary of Catch Basin Survey Table 10 Sites Monitored in Greater Moncton and Surrounding Areas during the 2001 Monitoring Season Table 11 Locations Monitored for Muskrat Huts

7 Table of Maps Map 1 Major Larvae Surveillance Areas Map 2 Major Mosquito Surveillance and Control Areas - Greater Moncton, Map 3 Mosquito Distribution and Trap Sites Map 4 Catch Basin Study Map 5 Marsh Bird Nesting Sites Map 6 Muskrat Hut Locations

8 General Director s Report Letter of Submission Dear Members: It is my pleasure to submit to you the Annual Report of the Greater Moncton Pest Control Commission for I do hope that the information provided will serve to enhance your knowledge of the activities of the Greater Moncton Pest Control Programme. I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your General Director and if you have comments or suggestions on improving our operations, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Louis LaPierre, Ph.D General Director Greater Moncton Pest Control Commission 8

9 Management Priorities for 2002 We need to continue exploring opportunities to work in close collaboration with private landowners. This year s initiatives with both major Golf Courses, is an example of how we can develop collaborative ventures. We will continue to track the highly productive breeding areas and continue to obtain the collaboration of the private landowners in assisting us to develop a comprehensive control program. We will monitor any changes associated with the emergence of the West Nile virus and endeavour to work closely with the various Provincial and Federal Agencies to ensure that we are ready to address the issues. We will initiate a comprehensive monitoring program on the upper reaches of the Petitcodiac River if the Government proceeds with an additional experimental opening of the gates, as a result of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Petitcodiac River. We will continue to work in close collaboration with the City of Moncton engineering staff in order to finalize the development of a comprehensive G.I.S. database associated with the mosquito control program. We will endeavour to have a fully integrated bilingual web page by the beginning of the next field season. We will also continue to work with the local press to continue our education and information program for the general public. We will also continue to support the Purple Martin Society and other groups interested in promoting the natural control of mosquitoes within the Tri-Community. We will continue to work towards the development of a five-year strategic plan aimed at making our operation more responsive to the changing landscape. This process will require a careful integration of the existing data sets. This work is time consuming and will require a considerable effort from our limited staff. 9

10 We will continue our efforts to impress upon the three communities and the various groups involved with the present initiatives, the need to actively continue with the ongoing activities to clean our streams within the Greater Moncton Area. 10

11 Acknowledgement I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff for their sustained effort in the year s mosquito control program within the Greater Moncton Area. Again, I would like to express our greatest appreciation to Mrs. Norma Comeau, our Secretary Treasurer, for her continued, devoted support to the program. I would also like to thank Jeff Scott for his contribution as Assistant General Director. I would also extend our appreciation to the City Engineer, Mr. J.G. Greenough and his staff for their valuable support, and sincere appreciation to the various departments with the City of Moncton for their support and assistance in providing us with the logistics to carry on our mission. I would also like to extend a special thank you to all our summer students. We were very fortunate in being able once again to secure the assistance of devoted and energetic students. We can only have high praise for their contribution to the program. I would like to express a special appreciation to our returning students for their help in assisting with the training of the new students. I would also thank Mr. Jeff Scott for his involvement and assistance in helping redesign the consolidation or our databases. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to all the Board Members for their continued support. Without your dedicated support, the Commission could not achieve its goals and objectives. Louis LaPierre, Ph.D General Director 11

12 Program Review Introduction The 2001 Greater Moncton Pest Control Program was enhanced significantly with the dry balmy weather that the area experienced during the months of July and August. In order to address some of the high larvae breeding areas we initiated a cost recovery monitoring and control program at both the Moncton Golf Club and the Royal Oaks Golf Club. The management at both locations was very cooperative and they have expressed satisfaction with our involvement. In anticipation of the spread of the West Nile virus we have initiated a multiphase protection plan, which is closely linked to the Provincial Government initiatives on this issue. It is anticipated that the consolidating of all of our data to a GIS base will enable us to set in place a tracking mechanism, which will enable us to respond quickly to any intrusion of the West Nile virus in New Brunswick. Projects Breeding Site Inventory A comprehensive inventory of all current breeding sites was conducted. There are 224 distinct breeding locations registered in our database, which tracks their individual characteristics and mosquito control requirements. The nature of these sites range from isolated pools to extensive salt-water marshes. The design of the survey brought together the following items. Site name and inventory number. Activities conducted at the site: surveillance, trapping, monitoring, etc. Breeding habitat description. Site description: permanent and temporary pools, active months, location description and general notes. 12

13 Inspection cycle time periods. Site group membership, and site priority ranking. Due to the extent of the data recorded on each site, efficiency will be found in establishing priorities for surveillance of each site. As these efficiencies are realized, the control areas will be allowed to expand into areas that we were not able to consider before due to limited resources. Database Development A full year s experience was required before the framework for an enterprise wide database application could be properly developed. We are confident that the foundation for this application has been properly laid and will only need minor adjustments as it continues to expand to record all of our program s activities. In addition to housing the Breeding Site Inventory, the database records all surveillance and larviciding activities. At the beginning of each day, an automatic report generator performs a cross comparison of the entire inventory to determine which sites are due to be inspected or are in need of larvicide application. The report groups sites according to their assigned monitoring crew and their priority ranking. Other information listed also indicates the last date of inspection or application, number of days past due, registered breeding index and level of larvae concentration, and other notes. This new approach to assigning daily tasks produces the following results: Sites are not missed due to oversight. There is consistency in recognized priority for a site. Monitoring crews develop a familiarity with sites that have been assigned to them. Efficiency is realized when inspections are conducted according to specified inspection cycles. These cycles can respond to wet and dry 13

14 conditions and can also be adjusted according to observed behaviour of the site. The database also enables data extraction for analysis and report writing. This application will continue to develop and will form an integral part of our emerging geographic information system (GIS). Storm Sewer Outfall Classifications After consultation with various mosquito control professionals, it was determined that all storm water outfall locations should be surveyed. This action was taken since these locations would not only be receiving water from rainfall but also from the flushing and cleaning of the water distribution system. The City of Moncton s GIS (Geographic Information System) was utilized to map outfall locations from the three Municipalities and thereby selection of all affected landowners was possible. These landowners were then sent a letter of request and a consent form to be returned to the Greater Moncton Pest Control Commission. Upon receiving consent from the landowner to conduct mosquito control on the affected properties, the land in question was added to our inventory and given the appropriate priority ranking. Most outfall locations of concern empty directly into the Petitcodiac River and were already part of sites in our surveillance inventory. The project did give further insight into the behaviour of certain marshes with respect to their water sources. Information and Education Strategies The Pest Control Commission was invited to set up an information display in the atrium of the Blue Cross Centre on June 7-8 this year. Staff prepared an information newsletter and display material while the City of Moncton donated the use of a display kiosk. While attending the kiosk, we had many opportunities to 14

15 educate the public about mosquito control and how private landowners can contribute to the effort. In addition to this effort, an information brochure is currently being designed and will be distributed to all residents within the Greater Moncton Area. Our intent is to educate the public about simple mosquito biology and how their own lifestyle choices can affect the mosquito population. Season Characteristics Spring Flooding The month of April brought ideal breeding conditions for spring snowmelt mosquitoes. Abundant levels of snow extending later into the spring and then melting quickly flooded streams to levels not seen in recent years. It was anticipated that adult populations this spring would be high as mosquito eggs waiting for the right conditions would now be flooded and able to develop. It is not uncommon for eggs to lay dormant for 5-6 years until the right conditions for emergence come about. Adult populations were noted to be high and were present starting the end of May and were maintained throughout June. Staff worked at full capacity during the month of May and as reported in the Abatement Report, put out more larvicide than in any other previous month. As well, staff was instructed to modify application techniques to ensure that application rates were in accordance with product label instructions. This resulted in reduced amounts of material used per square meter with the same control effectiveness. These two facts combined indicate that crews were very diligent with both surveillance and abatement efforts. 15

16 Figure 1 Fox Creek at LeBlanc Rd., Dieppe Figure 2 Mapleton Park, Moncton 16

17 Figure 3 Centennial Park, Moncton Figure 4 Marsh at Selick behind dyke, Dieppe 17

18 Figure 5 Mill Creek Marsh, Riverview Summer Drought In contrast to the excessive amounts of water this spring from melting snow and continuous rain, summer months saw little precipitation. As represented in both the Larvae Density Survey and Abatement Program Reports, there was little opportunity for mosquitoes to develop and survival for adults was difficult. Precipitation amounts are represented in the Weather and Tides Summary. The following pictures illustrate the extent of the dry conditions. 18

19 Figure 6 Maritime Products, Moncton Figure 7 Mill Creek, Riverview 19

20 Figure 8 Information Centre Parking Lot, Riverview Mill Creek Flood Plain According to anecdotal evidence, mosquito populations have been disproportionately high in Riverview, particularly in the McAllister Park subdivision and Moncton Golf and Country Club areas. Investigations indicated that flood plain regions of the Mill Creek could be producing much of the mosquito problems there. During the winter, attempts to contact the landowners will be made in order to bring this area into our control program. The following images show how old channels and pools in the flood plain can hold water thereby producing optimum breeding conditions. 20

21 Figure 9 This is a pool left by receding floodwaters. Tree canopy reduces the evaporation rate of the pools and thus sustains breeding conditions. 21

22 Figure 10 Old stream channels silt in and create breeding sites. Staffing Maintaining adequate staff continues to be a challenge. Competitive job markets and opportunities to get experience in specific fields leads to staff leaving for those opportunities. Once the season starts, replacing staff becomes difficult since there are not many students available for hire. This year, staff turnover was less than the previous year but was still an issue. Projects like the Catch Basin Survey had to be put on hold until additional staff could be found. The need for staff to be certified for biting fly control makes it 22

23 more difficult to bring new employees on quickly. The result is that often we may have to operate with inadequate staff levels since qualified staff may not be available. Due to these realities, some general principles for hiring should be recognized. Staff should be hired for the complete season. Staff cannot be hired to meet the immediate demands of a particular seasonal event such as flooding or excessive rain. Proposed Initiatives for 2002 Information and Education Strategies Design of an educational information brochure will be finalized this winter. Printing and distribution of these brochures throughout the Greater Moncton Area will be completed for the start of the 2002 mosquito control season. We will continue to investigate opportunities for education of the children in the school system. It is felt that this approach can help individual homeowners to reduce breeding habitat in their own yards. Inventory of Adult and Larval Mosquitoes The last inventory of mosquitoes was conducted in 1997 and was limited to larval mosquitoes. Identification of adult mosquitoes this year revealed some gaps in the 1997 inventory, and has stated the need for a more comprehensive approach. We will therefore initiate an adult trapping and identification program for Staffing Projections for 2002 A total of fifteen staff will need to be hired to complete the work scheduled for next season. One of them will share duties between the office and fieldwork. This will allow the Assistant General Director to focus more of his effort in 23

24 developing the GIS and analyzing existing practices to make our program more effective. Complete Mapping of Breeding Sites Digital mapping has just been acquired covering the extent of the Commission s constitutional jurisdiction. This new data, combined with the detailed mapping of the Municipality of Moncton and the new aerial photography covering Riverview, Dieppe and Moncton will be a critical foundation for analysis of breeding habitat. Complete mapping of sites within our existing inventory will need to be completed in order to support our current operations. Analyze Outlying Areas for Breeding Sites Compiled mapping data will be used to guide crews to sites requiring surveillance and allow proximity analysis of identified mosquitoes and known breeding sites. Results from mosquito identification will be compared with mapping sources to determine candidate-breeding sites. Candidate sites will be confirmed and evaluated for inclusion in our control program. Public Outreach The Commission should continue to promote itself as a public partner in mosquito control. The public should be educated as to how they can fulfill their own responsibilities to control mosquito-breeding habitat. As well, developers and planners should be made aware of how they can control breeding habitat through design and construction practices. 24

25 Larvae Density Survey Introduction The term larva is associated with four of the seven stages of the lifecycle of the mosquito. Figure 11 illustrates this lifecycle, which begins with the female laying eggs, either on water or on moist soil, such as along the margins of ponds and marshes where water is likely to collect or in roadside ditches where snowmelt or excess rainwater will eventually accumulate to form temporary pools. In order to hatch, eggs must be in contact with standing water, although those of some species can survive in dry soil for several years before hatching (Larvae Density 1999). Once the eggs have hatched, they quickly pass through the four successively larger larva instars. It is during these four larva stages that the biological larvicide, Bacillus Thuringiensis Isrealensus, must be applied for it to be effective in killing the larvae, thus preventing the emergence of adult mosquitoes. The first instar is decidedly different from the other instars. It is readily recognizable by the presence of an egg burster, a pointed conical protuberance on the top of its head that is assumed to rupture the eggshell. The second, third, and fourth instars resemble one another more closely than they do the first instar. In all three, the egg burster is lacking. The branching of the setae increases with subsequent instars, as does the number of comb scales. Except for the two predatory species, Toxorhynchites rutilus and Psorophora ciliata, that seize their prey with their sharply toothed mandibles, all larval stages of all species feed on organic debris, algae, and other microorganisms, which they strain out of the water. The larvae of some species feed mainly at, or near, the surface, whereas others feed mainly at, or near, the bottom, although most species are adaptable enough to feed wherever food is plentiful. Larvae have no legs, or pseudopods, but they swim by lashing the abdomen from side to side, a movement from which their common name of wrigglers was derived. The fourth larva instar then 25

26 transforms itself into the pupa, which has a form similar to a tadpole. It is worth noting that the biological larvicide, Vectobac, has no effect at this stage of the lifecycle of the mosquito. At the end of the pupal stage, the pupa of the mosquito ruptures middorsally along the thorax, and the adult emerges into the air, while the surface tension of the water prevents it from getting wet (Larva Density 1999). 1 Figure 11 Life-stages of an Aedes mosquito: 1. Eggs; 2. Larvae; 3. Pupae; 4. Adult Methods and Materials The 2001 Larvae Density Survey is based upon information collected in various sites throughout the Greater Moncton area. Data was collected by field monitors and stored in digital data files for integration with the Geographic Information System. New methodology was introduced this year for monitoring larvae concentrations. We now follow, with minor adjustments, the guidelines of the New Jersey Mosquito Control Association. These guidelines prescribe that each separate 1 This illustration was taken from Public Information Bulletin entitled Mosquito Control in the Greater Moncton Area 26

27 microhabitat within a site should be sampled. If a breeding site contains only one particular habitat type, then dipping should be carried out at several stations within the site. Three dips should be taken at each station. The importance of sampling from a number of stations within a breeding site cannot be overstressed. Larval inspections should never be confined to dipping from just one station, or microhabitat, within an area. Following these guidelines has provided a much more accurate picture of the mosquito breeding activity within a site. The one adjustment that we introduced to these guidelines is for sites containing habitats larger than 10m². In these cases, sampling is taken using a 10m grid pattern, or by following a 10m spacing along the perimeter of water bodies too deep to sustain larvae development. The end result is a breeding index that reflects the fluctuating presence of water in the marshes. The index is calculated using the following equation. BI = TLP/ND x BP BI = the breeding index TLP = the total number of larvae and pupae taken ND = the number of dips BP = the number of breeding places Note: A breeding place is defined as each separate microhabitat or station within a site from which one to three positive dips are obtained. In reporting the Breeding Index for areas comprised of individual monitoring sites, the measured index of the individual sites are simply added together. This is possible since the Breeding index is reflective of the breeding area of each site. The Breeding Index will be used in the graphs within the Results and Discussion section. Table 1 illustrates the locations upon which the major areas in the following graphs are based, and shows to which municipality each belongs. 27

28 Table 1 Larvae sampling sites for the major marshes. Major Areas Location Municipality Centennial Park Backroad/picnic area Moncton Playground/picnic area Moncton Picnic area/day camp Moncton Backroad area at Centennial Moncton Sleighrides/ski trails Moncton Maritime Products Maritime Products / Bridge St. Moncton Salisbury Road Alice Moncton Dutchill Moncton Ducks Unlimited Moncton Morton Crowley Farm Moncton Morton Ball Field Moncton Morton 1-3 Moncton Wheeler Wheeler 1 8 Moncton Royal Oaks Royal Oaks Golf Club Moncton MGCC Moncton Golf & Country Club Moncton Traffic Circle East Main Traffic Circle Moncton Shediac Highway off-ramp Moncton Boys and Girls Club Moncton Superstore Moncton Crystal Palace Dieppe Dieppe Corner Hardtimes Dieppe Virginia Street Dieppe Virginia Dike Dieppe Apartments (226 Acadia ) Dieppe Ditch to Dirt Road Dieppe Busy Bee Dieppe Racetrack Dieppe Bahama Court Dieppe St. Anselme Rue des Copains Dieppe Lafayette Dieppe Church Dieppe Rue Jacques Dieppe Rue Beaubassin Dieppe Rue Denys Dieppe Rue Sellick Dieppe Rue Louis Dieppe St.Anselme Dike Dieppe Linear Park Dieppe Mill Creek Mill Creek 1-6 Riverview New Point Park New Point Park Riverview 28

29 Rocca New Rocca Information Center Riverview Riverview Riverview Point Park Hawkes Street Riverview Orin Street Riverview Weir Street Riverview Point Park 1-3 Riverview 29

30 Legend Royal Oaks Major Surveillance Areas Municipal Limits Street Network Hydrology Marsh Stream Water Tidal Flat Major Larvae Surveillance Areas 2001 Drawn Km By: Jeff Scott Date: November 1, 2001 Wheeler Salisbury Road Morton Centennial Park Point Park Maritime Products MGCC Dieppe Corner New Point Park Mill Creek St. Anselme

31 Results and Discussion Monitoring of larva breeding began on the first day of May, and with regular rainfall and high amounts of standing water caused by a late snowmelt, larvae concentrations were dense and ubiquitous. Figure 13 shows the breeding concentration index for each of the major areas throughout the four months of the 2001 season, while Figure 14 is a similar illustration based instead upon the three communities in the Greater Moncton area. As expected, the highest quantity of larvae was located in the marshes of Riverview and Dieppe, along the banks of the Petitcodiac River and within the Mill Creek region. The only significant breeding habitat within the Moncton portion was in Maritime Products, also located along the Petitcodiac River. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the monthly breeding indices for St. Anselme and New Point Park, respectively, the regions reflecting the highest breeding indices of the major areas monitored. Trends in these regions closely resemble overall trends for the four months of the monitoring program. The record lows in precipitation for the months of July and August are reflected in the lull in mosquito breeding activity, because of their dependence on water to reproduce. Direct quantitative analysis of successive control seasons is not useful because of the alterations made in data collection during the 2001 season, but qualitatively, previous years can be compared to this one. The usual high larva density at the end of the spring was present once again this season, as May brought an unprecedented degree of flooding in many of the marshes. The high mosquito population, despite constant larvicide application, may be attributed to flooded areas, which were inaccessible to monitoring crews. The spring snowmelt created woodland pools and filled flood plains of streams and creeks, producing breeding habitats outside of usual monitoring areas. As well, Centennial Park was inaccessible during the month of May due to washed out bridges. There was a familiar lull in June, as the remaining dampness due to snowmelt had completely subsided and early larva breeding cycles were 31

32 suppressed by the abundance of application the previous month. It is July and August that stand out as anomalies. The summer drought has set records across the province, and as a direct result the mosquito population has been in continual decline since the first of the season. Monitored areas, which were submerged in water in early May, have remained arid for the past two months, completely void of pools which facilitate larva breeding habitats. Breeding Index Figure 13 Breeding Concentration Index for Major Areas. 32

33 Breeding Index Breeding Index Moncton Riverview Dieppe Other Figure 14 Breeding Concentration Index for Municipalities. Breeding Index May June July August Figure 15 St. Anselme Monthly Breeding Concentration Index. 33

34 Breeding Index May June July August Figure 16 New Point Park Monthly Breeding Concentration Index. 34

35 Abatement Program The distribution of larvicide used by the Greater Moncton Pest Control Commission has been recorded throughout the summer of 2001 and was compared to previous years. The larvicide used this year, as with previous years, was Vectobac. Vectobac is a biological control agent containing a micro-organism called Bacillus Thuringensis Israelensus (BT ). It is available both in liquid and granular form, the latter being used in our abatement program. In its granular form it can be broadcast both mechanically and by hand over pools of water containing mosquito larvae (1997 Vectobac Report). Figures 17 to 20 depict the distribution of larvicide for each of the major groupings over the four months during which the abatement program operates. The month of May can easily be recognized as the most prolific month for the application of the larvicide. A possible explanation for this abundance of larvae is the large snowfall amounts received over the previous winter. The spring runoff filled flood plains to higher than normal levels. This allowed larvae that may have been lying dormant in dry floodplains from past years to hatch. 35

36 Moncton Abatement Summary Kg May June July August Month Figure 17 Moncton abatement summary indicating total kilograms of larvicide applied May to August Riverview Abatement Summary Kg May June July August Month Figure 18 Riverview abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August

37 Dieppe Abatement Summay May June July August Month Figure 19 Dieppe abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August Unincorporated Area Abatement Summary May June July August Month Figure 20 Unincorporated areas abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August Figures 21 and 22 depict the distribution of larvicide for two major area groupings within their municipalities, that being St. Anselme and New Point Park. All figures indicate a vast amount of larvicide application throughout the month of May and steadily declining thereafter. This is due to the extreme hot, humid and dry weather experienced in July and August. A representation of larvicide 37

38 application over the month of May from is shown in figure 23. More larvicide was applied during the month of May 2001 than any previous year by approximately 250 kilograms. St. Anselme Abatement Summary Kg May June July August Month Figure 21 St. Anselme abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August New Point Park Abatement Summary Kg May June July August Month Figure 22 New Point Park abatement summary indicating total kilograms of Larvicide applied May to August

39 May Kilograms of Larvicide Figure 23 Total kilograms of larvicide applied during the month of May from inclusive. In terms of quantity, most applications occurred in Riverview, followed by Dieppe. This is due to the large marshes occurring along the Petitcodiac River and their ability to hold back large amounts of water. Due to the close proximity of these marshes to Moncton and the flight range of mosquitoes these areas have an effect on the entire Greater Moncton Area. The dispersion of Vectobac for the 2001 control season within each of the three municipalities and within the outlying areas was recorded and is illustrated in Figure 24. These quantities represent a consistent trend with previous years work, where most of the larvicide was applied within the boundaries of Riverview and Dieppe. A breakdown of each abatement group found within the municipalities may be seen in Table 2, and the amount of larvicide applied in each group in Figure

40 Vectobac Distribution 2001 Dieppe 43% Other 2% Moncton 7% Riverview 48% Figure 24 Distribution of larvicide throughout the Greater Moncton Area during Figure 26 shows the amounts of Vectobac applied from 1986 to The first year on the graph, 1986, was the year in which no abatement was undertaken due to insurance problems. The total quantity of Vectobac applied during 2001 was less than during 2000 and many other years. One reason for this may be attributed to the very dry months of July and August. A second reason is that closer attention was paid to application rates both by hand and mechanical means. The lull in June was quite typical of past years. If the spring of 2002 were similar to this year many mosquito eggs currently dormant in the dry marshes would hatch creating an onslaught in May. This would again require large quantities of larvicide to be applied in a short time span. 40

41 Group Name Figure 25 Distribution of larvicide among major groups during Year Figure 26 Total application of larvicide from inclusive. Although breeding sites in the Moncton area continued to be dry during the end of July and early August, breeding habitat outside of our control areas harbored 41

42 larvae. Residents experienced the negative impact of this with the arrival of adult mosquitoes brought in by flight range or winds. Marshlands bordering the Petitcodiac River continue to dominate the mosquito control efforts of the Commission. The expanding marshes are holding onto more water and consequently are producing more mosquitoes from year to year. Continued evaluation of the marshes will be required. As well any impacts of the new bridge being constructed across the Petitcodiac River on surrounding marshes will have to be taken into consideration. The ski trail system surrounding the Mill Creek Reservoir has not yet been added into the abatement program. Continued evaluation of this area may be required, as the trails seem to be holding back large quantities of water throughout the mosquito control season. Factors to consider during this evaluation would be the impact that surrounding woodlots are having relative to what the trail system would produce. A new wetland set to begin construction this fall within the boundaries of Centennial Park may have a significant impact on mosquito control in the coming years. The purpose of the wetland is to help control the entrance of pollutants into Centennial Park pond and Jones Lake. For this reason special efforts will be required to ensure damage to the wetland system does not occur while mosquito control remains effective. 42

43 Table 2 Identification of areas within each major control zone. Major Areas Location Municipality Centennial Park Back-road/picnic area Moncton Playground/picnic area Moncton Picnic area/day camp Moncton Back-road area at Centennial Moncton Sleigh/ski trails Moncton Maritime Products Maritime Products (Bridge St.) Moncton Morton Crowley Farm Moncton Morton Ball Field, Morton 1-3 Moncton Royal Oaks Royal Oaks Golf Club Moncton Traffic Circle East Main Traffic Circle Moncton Shediac Highway off-ramp Moncton Boys and Girls Club Moncton Superstore Moncton Crystal Palace Dieppe Dieppe Corner Hardtimes Dieppe Virginia Street Dieppe Virginia Dike Dieppe Apartments (226 Acadia ) Dieppe Ditch to Dirt Road Dieppe Busy Bee Dieppe Racetrack Dieppe Bahama Court Dieppe St. Anselme Rue des Copains Dieppe Lafayette Dieppe Church Dieppe Rue Jacques Dieppe Rue Beaubassin Dieppe Rue Denys Dieppe Rue Selick Dieppe Rue Louis Dieppe St.Anselme Dike Dieppe Linear Park Dieppe Mill Creek Mill Creek 1-6 Riverview New Point Park New Point Park Riverview Rocca Riverview New Rocca Riverview Information Center Riverview Point Park Hawkes Street Riverview Orin Street Riverview Weir Street Riverview Point Park 1-3 Riverview 43

44 Legend Road Network Trans Canada Arterial / Highway Collector Local, Numbered Ramp Municipal Local, Paved Local, Other Road, All Weather Local, Gravel Resource Road, Dry Weather Trail Water Bodies Rivers Coastline - Ordinary Highwater Coastline - Landward Limit Major Mosquito Surveillance and Control Areas - Greater Moncton 2001 Drawn By: Jeff Scott Date: November 1, 2001 Coastline - Combined Limits Coastal_Marshes Control Zones Km

45 Weather and Tides Summary Introduction Meteorological data is examined each year in order to establish relationships between monitored mosquito breeding activity and the weather conditions. These comparisons can bring understanding to fluctuating mosquito populations and also point to the possible need to change abatement priorities. This year has been a year of extremes where spring snowmelt led to extensive flooding and rains in May brought double the normal amount of precipitation. June saw the beginning of an extended period of drought and August started to swing back towards normal conditions. The following monthly summaries present some of the highlights and how they impacted this year s mosquito control efforts. Observations April As represented in Figure 27, amounts of snow on the ground were much larger than in the previous two years. Rapid snowmelt beginning April 18 caused extensive flooding which crested on April 23. The cold water from the melting snow filling the flood plains of the watercourses create the exact conditions required for the spring hatch of mosquitoes. Some of the eggs can easily lay dormant for 5-6 years and then hatch after receiving favourable conditions. Table 3 Precipitation totals for the month of April. Rain (mm) Snow (cm) Total (mm) Total Normal

46 May There were 9 days of rain within a 10-day period (May 10-19). May 10 th saw 40mm and May 14 th saw 62.4mm. This concentrated period of rain caused repeated flooding conditions within marshes, bogs, and tributaries and thereby sustained favourable breeding conditions. While the rain creates the breeding conditions required for the life cycle of the mosquito, it also causes logistical control problems. Larvae surveillance cannot be conducted during rain events since larvae will be deep in the water and will not be accurately detected. Also, larviciding activities cannot be carried out since Vectobac exposed to moisture will release its toxins prematurely. As well, the granules will adhere to vegetation, preventing the granules from reaching the water. Despite the delays, our crews were still able to apply more larvicide granules than in any other year. Table 4 Precipitation totals for the month of May. May Rain (mm) Snow (cm) Total (mm) Total Normal Prevailing Winds There was an equal distribution from the NE and SW at approximately 22 km/hr. See Figure 32. Tides High Points; May 7, Fortunately, the high levels of rain came in between the high tide cycles. June The period of concentration of rain was from June 1-10 th. June 11 th was the beginning point for dryer conditions. Adult mosquitoes started to be observed. 46

47 Table 5 Precipitation totals for the month of June. June Rain (mm) Snow (cm) Total (mm) Total Normal Prevailing Winds 1/3 from NW-NNE 2/3 from W-SE Approximate average velocity of 18km/hr Tides High Points; June 6, 24 July The month of July was very dry. Agricultural industries suffered many damages due to the lack of rain and drinking water resources were being monitored closely. The City of Moncton requested citizens to conserve water in order to ensure adequate supply of drinking water. Consequently, breeding sites for mosquitoes were dry during this time and there was a corresponding drop in the adult mosquito population. Any rain received was quickly absorbed into the ground water table. The highest rainfall was on July 18 with 4.2mm of rain. Winds were coming from the SW for one week before a rise in the adult population lasting for approximately 1.5 weeks. Mosquitoes trapped at that time revealed a large percentage of saltwater mosquitoes. It is therefore assumed that these mosquitoes did not breed locally but flew in from southern stretches of the Petitcodiac River. 47

48 Table 6 Precipitation totals for the month of July. July Rain (mm) Snow (cm) Total (mm) Total Normal Prevailing Winds Generally from the SW at 15km/hr Tides High Point; July August A little less than ½ of the normal precipitation fell during August. Monitors noticed that marshes were becoming more saturated but not necessarily to the point where they would support larvae development. In the isolated areas where larvae did appear, they were dealt with quickly. Most larvae were found in the Mill Creek area and the most southerly reaches of our control area. Adult populations started to rise again following a week of winds from the SW. Table 7 Precipitation totals for the month of August. August Rain (mm) Snow (cm) Total (mm) Total Normal 80.8 TR 80.8 Prevailing Winds 1/3 from N-NE at 12km/hr 2/3 from W-SSE at 16km/hr 48

49 Tides The highest tide of the season occurred on August 20 This coincides with the mosquito increase in early September Meteorological Summary Snow on Ground Comparisons Depth (cm) April-00 April-99 April-01 Day of Month Figure 27 Total amount of snow on ground during April, inclusive. 49

50 May-99 May-00 May Day of Month Figure 28 Rainfall accumulation for the month of May Jun-99 Jun-00 Jun-01 Day of Month Figure 29 Rainfall accumulation for the month of June 50

51 Jul-01 Jul-00 Jul-99 Day of Month Figure 30 Rainfall accumulation for the month of July Aug-01 Aug-00 Aug Day of Month Figure 31 Rainfall accumulation for the month of August 51

52 NW NNW N NNE NE WNW 10 5 ENE W 0 E Average Wind Speed WSW ESE SW SE SSW S SSE Figure 32 Summary of average daily winds, month of May NNW N 20 NNE NW 15 NE WNW 10 5 ENE W 0 E Average Wind Speed WSW ESE SW SE SSW S SSE Figure 33 Summary of average daily winds, month of June 52

53 NW NNW N NNE NE WNW 10 5 ENE W 0 E Average Wind Speed WSW ESE SW SE SSW S SSE Figure 34 Summary of average daily winds, month of July NNW N 20 NNE NW 15 NE WNW 10 5 ENE W 0 E Average Wind Speed WSW ESE SW SE SSW S SSE Figure 35 Summary of average daily winds, month of August 53

54 Predicted Tide Forcast Moncton Tide Level Date Figure 36 Predicted tide levels for Greater Moncton Area 54

55 Mosquito Identification Program Introduction The purpose of the identification of adult mosquitoes was to survey the population found within the boundaries of the Moncton Golf and Country Club, Riverview, NB and compare the results to locations outside the area. This would indicate if there were any unique breeding characteristics at the Golf Course. We also responded to areas where a number of complaints were received regarding the mosquito population. Methods of Data Collection The adult mosquitoes were collected through a combination of light traps and gravid traps with light traps being the most prominently used. These traps were set in different locations around the Greater Moncton Area overnight and the mosquitoes were collected and identified the next day. Mosquitoes were identified using the mosquito key found in The Insects and Arachnids of Canada, Part 6 by Wood, Dang and Ellis (1979). Results and Discussion During the 2001 Mosquito Identification Study, trapping was mostly carried out in Riverview as it was noted as being a problem area for mosquitoes. The traps in Riverview were set on Ashburn Drive, Country Club Road and at the Moncton Golf and Country Club. There was also a trap set in Moncton on Gaston Crescent. Unfortunately, no traps were set in Dieppe due to unexpected complications. Six species groups or genera of mosquitoes are known to live in the Maritime Provinces but only four were identified in this study. The genera identified were Anopheles, Aedes, Culex and Culiseta. During the 1997 Larvae Inventory there were no larvae found belonging to the Anopheles genus. One reason for this might be because the larvae inventory of 1997 was incomplete or 55

56 Mosquito Distribution and Trap Sites Sum of Fields Legend 20 Gaston Cresent 8.1 Aedes Culex Culistia Anopheles Greater Moncton Streets Streams Marsh Stream Tidal Flat Water MGCC - Fairway 4 14 Ashburn Avenue MGCC - Fairway Country Club Road Drawn By: Jeff Scott Date: November 1, 2001 Km

57 that the spring breeding conditions may not have supported significant numbers of this species. Between June 12, 2001 and August 7, 2001 there was a total of 382 mosquitoes identified (331 females and 37 males) with 323 (87.8%) of these being Anopheles, 28 (7.6%) of these being Aedes, 15 (4.1%) of these being Culex, and 2 (0.5%) being Culiseta. (See map for genus distribution). These numbers show a distinct number of mosquitoes belonging to the Anopheles genus. There could be many reasons for this, one being that light traps have been noted to attract only a certain type of mosquito. Often the light source may not be strong enough with respect to other sources of light. We also did not use any attractants with the traps. The weather may also have been a factor. The light traps also attracted a large number of other insects such as moths and midges. The gravid traps collected very little, only one or two mosquitoes a night. Gravid traps attract female mosquitoes looking for a place to lay her eggs. It could be that the locations where the gravid traps were set did not have a large number of these mosquitoes because they were not active breeding sites. It might have been advantageous to try the traps in many different locations. Mosquito Identification work was done specifically with mosquitoes trapped at the Moncton Golf and Country Club because of the many people expressing concern with the number of mosquitoes in that area. There were 164 mosquitoes identified from the Moncton Golf and Country Club, 149 (90.9%) were Anopheles, 3 (1.8%) were Aedes, 11 (6.7%) were Culex and 1 (0.6%) was Culiseta. Out of the 168 mosquitoes identified from the rest of Riverview, 148 (88.1%) were Anopheles, 15 (8.9%) were Aedes, 4 (2.4%) were Culex, and 1 was Culiseta (see Figure 2). It was found that the types of mosquitoes found in that area was similar to the types caught in other areas of Riverview but there was a difference between the numbers of Aedes mosquitoes trapped and the number of Culex mosquitoes trapped. 57

58 The difference in the numbers between the Aedes mosquitoes and the Culex mosquitoes could simply be due to chance or it could be that the Golf Course does not contain the proper breeding site for the Aedes mosquito, but it does for the Culex mosquito. This difference, however, should not present much concern, as the Culex mosquito does not typically feed on humans. It was determined that if there were more mosquitoes at the Moncton Golf and Country Club it is likely that they are coming from the wooded, damp, swampy areas surrounding the Golf Club and not from any unique breeding sites at the Golf Club. Early in August (approximately August 1 to 8) it was noted that there was an increase in the population of adult mosquitoes in all three communities that had distinct color bands on their legs. A few of these mosquitoes were trapped and identified to be Aedes sollicitans. This type of mosquito breeds in salt marshes and has a potential flight range of up to 160 km. The salt marshes in the Greater Moncton Area are monitored on a regular basis so it is possible that many of these mosquitoes have migrated in from southern stretches of the Petitcodiac River with the aid of tidal winds. Summary In the future, it would be important to carry out mosquito trapping in all three communities to ensure that the types of mosquitoes found in each area are the same. We will also endeavour to integrate a variety of capture methods, as each will reveal significant contributing determining factors to our control initiatives. 58

59 Table 8 Mosquito collection count and identification summary Name Trap Anopheles Aedes Culex Culiseta Nights Total Avg. Total Avg. Total Avg. Total Avg. 14 Ashburn Ave. 69 Country Club Road MGCC Fairway #4 MGCC Fairway #14 20 Gaston

60 Catch Basin Study Rationale Catch Basins in the Greater Moncton Area were surveyed this year to determine if they could be potential breeding sites for mosquitoes and if mosquitoes coming from the catch basins were contributing significantly to the overall mosquito population. The mosquitoes that typically breed in these locations would be of the genus Culex. Culex mosquitoes do not typically feed on humans, as they prefer birds, but they would play a major role in transmitting the West Nile Virus should it come to the area. Summary of Methods Catch basins to be surveyed were chosen based on the other potential breeding sites that might surround them. We wanted to survey catch basins with very few additional breeding sites around them so that we could determine if the mosquito larvae from the catch basins was contributing to the overall adult population. This method of choosing catch basins soon proved to be inefficient as we learned that many of these structures held water levels too deep for mosquito larval development. Through consultation with the Public Works Departments of Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe regarding catch basin maintenance programs, we were able to determine which structures might be shallower and therefore support mosquito larval development. Catch basins were then visited and their water depth, ph and temperature were recorded. We also noted whether or not the particular catch basin contained a sluice box, and a gooseneck pipe. If it did not have a gooseneck pipe then the distance between the outlet pipe and the water level was recorded. These catch basins were then revisited a few times to see if any larvae were present. 60

61 If larvae had been found in the catch basins then they would have been identified to the genus level and mosquito traps set up near the catch basin to trap some of the adults. These adults would have then been identified to determine if they were of the same genus as the larvae. If they were of the same genus it would seem that the catch basins were contributing to the overall mosquito population, if they were of a different genus then it would seem that the catch basins were not contributing to the overall mosquito population. Results and Discussion It was found that Moncton s maintenance program of the catch basins did not allow the water in the catch basin to reach a suitable depth for mosquito larvae. Moncton cleans the silt and sediment out of their catch basins every five years. Riverview and Dieppe have no such maintenance program and it was found that water depths in these catch basins were shallow enough to support mosquito larvae development as we understand those limits to be. The ph measurements taken from the catch basins were all around 6.5 except for McKay Avenue in Moncton. The ph in these catch basins was a little more acidic with normal measurements around 5.0. This could be because more organic content was washing into them, such as grass shavings and debris, causing the more acidic readings. The structures monitored were in separated sewer systems where there were no sanitary sewer contributions. Temperature readings varied among catch basins depending on water depth. The deeper catch basins had temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius while some of the shallowest catch basins had temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius. No larvae were found in any of the catch basins. 61

62 Figure 37 Standard Catch Basin Structure 62

63 Figure 38 Standard Catch Basin Gooseneck Construction 63

64 Table 9 Summary of Catch Basin Survey Date Location Water to Pipe Depth of Water ph Temp. 22-Jun Sussex Jun Sussex Jun Sussex Jun Sussex 0 22-Jun Sussex Jun Sussex Jun Sussex 0 22-Jun Aberdeen Jun Aberdeen Jun Aberdeen Jun Aberdeen 0 22-Jun Aberdeen Jun Point Park Jun Point Park 25-Jun Point Park Jun Point Park Jun Point Park Jun Point Park Jun Lavoie Jun Lavoie Jun Lavoie Jun Lavoie Jun Lavoie Jun Lavoie Jun McKay Jun MaKay Jun McKay Jun McKay Jun McKay Jun-01 4 McKay Jun McKay Jun McKay Jun McKay Jun Whitepine Jun Whitepine Jun Trites Jun Whitepine

65 Date Location Water to Pipe Depth of Water ph Temp. 21-Jun Whitepine Jun Whitepine Jun Whitepine Jun Trites Jun Trites Jun Trites Jun Trites Jun Trites Jun Trites Jun Trites Jun Buckingham Jun Buckingham Jun Buckingham May May May May May May Highfield May Highfield Jun Ashley Jun Ashley Jun Ashley Jun Ashley Jun Ashley Jun Ashley Jun Ashley Jun Woodleigh Jun Woodleigh Jun Woodleigh Jun Woodleigh Jun Woodleigh Jun Woodleigh Jun Woodleigh Jun Avant Garde Jun Avant Garde 26-Jun Avant Garde Jun Avant Garde

66 Date Location Water to Pipe Depth of Water ph Temp. 26-Jun Avant Garde Jun Avant Garde 26-Jun Avant Garde Jun Lorette Jun Lorette Jun Lorette 26-Jun Lorette 26-Jun Lorette Jun Lorette Jun Airview 26-Jun Centrale Jun Centrale Summary This study was curtailed as it was determined that mosquitoes were not using the catch basins for breeding purposes this year. It would be useful to redo this study in future years to ensure that the catch basins do not become productive mosquito breeding sites, especially if the West Nile Virus should be detected in the area. 66

67 Catch Basin Study Gorge Highway 2 Glencairn XY XYXYXYXYXY Berry Mills Delong Hump Yard Salisbury Route Debby Frampton Rivereast Marsh Ryan Ivy Hildegard Dutchill Northwood Wright Upland LILY Drawn By: Jeff Scott Date: November 2, 2001 Higgins Laforge Bell English Mapleton XY XY XY XYXYXY Edinburgh Trinity Crestwood Midway Driscoll Queensway Mountain Ayer Woodleigh Patricia Hopper Snow Highway 15 Baig Gaskin Moncton Kendra First Killam Parkwood Bessborough Canusa Noel Salter Lakeside Cedar Pacific Trans Can XYXYXYXY XYXYXYXYXYXYXYXYXY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XYXYXY Trites Edgett Wheeler St George Burlington Dickson Traynor Carney Echo Halifax Milner Coverdale Ogden Sussex Callowhill Crowley Farm Tenth Mount Royal West Derby Findlay Whitepine Jones York Main Lawson Irving Philip Yale McLaughlin North John Capitol High Cleveland Morton XYXY McAllister Magellan Future Highfield Havelock Park Fairway Elm Elsie Church Albert Bridge Wallace Ward Lutz Pine Glen St Clair Vail Botsford Elmwood Massey Donald Foundry XYXYXYXYXY Mill Lewisville Spurr Old Coach King Price Ellerdale Seaman Karolie Bath Dowd XYXYXYXYXYXY Riverview MacNaughton Caledonia Palisade Drummond Miles Royal Wheeler Irwin Urquhart XY XYXYXY Glenwood Emery Shediac Highlandview Paul Weir Galloway Gaspe Gould Cousteau Acadie Hillsborough Hiltz Km Shediac Four Gauvin Branch Stornoway Louis Harrisville Glengrove Guy Camelot Babin Champlain Bahama Chartersville XYXYXYXYXYXY Lavoie NIAGARA Venture Weston Thomas Vanier East Norwind Dawson Centrale Legrand Pascal XY XYXYXY XYXYXY XY XY Avant-garde Parc Ferdinand Bourque Barachois Highway 2 Keith Melanson Fox Creek Amirault Highway 2 Gorveatte Dieppe Leblanc Legend Baseline Dover Highway 2 Lorette Highway 2 XYXYXYXYXYXY XY Copp XY Surveyed Catch Basins Municipal Limits Steet Network Water

68 Marsh Bird Nesting Survey Objective of the Bird Survey The purpose of conducting a marsh bird survey within the Greater Moncton Area is to assess the yearly changes occurring among the populations of marsh birds. As part of the Greater Moncton Pest Control Commission, it is our responsibility to ensure Vectobac applications being used to control the mosquito population are not affecting the populations of other fauna found in the Greater Moncton wetland areas. Data collected during the present and past years are compared as a means of assessing the continuous changes over time within the marsh bird populations. However, while examining the possible effects that Vectobac applications may have on their populations, ecological succession must be taken into consideration. Introduction During the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey, data was collected on six bird species found in Greater Moncton s wetland areas. In comparison to the 2000 and 1999 Marsh Bird Surveys, data was collected on nine and eight marsh bird species respectively. The six bird species examined during the 2001 year include: Agelaius phoeniceus (Red-winged Blackbird), Porzana carolina (Sora), Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard), Anas crecca (Green-winged Teal), Rallus elegans (King Rail), and Branta canadensis (Canada Goose). Several species of birds monitored in previous years were not monitored this year, such as Gallinago gallinago (Common Snipe) and Phasianus colchicus (Ring-necked Pheasant), however, unique to this year s survey is the collection of data concerning the species Rallus elegans (King Rail) and Anas crecca (Green-winged Teal). 68

69 Methods of Data Collection Upon arrival to a possible bird nesting location, several minutes are taken for a surveillance period. Often the best and most convenient way to locate bird nests is to observe the behaviour and whereabouts of the species at a particular site. Emphasis for surveillance is placed on wetland areas, such as marshes and ponds that consist of cattails, grasses and nearby trees and shrubs. These areas provide the marsh birds with an ideal location and the materials needed to construct their nests. The majority of monitoring is conducted on foot; however, Ducks Unlimited wetlands are usually monitored with the use of a canoe. Once a nest is located, a numbered, blue ribbon is assigned for easy identification of the nest during subsequent visits. Each nest is visited on a weekly basis to record data on: the species the nest belongs to, the height of the nest, construction materials, number of eggs, number of chicks, behaviour of parents and any other relevant observations made. Table 10 is a complete summary of sites monitored in the Greater Moncton Area during the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey. Results and Discussion Figure 39 demonstrates the distribution of bird nests found in Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe and Outskirts for the 1999, 2000, and 2001 years. The largest number of nests was identified within the Moncton area. Upon first glance one may expect the largest number of nests to be identified within Riverview and Dieppe as a result of the enormous salt-water marshes surrounding the Petitcodiac River in these areas. However, the populations of marsh birds tend to strive in areas with deeper and more permanent water supplies. Sites consisting of large ponds, such as Mapleton Park, support large numbers of nests in close proximity. Consideration must also be given to the greater number of sites surveyed within the Moncton area in comparison to the other municipalities. 69

70 120 Number of Nests Moncton Riverview Dieppe Outskirts Locality Figure 39 Comparison of Bird Nest by Locality for This year there was a decrease in the number of nests found in all localities with respect to the previous two years. This may reflect an overall decrease in the population of marsh birds. More specifically, a decrease in the Red-winged Blackbird population, which is the most prominent species found within the Greater Moncton Area for the year Figure 40 showing the total number of nests found in comparison to previous years also supports this idea. During the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey a total of 65 nests were identified. Respectively a total of 175, 170, and 125 nests were found during the 1998, 1999, and 2000 Marsh Bird Surveys. 70

71 Year Figure 40 Comparison of the Number of Nests found from One of the most visible explanations for a decrease in the number of nests monitored this year is habitat change and destruction. Development of the Greater Moncton area is continuous and this development can directly or indirectly affect marsh bird nesting areas. Depicted in Figure 41 is the number of nests found per site for the year In regards to the Maritime Products area, only one nest was observed this year. During the 2000 Marsh Bird Survey, a total of six nests were observed in the Maritime Products area. Recent development of a new walking and biking trail has fragmented the Maritime Products area causing a less suitable habitat for nesting. Not only has the marsh area itself been altered but the construction of the new walking trail has increased the number of humans visiting the area. Similarly, the McNaughton area has been altered by ongoing construction in the area. McNaughton High School recently underwent major renovations causing a considerable amount of noise pollution in the area. This may explain the lack of nests found, as well as the lack of birds observed in the McNaughton area during the year

72 The nesting areas of marsh birds are not only altered by human development but also by natural changes. In some locations, such as the Patricia Street Marsh, a Traffic Circle-East Main St Shediac Highway Off-ramp Senior Citizens' Home Selick Point Park 3 Point Park 1 Patricia Ave. Sample Sites Neville MHS Track Maritime Products Mapleton Park Linear Park LaFrance Lafayette St. Jacques Pond to Dyke Dutchill Dr. Bahama Court Apartments Number of Nests Found Figure 41 Nests found per site for the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey decrease in the number of standing dead cattails after the winter season was observed. The nests of marsh birds are supported by stiff upright dead cattails and therefore, it is reasonable to expect a decrease in the number of nests monitored in these areas. Habitat destruction and changes are not the only factors that affect the marsh bird populations. Natural fluctuations among their populations must be considered. Looking once again at Figure 40, a cyclical trend in the population size of marsh birds is visible. 72

73 Depicted in Figure 42 is the species distribution of the marsh birds monitored during the year Composing 87.6 percent of the total species distribution is Agelaius phoeniceus (Red-winged Blackbird). The species Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard), Porzana carolina (Sora), Rallus elegans (King Rail), and Anas crecca (Green-winged Teal) composed the remaining 12.4 percent of the species distribution. Red-winged Blackbirds are social birds and roost in large flocks; therefore, where one nest is found most likely there are others in the area. This may explain the clumped distribution that Red-winged Blackbirds exhibit. Although no nests were found of the species Gallinago gallinago (Common Snipe), Phasianus colchicus (Ring-necked Pheasant) and Charadrius vociferus (Killdeer), the adults were observed on numerous occasions. One nest of the species Branta canadensis (Canada Goose) was observed in the Point Park 1 area. During an early summer visit to that area, a female Canada Goose was observed playing dead on top of a muskrat hut. This is a typical behaviour of a female Canada Goose protecting her nest. Only five days later a returned visit to the Point Park area revealed broken eggshells in the nest and an absent female Canada Goose. It is not certain whether or not the young successfully left the nest. Canadian Geese were also observed in the New Point Park, LaFrance and Hawks sites, in flocks as large as twenty individuals. Green-winged Teal King Rail Red-winged Blackbird Mallard Sora Canadian Geese Figure 42 Species Distribution for the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey 73

74 The total number of eggs laid by one female in one nest is called a clutch. Figure 43 is a graphical representation of the average clutch size per species monitored during the year Different species vary in the number of eggs they lay. Also, the number of eggs laid per clutch by the same individual can vary. Factors such as food supply, climate, weather conditions and health of individuals have an effect on the number of eggs laid per clutch. Many birds such as the Redwinged Blackbird often have more than one brood per year. Although the 2001 Marsh Bird Survey reveals a decrease in the population of marsh birds found in the Greater Moncton Area, it is not necessary to be alarmed. It is difficult to assess the changes over time in relation to Vectobac applications being used to control the mosquito population. Habitat destruction and change, natural fluctuations and even predators, such as crows, rats, raccoons, fox and cats, all affect the population size of the marsh birds. Another factor not to be over-looked is experimental error concerning the accuracy of the data recorded Clutch Size Greenwinged Teal King Rail Mallard Redwinged Blackbird Sora Species Figure 43 Average Clutch Size for Species Identified 74

75 Table 10 Sites Monitored in Greater Moncton and Surrounding Areas during the 2001 Monitoring Season Moncton Riverview Dieppe Outskirts 1. MacNaughton 11. Patricia 15. Jacques 1. Dover Ducks Unlimited 2. LaFrance 12. Senior Citizen s 16. rue des Copains Home 3. MHS Track 13. Point Park Apartments (226 Acadia Ave) 4.Shediac offramp 14. Point Park Lafayette 5. Mapleton Park 19. Selick 6. Boardwalk 7. Traffic Circle 8. Neville 9. Maritime Products 10. Dutchill Ducks Unlimited 75

76 Legend Municipality #* Moncton #* Dieppe #* Riverview #* Outskirts Hydrology Street Network #* Mapleton Park LaFrance #* MHS Track #* #* #* #* Neville Shediac Off Ramp Traffic Circle Marsh Tidal Flat Stream Water Marsh Bird Nesting Sites #* #* #* MacNaughton Dutchhill Ducks Unlimited Patricia #* #* Boardwalk Maritime Products #* #* #* Senior Citizen's Home #* Point Park 3 Apartments Point Park 1 #* Selick #* Jacques #* #* LaFayette rue des Copains Drawn By: Jeff Scott Date: November 2, Km Dover Ducks Unlimited #*

77 Notes on Marsh Birds Brown-headed Cowbird Canada Goose This is a parasitic species that does not build a nest or care for its young. Instead, they depend on other birds to incubate eggs and raise their young. They lay these eggs daily, usually in different nests. Recognized widely for their musical honking, Canada Geese mate for life. While the female is the incubator, the male watches over the nest, guarding and protecting against intruders. If nest is approached, the female lies flat and motionless with outstretched neck to avoid detection. Nests are built near water, usually on ground or atop muskrat huts. The female solely selects nesting sites. Common Grackle Common Snipe Found in cities as well as marshes the female will build her nest in cattails or trees. Usually having 3-6 eggs, the female is the sole incubator and provider. Males are recognized by their iridescent head and wedge shaped tail. Easily identified by a long straight bill. When startled, will fly in an erratic, zigzag pattern. Both parents help care for the eggs and young. Broods usually consist of 4 eggs. Nests are neatly made of grass and are sometimes concealed by a protective canopy of plants. 77

78 Gadwall Identified by a white peculum, unique to the Gadwall. Found in fresh as well as saltwater marshes, it feeds on grains and seeds. The female has a soft quack and the male s clucks and whistles. Green-winged Teal Green-winged Teals display a green speculum. Greenwinged Teals tend to nest on dry ground and occasionally on muskrat huts. An average clutch size consists of 10 to 13 eggs. Killdeer A noisy bird that can be recognized by two distinctive black rings around the neck. Nests are built in open, dry areas that allow for easy sighting of predators. The ground covering must also offer suitable camouflage for eggs. The nest is a simple depression in the ground, which is made by the male. Several possible nests are made, yet the female chooses only one. King Rail This species nesting area includes both freshwater and salt marshes. The King Rail has a grayish color tone and is easily identifiable by its large, long bill. Incubating female King Rails seldom flush from their nest until an intruder is within 3 meters of their nest. 78