2011 BC Important Bird Area Annual Reports Compiled by Krista Englund, BC Nature

Transcription

1 2011 BC Important Bird Area Annual Reports Compiled by Krista Englund, BC Nature Kathy Stewart, Chehalis River Estuary IBA Birding at Chilcotin Junction IBA (M. Cuthbert) Krista Englund, Caretaker Kris Andrews, Anne Murray Caretaker Doug Brown with Mark Weston (BC Parks) at Osoyoos Oxbows IBA 1

2 Table of Contents 1 Active Pass IBA Active Pass 2011 Annual Report Baynes Sound IBA Baynes Sound 2011 Annual Report Barkley Sound IBA & Amphitrite Banks/Swiftsure Banks IBA Big Bay South to Delusion Bay & Kitkatla Channel & Lucy Islands IBAs Big Bay South to Delusion Bay 2011 Annual Report Cecil Lake IBA Summary of s received from Darryl Kroeker on January 9, Chain Island & Islets IBA Checleset Bay IBA Chehalis River Estuary IBA Chehalis Estuary 2011 Annual Report Chilcotin Junction IBA Chilcotin Junction 2011 Annual Report Chopaka Customs IBA Chopaka Customs 2011 Annual Report Comox Valley IBA Comox Valley 2011 Annual Report Cowichan River Estuary IBA Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area IBA Creston Valley WMA 2011 Annual Report Desolation Sound Desolation Sound 2011 Annual Report Desolation Sound Field Notes from Keith Riding Douglas Lake Plateau IBA Douglas Plateau 2011 Annual Report Duke of Edinburgh IBA Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve 2011 Annual Report

3 16.2 Field Notes from Duke of Edinburgh Visit English Bay Burrard Inlet IBA English Bay Burrard Inlet 2011 Annual Report Fraser Delta Boundary Bay Fraser Delta Boundary Bay 2011 Annual Report Fraser Lake IBA Greater Vancouver Watershed IBA Greater Vancouver Watersheds 2011 Annual Report Hesquiat Lake Area IBA Notes submitted by Caretakers Dave and Diane Ignace for Holden Lake IBA Holden Lake 2011 Annual Report Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets IBA Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets 2011 Annual Report Kilpoola Lake IBA Kilpoola Lake IBA 2011 Annual Report Lambert Channel Hornby Island IBA Lambert Channel/ Hornby Island Waters 2011 Annual Report Laskeek Bay IBA Laskeek Bay 2011 Annual Report* Lawn Point IBA Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay IBA Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay 2011 Annual Report McFadden Heronry IBA McIntyre Beach Rose Spit IBA Mitlenatch Island IBA Mitlenatch Island 2011 Annual Report by MIST Mitlenatch Island 2011 Annual Report by Keith Riding Mt. Arrowsmith and Area Mountains IBA Mt. Arrowsmith and Area Mountains Annual Report

4 33 Osoyoos Oxbows IBA Osoyoos Oxbows 2011 Annual Report Pacific Spirit Regional Park IBA Porlier Pass IBA Seabird Colonies (CWS) Summary of call with Moira Lemmon on February 15, Sidney Channel IBA See Skidegate Inlet IBA Skookumchuck Prairie IBA Skookumchuck Prarie 2011 Annual Report Snake Island IBA Snake Island 2011 Annual Report Somenos Marsh IBA Somenos Marsh 2011 Annual Report South Thompson River IBA Strathcona Provincial Park IBA Strathcona Provincial Park 2011 Annual Report Squamish River Estuary IBA Squamish Estuary 2011 Annual Report Stuart, Tachie and Middle Rivers IBA from Joanne Vinnedge March 28, Summallo Skagit River IBA from Gord Gadsden January 30, Tachick and Nulki Lakes IBA Phone call with Nancy Krueger January Tofino Mudflats IBA Tofino Mudflats 2011 Annual Report White Islets IBA White Lake IBA

5 50.1 White Lake 2011 Annual Report Vaseux Lake IBA Vaseux Lake 2011 Annual Report

6 1 Active Pass IBA 1.1 Active Pass 2011 Annual Report Active Pass IBA Annual Report 2012 January 31, 2012 Michael Dunn, Mayne Island, BC Mike Hoebel, Galiano Island, BC Caretakers 6

7 Introduction For 2011, 7 stewards continued to provide their observations of bird activities within the IBA. Compared to the first year of steward observations the number of reports were down and coming on a less regular basis. This year is the first full year that the Coastal Waterbird Survey results within the IBA are integrated with other observer information. Michael Dunn and Mike Hoebel, as caretakers, also have done regular observations throughout the year. Qualifying Species The highly seasonal distribution of the IBA qualifying species is much evident in the observations compiled for Bonaparte s Gull had peak daily and yearly numbers in the April May period (this year 5,000 and 2,000 respectively) and lesser highs during the October to December period. Pacific Loon numbers are tied to the spring and winter months and this year peak daily highs were recorded in April March and November December periods. Brandt s Cormorant continues to show low daily numbers with the peak this year in December (45 birds). As reported last year, the numbers reported for two of the qualifying species Pacific Loon and Brandt s Cormorant continue to be below historical observations, even though this year the Pacific Loon daily high observations were up from the 2010 reporting year. One bright note with respect to the Brandt s Cormorant was the observation of 2500 plus birds on rocky islets off Sidney, BC and during the December 17, 2011 Christmas Bird Count, rafts of up to 400 Brandt s Cormorants were tallied in Plumper Sound and Navy Channel between Mayne and North Pender islands. Conservation Threats No new conservation threats were observed over 2011 including no discernible increase in boating traffic. Habitat Quality The marine feeding areas used by the vast majority of birds (tidal upwelling, fronts and rapids) continue to be used heavily and appear to provide optimum feeding opportunities for these species. No discernible changes in habitat quality were detected over Other Conservation Opportunities The Mayne Island Conservancy has completed mapping of eelgrass within the IBA and has begun a monitoring program to measure changes over time. The forage fish inventories have continued but no spawning occurrences were detected in 2011 within the IBA. The kelp monitoring has developed a monitoring protocol but monitoring was not undertaken in The Mayne Island Conservancy and Mayne Island Recycling Society again hosted a community beach cleanup for Earth Day April 22, The Mayne School children cleaned the main beach at Miners Bay while members of the community cleaned other beaches of the IBA. In total there were 35 students plus 8 staff and parents who participated. For the IBA 254 kg of marine debris was collected, plastic of all kinds made up the bulk of this material. This amount was up from the previous year. Outreach Activities In addition to the work being done for the Stewardship Program noted above, updates on IBA activities have gone in to Mayne Island s local newspaper. Presentations on the IBA and the stewardship program have been made at the all islands Conservancies annual meeting on Mayne Island. The IBA was also highlighted at a meeting with Nature Canada, Bird Studies Canada, BC Nature and the Sidney Channel IBA caretaker held in October With respect to the larger information signs to be placed within Bellhouse Provincial Park on Galiano Island and within Georgina Point Lighthouse Heritage Park on Mayne Island, both signs at time of this report are completed. The Galiano Island is an original artwork that will be converted into a sign. The Mayne Island signage has been completed and the 7

8 mounting frame fabricated. On October 30, 2011 both signs were officially unveiled with at concurrent dedication ceremonies on each island. Representatives from local government, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the IBA partners were in attendance. Georgina Point(Gulf Islands National Park Reserve) sign dedication Bellhouse Provincial Park IBA sign dedication In early December 2011 Michael Dunn held a winter bird identification course for interested people, this included some of the IBA stewards. The course included a focus on the over wintering marine birds found around Mayne Island, particularly Active Pass. The course was followed with a field component that included some birding of the Active Pass IBA at Miners Bay. 8

9 Volunteer Time It is estimated that volunteers contributed over 250 hours of time toward the Active Pass IBA and its ecosystems. This includes the work of the caretakers, the stewards, the Mayne Island Conservancy, and the park commission and the Mayne School children. This represents 65 volunteers over the 2011 year. Additional Comments Part of the stewardship program was to record observations of marine mammal activity and any strandings of birds or marine mammals. The field monitoring form designed for the IBA include fields to record marine mammal movements and unexpected events. Attached are the 2011 results of this monitoring component. The most exciting observation was of the Humpback Whale off Georgina Point in November. There were several sightings of this species in Active Pass during the fall. This year we had 1 observation of beached marine mammals. A Harbour Porpoise washed up in Miners Bay during the summer. DFO officials were contacted and removed the carcass for research purposes. 9

10 2 Baynes Sound IBA 2.1 Baynes Sound 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Art Martell Caretaker Name: Baynes Sound IBA Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Data entered in ebird? Multiple Entire Area Casual, Coastal Waterbird Survey, CBC, etc. Yes 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] See respective databases 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. The site summary is currently being revised. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Assistance with site summary update. 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 50+ hours 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 10

11 3 Barkley Sound IBA & Amphitrite Banks/Swiftsure Banks IBA Annual report corrupted in the sending process. To be resent. 4 Big Bay South to Delusion Bay & Kitkatla Channel & Lucy Islands IBAs 4.1 Big Bay South to Delusion Bay 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Big Bay Delusion Bay Caretaker Name: Almudena Miles Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring Data entered in ebird? (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) March 27, 2011 Big Bay No April 13, 2011 Big Bay No April 23, 2011 Big Bay No April 29, 2011 Big Bay No 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] See also notes below Surf scoter 20,000 White winged Scoter 500 Black Scoter 100 Black Turnstone 2, Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? Numbers of Surf Scoters were down from normal. 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No. Have always had several commercial fisheries in the area (e.g. herring gillnet, roe on kelp, salmon gillnet and seine, and crab trapping). Numbers of vessels participating in the fisheries are declining. 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. Provincial planning with First Nations of the area has begun on marine habitat (MaPP) as well as with the Federal Government (PNCIMA). I do know a few people involved in the PNCIMA process and will contact them regarding the mapping of the IBAs. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Yes, marking wildlife trees, writing/updating management plans, monitoring equipment/protocols, installing signs, writing articles. 11

12 Priorities are population surveys, nesting locations and counts. I think most of the protocols are online but if not any of those would be great. Waterproof field log books and "Bensia" pencils would be very useful in the field for keeping the raw data. Good binoculars/spotting scope would be really good. I do have a good pair myself but having a spare around would be helpful. Lucy Island IBA122 would greatly benefit from having new signs installed regarding the nesting Rhinoceros Auklets and the IBA. Lots of people tend to visit Lucy Island and camp. Many people bring their dogs and you can see the damage that is done to the burrows by the dogs and people walking all over them. I do not know what plans the Province has presently for Lucy Island but certainly protection of the nesting grounds needs to be put in place. Big Bay is very large and any signs along the shore would be difficult to see and may not survive a winter up here as it gets hit hard by winds. Info/posters could be installed at the visitor center. 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 15 hours 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 9. Additional Notes The large numbers of Surf Scoters tend to favour Big Bay and in some years they congregate in Stuman Bay. Although you can come across individuals or small groups throughout the IBA 124. The Black Turnstones tend to be similar with the larger groups present in Big Bay, Duncan Bay and Stuman Bay. However, smaller groups of Black Turnstones can be seen either foraging on or flying between reefs/beaches/shorelines throughout IBA124. The Surf Scoters show up in large numbers around March, depending on environmental conditions, and tend to be around until May. Although during mild winters some individuals and small groups can be found throughout IBA124. IBA124 including Stuman Bay is used by many migrating species during the spring and fall. On May 8/9, 2011 I went to Port Simpson for some birdwatching and recorded over 106 species of birds between the Village and Stuman Bay, including numerous shore birds such as godwits, ruddy turnstones, Dunlins, Plovers, Whimbrels, Sandpipers, white winged, black and surf scoters, Bonaparte Gulls, Kittiwakes, etc, etc.. Excellent bird watching!! Have some pics too of them. 12

13 5 Cecil Lake IBA 5.1 Summary of s received from Darryl Kroeker on January 9, 2011 Krista, Thanks for the reminder! While our average survey results for the Peace region were comparable to 2010, we had a lot of variation between wetlands. Cecil Lake duck numbers showed a 35% decline from 2010 with 58 indicated breeding pairs, down from the 89 indicated breeding pairs from Breeding waterfowl pairs included American wigeon (7), bufflehead (3), bluewinged teal (7), canvasback (2), gadwall (7), green winged teal (4), mallard (8), northern pintail (2), northern shoveler (4), ring necked duck (3), and lesser scaup (12). Rounding contributes to the differences in numbers. Continental surveys indicated that survey areas in northern Alberta and northeastern BC, and the territories and Alaska had significantly reduced breeding bird populations, likely due to the excellent habitat conditions across the prairies and southern parklands in the western provinces and the north central states. Locally, we had several wetlands that were filled following several years of dry conditions which will have drawn local birds due to their exceptional productivity. Broods observed at Cecil Lake were comparable to 2010 with 1 blue winged teal and 2 mallard broods observed. However, observation conditions due to the extensive emergent vegetation are very poor and I suspect the numbers don t reflect the actual productivity. Having said that, production conditions were very poor in the Peace region in The region experienced torrential rains late in June and then again in early July. Water levels rose in the majority of wetlands at a time when most waterfowl were still on the nest. Many nests in the riparian zone will have been drowned out as water levels rose as much as 2 vertical feet on some wetlands. Cecil Lake continues to support an eared grebe colony of about 50 to 100 breeding pairs. Our crew of 2 summer students again mowed the weeds, primarily Canada thistle, on most of the islands at Cecil Lake. Unfortunately, 2011 is likely the last year of regular waterfowl surveys for Cecil Lake. That project has several years worth of data that we ve been using. Like many NGOs, Ducks Unlimited is looking at ways to save money and become more efficient in delivering habitat programs. The Peace surveys will likely be dropped for DU will continue with its habitat management but I won t have the duck numbers to give you next year. Take care, Darryl W. Kroeker Regional Planning & Research Biologist Ducks Unlimited Canada PO Box 7 Tomslake, BC V0C 2L0 Phone: (250) , Fax: (250) E mail: d_kroeker@ducks.ca Web site: 6 Chain Island & Islets IBA 7 Checleset Bay IBA 13

14 8 Chehalis River Estuary IBA 8.1 Chehalis Estuary 2011 Annual Report Date: December 30, 2011 IBA: B.C. 033 Harrison/Chehalis Estuary Caretaker: Kathy Stewart Dates & Location of site visits: Western edge of site visited on basically a daily basis, except for month of August and part of September. Harrison Bay visited several times, the last date being Dec. 26, Canoed the area several times during high water, and walked out onto the estuary in February. 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year? Yes. During the annual Bald Eagle Festival 1,562 Bald Eagles were counted and 268 Trumpeter Swans, however a couple of weeks after the festival, a total of 7,362 Bald Eagles were counted in the stretch of the Harrison River between Kilby and the most northern end of the estuary. This count was done by David Hancock from the Fraser River Safari Boat and is the second consecutive year when over 7,000 eagles have been counted in the IBA area. It is felt this is due in part by poor salmon runs up the B.C. Coast coupled with exceptional runs of Sockeye Salmon in the Harrison. Chum Salmon also had a much better return in 2011 as compared to the past few years, although still way down from the numbers experienced 10 or 12 years ago. Swans continue to congregate on Harrison Bay after feeding in area fields they continue to be scarce right up in the estuary, probably due to the low water levels that we have experienced. 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations? Yes. We had a number of rare visitors over the past year. Most notably a Boreal Owl on Feb. 1, 2011 A Eurasian Collared Dove was seen, this species has been working it s way northward, there has been a population in Chilliwack and Rosedale for sometime and now they appear to have crossed the Fraser River as well. A Western Kingbird was seen in Kilby, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at the same feeder this year as last year, so most likely the same bird. A Rosy crowned Finch was also at a feeder adjacent to the IBA this year and a Blue Grouse was seen in May. We are seeing Ruffed Grouse more frequently as well. There has been a large flock of Pine Siskin in the area this fall/winter and also a few Common Redpoll. Anna s Hummingbirds also seem to have become established on this side of the River. 14

15 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats (pressures) arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since last report or since the site was designated. Yes and No. Since the site was designated pressures on the site have improved, or at least changed. Although there are more residences in the vicinity of the site, this has actually helped the site as there are more people keeping an eye on what goes on. Some of the pressures are: boaters - boats have to pretty much stay to the deeper water and don t seem to bother the birds; kayakers and canoeist there is some controversy about this definitely there are more of them, but just how much of a problem it is, I think is minimal the only time it is a problem is when the eagles are down feeding and are being disturbed by kayakers getting too close. Duck hunting and Fishing Fishing doesn t appear to be a problem, duck hunting can be, especially when, like this morning, someone was shooting right from Morris Valley Road highly illegal but who do you report to and by the time anyone got here they d be long gone! Birders and Photographers unfortunately these are one of the biggest problems especially as the area gets more and more known and promoted these people need to be educated to stay on the trail the F.V.R.D. has taken steps so they can actually fine people who stray off the trail, BUT someone has to be here to catch the offender.and that happens about once in a hundred episodes. Of leash dogs are another factor again they can be ticketed and fined, but first they have to be caught. Air traffic continues to be the biggest disturbance.both to the birds and the people that live here.several area residents, including myself have started taking photos of aircraft that are not following common sense and these are being passed on to the authorities. Unfortunately there really isn t any law saying they can t be here. This private plane landed out on the estuary during the past Bald Eagle Festival it s occupants got out and proceeded to go for a walk on the estuary.scattering birds as they went. 15

16 4. Has the habitat changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated: No, although in the past year there has been a gravel pit and major logging taking place not all that far from the northern end of the estuary. This is being done by First Nations on First Nations land. As of yet, it does not appear to have had any impact on the site itself. 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities begun since your last report? To a degree, yes. For a number of years this area has been on the provincial government books as a proposed Wildlife Management area. Over the past year or so and new organization has been formed in the area to address concerns of the residents in the area (Harrison Mills, Kilby, Chehalis, Hemlock Valley), one of the concerns this association has on it s agenda is to pursue getting the designation changed from proposed to becoming a reality. Also, of course, we now have the new signage drawing attention to the fact this the area is an IBA. 6. Assistance from B.C. Nature/Bird Studies Canada: at this point there isn t anything the area needs, however, if the above organization moves forward I might suggest you be contacted for back up. I have joined the organization so that I am in on any developments that concern the IBA site. 7. How many hours did you spend on Caretaker related duties? Probably averages out to an hour a day between walks (which I d do anyway), photo taking (which I d do anyway) and doing my blog (which I d probably also be doing anyway). I am also in the process of doing a book on the estuary with an on line publisher.it might be too costly to actually publish, but we ll find out. 8. Did you find the annual report form helpful? Yes, as you can see I used it as a guideline. Kathy Stewart 16

17 9 Chilcotin Junction IBA 9.1 Chilcotin Junction 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Chilcotin Junction Caretaker Name: Kris Andrews Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring Data entered in ebird? May 12, 2011 Chimney Creek, Stafford's Ranch, Moon Road/Doc English Bluff, road into Junction Sheep Range PP, Farwell Canyon (see below) Casual Yes Sixteen people toured the IBA via a five vehicle caravan on May 12, 2011, making several stops along the way. We started in Williams Lake and drove along Highway 20 to our first stop at Chimney Creek, Stafford's Ranch, which is at the edge of the IBA boundary. After stopping again along Highway 20 to view Long billed Curlews in Stafford's field, we continued along Highway 20 and stopped again along Moon Road, just past the junction of the Fraser River and Highway 20. We then continued along Highway 20, passing outside of the IBA boundary, to Farwell Canyon Road, where we traveled south to the Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park sign kiosk. From there, we turned off of the Farwell Canyon Forest Service Road and continued along a dirt track to the Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park, where we re entered the IBA boundary. We made several stops within the provincial park, then retraced our steps back to Farwell Canyon Road, where we turned south and continued to the Chilcotin River for our final stop, which is within the IBA boundary. One person from each vehicle maintained a record of all birds seen or heard during our tour. 1. W ere any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] Long billed Curlew 7 observed Flammulated Owl none observed Lewis's Woodpecker none observed (but a close call!) Long eared Owl none observed Prairie Falcon none observed Cassin's Finch none heard Common Poorwill none observed 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? One Golden Eagle was seen at Stafford's Ranch. Up to 20 White throated Swifts were seen at Doc English Bluff, and one Nashville Warbler was heard. Three Bald Eagles and one Horned Lark were seen at Junction Sheep Range PP. Viewed a Sharp tailed Grouse Lek site with feathers, likely used earlier in the spring. The Road Maintenance operator, Leland Jasper told us on Dec 22n 2011 that he had seen Chuckars the previous week just this side of Farwell Canyon bridge. I went out with Sandy Proulx and Phil Ranson and we found tracks on the bank above this side of the Farwell canyon bridge in the sage, above where the pit toilets are. We went back on Dec 28 th, 2011 but didn t find anything more than tracks. Phil saw a SEOW downslope from that point the same day. 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? Threats are described in the Comprehensive Site 17

18 Summary review. 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? Current habitat is described in the Comprehensive Site Summary review. 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. A presentation about the Important Bird Areas program and the Chilcotin Junction IBA was given immediately prior to the BC Nature Annual General Meeting in Williams Lake on May 11. An IBA tour was conducted the following day, which was attended by a broad mixture of individuals with an interest in the IBA. An IBA identification sign was delivered in late 2011 and will be installed in the IBA in BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Complete comprehensive review and follow up on actions identified through that process. 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 28 hours for visits: 8 hr day in May 12 and probably at least 4 4 hr days on other dates for observation 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? NA Looking out over the river junction (M. Cuthbert) Horned Lark chick (Ken Wright) 18

19 Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park (Krista Englund) Dancing Sharp tailed Grouse (Krista Englund) Tour participants at Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park (Krista Englund) 19

20 10 Chopaka Customs IBA 10.1 Chopaka Customs 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Chopaka Customs Caretaker Name: Lee McFadyen Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Data entered in ebird? 1. W ere any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] I checked about the Sage Thrasher with Dick Cannings and also the Long billed Curlew. Chopaka Customs is one of two known sites in B.C. where the Sage Thrasher nests on an annual basis and where the population is stable (the other is White Lake IBA). The curlew has been noted in previous years but over on Ace Elkink's land near the border and I am not sure that this is actually in the IBA, but it is close. 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? During a breeding bird study in 201 1a badger was seen at 6:27 am, July 6th, 2011 at: / by Sonia Nicholl. 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? I have not seen this site burned to improve grazing (since 1962) but in the late 1970 s Ministry of Forests did mow and seed crested wheat grass along the lower portion of the east side, more at the north end than the south end. This area has never properly recovered. The bunch grass condition improves as elevation is increased and also at the southern area. A small gravel pit built on the site has been closed. I have not seen any evidence of organized restoration in the gravel pit area. There is a lot of bare soil and weeds and some years ago when part of Highway 3 was re paved the old paving was dumped here. There is a transmission tower transmitting internet services for China Creek to the people living adjacent to the Chopaka IBA. The road to the tower is used with some frequency and is quite visible from the highway. Horse riding is a frequent activity at the site, with hiking and birding occurring but less frequently. During September 2011 a wild fire burned some of the area, traveling up from the west side over the crown of the mountain and down the southern portion of the east side. 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? See above. 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. An IBA identification sign was installed at Highway 3 and Nighthawk Road in November

21 Lee McFadyen with IBA sign at Chopaka Customs IBA. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Possible activity: Planting in the area west of Hwy3 and just south of the property owned by Gordon Bell. This area is quite badly denuded of native grasses. Not sure how well a planting would succeed with cattle still occupying the site for a brief period each most springs. 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? NA 21

22 11 Comox Valley IBA 11.1 Comox Valley 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Comox Valley Caretaker Name: Art Martell Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Data entered in ebird? Multiple Entire Area Casual, Coastal Waterbird Survey, CBC, etc. Yes 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] See respective databases 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. The site summary is currently being revised. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Assistance with site summary update. 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 50+ hours 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 12 Cowichan River Estuary IBA 22

23 13 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area IBA 13.1 Creston Valley WMA 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Creston Valley Caretaker Name: Marc Andre Beaucher & Carla Ahern 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year? Y N If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] AMERICAN COOT AND WATERFOWL We conducted surveys following the North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Program protocol. From 2 May to 12 June 2011 we conducted fifty five 15 minute surveys at 23 separate point count station, on 10 different days. Fewer point counts we conducted than in 2011 as high water levels in some of the wetland units, in May and June, made access to stations impossible. We targeted 5 species: Sora, Virginia Rail, American Bittern, American Coot, and Pied billed Grebe. Overall, we detected approximately 188 Soras, 64 Virginia Rails, 29 American Bitterns, 77 Pied billed Grebes, and 91 American Coots. As in 2010, we conducted one aerial survey (by helicopter) on 30 March Numbers have not been compiled, but should be lower than in 2010 as many of the wetland units were still covered with ice on that date. However, one American Coot flock observed on Duck Lake that day had 6,500 individuals (counted from photos). Counts of 15,000 to 20,000 coots, on Duck Lake alone, were also made from mid September to late October, with numbers peaking around 30,000 to 40,000 on 30 September AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN American White Pelicans were recorded incidentally throughout the CVWMA, from 11 May to 13 October One aerial survey was conducted on 29 July to count the pelicans and 216 individuals were detected; about half (106) were recorded from Leach Lake unit 1. Approximately 100 were seen on Duck Lake on 7 July BLACK TERN Black Terns appeared to be present in slightly larger numbers than in Black Terns were recorded incidentally between 25 May and 10 August 2011, on the CVWMA. Eleven were recorded in Corn Creek Marsh unit 1, on 3 June, and a large flock of adults and juveniles were observed in Leach Lake unit 1, on 4 August FORSTER S TERN Forster s Terns were also recorded incidentally between 5 May and 4 August Less than a dozen individuals were seen repeatedly in May, at Duck Lake. The largest count recorded was on 4 July when 11 individuals were seen just south of Duck Lake. GREAT BLUE HERON The Great Blue Herons appeared at the Leach Lake rookery between 18 March and 22 March. On 22 March, at least 24 nests were occupied with one individual, and by 31 March 2011, 36 nests were occupied. No further monitoring was conducted after that date to avoid disturbing the nesting birds. Once the leaves are out in the trees, it becomes very difficult to monitor this rookery without disturbing the birds. GREATER WHITE FRONTED GEESE Greater White fronted Geese showed up in the Creston Valley in March A group of 100 individuals was recorded just east of the CVWMA Visitor Centre on 22 March The birds moved around the valley through mid April. One flock of 150 to 170 individuals was seen in an agricultural field just east of Corn Creek Marsh unit 2a 23

24 on 14 April The largest numbers happened during fall migration when up to 500 individuals were counted on Corn Creek Marsh pond 2a, on 15 September Again, approximately 500 individuals were seen in the same location on 13 October HARLEQUIN DUCK We did not observe or hear of sightings of this species in the Creston Valley in LONG_BILLED CURLEW We observed one Long billed Curlew in an agricultural field along Highway 3, northwest of Creston, on 12 April OSPREY We did not monitor Ospreys, but several pairs were present throughout the Creston Valley, in ROUGH LEGGED HAWK We did not monitor Rough legged Hawks in However, this species was common throughout the Creston Valley from October to December TUNDRA AND TRUMPETER SWANS Conditions for swans were excellent in the spring of 2011 and large numbers of Tundra Swans were observed. Lots of sheet water was available throughout the valley in mid March and swans took advantage of it. Tundra Swans were recorded from early March to early April 2011 and again from November through December. On 14 March 2011, 210 Tundra Swans were recorded at the north end of Duck Lake. The largest number of Tundra Swans recorded in 2011 was on 18 March when up to 350 were seen on Duck Lake and up to 500 in the agricultural field just west of the Town of Creston. A group of 2 adults and 4 juveniles Trumpeter Swans was observed on the Old Goat River Channel south of Duck Lake on 6 December Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations? Y N If yes, please describe. BEWICK S WREN One Bewick s wren was detected and photographed by the CVWMA administration office on 15 April BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK One male Black headed Grosbeak was seen incidentally on 14 December 2011, in a shrub just southeast of Duck Lake. CLARK S GREBE One Clark s Grebe was observed amongst Western Grebes on Duck Lake, on 2 August GULLS A Lesser Black backed Gull was recorded near a farm along Reclamation Road west of Creston, on 19 March Seventeen and fourteen Bonaparte s Gulls were observed south of Duck Lake on 4 May and 9 June 2011, respectively. There was one adult Franklin s Gull mixed with the Bonaparte s on 9 June LEWIS S WOODPECKER One adult Lewis s Woodpecker was recorded in Wynndel, north of Creston, on 25 May LONG TAILED DUCK A female Long tailed Duck was observed on three occasions at the north end of Duck Lake, on 24, 27 and 30 November

25 PINE GROSBEAK Two small flocks of 12 and 15 Pine Grosbeaks were recorded at Duck Lake and Corn Creek Marsh unit 3 on 18 March and 9 December 2011, respectively. RED BREATSED MERGANSER A pair of Red breasted Mergansers was observed on the Kootenay River, north of Highway 3, on 19 April SAGE THRASHER A lone Sage Thrasher was spotted along the dike west of Duck Lake on 24 may SHORT EARED OWL We observed a Short eared Owl foraging over Leach Lake unit 4 on 8 November 2011, and another individual foraging over the south western field of Duck Lake, on 13 November SNOWY OWL We recorded a Snowy Owl along Highway 3 just northwest of Creston on three consecutive days, 12, 13, and 14 December WESTERN GREBE Western Grebes were monitored sporadically from 20 April to 16 August 2011 (on 20 different days). The first individuals were detected (by sound) in Leach Lake unit 2 on 10 May The largest number of individuals counted on one visit to Leach Lake unit 2, was 20, on 20 May 2011, then the number of individuals present in that unit dropped to 14 and fewer for the rest of the season. High water levels through the summer resulting from a high spring runoff appeared to have affected breeding in Leach Lake. On 4 August, one adult was seen with two very small chicks on its back, in Leach Lake unit 1, and on 5 August one pair appeared to still be nesting in that same unit. No other signs of breeding were detected. We first detected grebes at Duck Lake on 24 May 2011 when two individuals were spotted west of Sirdar and 36 on the middle of Duck Lake. That same day, we counted 73 individuals at the south end of Kootenay Lake, near the mouth of the west branch of the Kootenay River. On 8 June, there were 38 grebes along the east side of Duck Lake, north of Sirdar. No evidence of breeding was seen that day. On 7 July, there were at least 30 grebes at the south end of Kootenay Lake, again near the mouth of the Kootenay River. On 26 July 60 grebes were seen on Duck Lake, along the east side south of Sirdar. There appeared to be at least 3 nests being built that day. On 3 August, only 50 adult grebes were recorded, but 9 nests were now visible and 3 adults were observed sitting on them. On 5 August, we recorded 11 nests, but on 15 August, and early morning windstorm wiped out all the nests. After that day, the grebes scattered over Duck Lake and there were no further evidence of breeding for Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated? Y N If yes, please describe. There is continued/increasing pressure to make the wetland more accessible, in particular from aging people. There is a subset of the population that also has the desire to drive everywhere. There are also talks about a group of farmers wanting to erect a 10km long elk fence immediately west of the CVWMA, from the northern to the southern end of Corn Creek Marsh, to reduce the amount of crop damage in the Nick s Island agricultural area. While not ideal, this option would be preferred to having several crisscrossing fence all through the farmland, as this could pose a threat to the raptors and waterfowl that utilize that farmland throughout the year. 25

26 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated? Y N If yes, please describe. In late October and early November of 2011, we conducted some brushing along some of the dikes within the CVWMA for safety, and maintenance and repair purposes. Maintenance work along the dikes had not been conducted for several years and thick brush as well as large trees had grown to the point that some dikes were not longer visible. Furthermore, leaks were detected in the spring of 2011 in at least two different locations. In order to maintain the integrity of the dikes and to be able to repair and further inspect them in the future, we brushed the side slopes of several internal dikes in the Leach Lake unit and one dike in Corn Creek Marsh. Dikes are critical to maintaining the current wetland habitat and all the species that utilize it. While the work turned out to be not as aesthetically pleasing as we were hoping, the amount of brush and trees removed (no more than 4 5m on each side of the dike crest) is minimal considering the amount that is still available within meters of the brushed area and should not negatively impact birds in the future. 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, planning)? Y N If yes, please describe. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, outreach, stewardship, or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply & describe assistance desired)? marking wildlife trees (e.g. nesting trees): Would be a good initiative to start if signs were provided. rehabilitating habitat (e.g. removing invasives) writing/updating mgt/conservation plans monitoring with equipment/protocols: Would be nice to have more consistent surveys right across the Creston Valley beyond the CVWMA boundaries. installing interpretive or IBA identification signs writing articles for local media, newsletters, etc.: Would be informative for the public to learn about IBAs in general and know about the IBA in their own valley. It would be nice to let people know how they can participate, collect and provide data, etc. giving presentations to local governments/organizations: Some of our local politicians would appreciate a presentation and the Chamber of Commerce would probably be very interested to hear about IBAs. developing a portable display or poster (e.g. for events) developing brochures or other educational materials other (please describe): 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] An estimated hrs. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Y N Please let us know if you have any suggestions: Yes, the format is easy to use and not too onerous. 26

27 14 Desolation Sound 14.1 Desolation Sound 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Desolation Sound Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Sept 15 17, 2011 Desolation Sound Coastal Waterbird Survey Yes Data entered in ebird? 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] Glaucous winged Gull 84 in total Marbled Murrelet 15 in total 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? I question the building of new houses on Gifford Peninsula in Desolation Sound Marine Park (See e mail to Krista Englund). 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. No 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Developing display/poster, developing brochures, other 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] Approximately 4 days, including travel and monitoring. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 27

28 14.2 Desolation Sound Field Notes from Keith Riding September, 2011 By Keith Riding It took two and a half days to sail north of Vancouver to reach Desolation Sound Marine Park. The survey was started on Thursday, 15 th February, 2011 from the westernmost side (the north western tip) of the park. The coast was followed all the way east and then south (down Malaspina Channel), going around all the included islands that lie just off the coast. Finally, the survey continued along the south edge of the park (Lancelot Inlet) and north up the west side. It took three days to complete. Thursday, 15 th September, 2011 Friday, 16 th September, 2011 Saturday, 17 th September Roffey Island to Melanie Bay. Melanie Cove to Grace Harbour; Cloudy, ending in rain. Grace Harbour to Cortes Bay; A cloudy & wet day. TOTAL BIRDS SEEN: 4 Northern Pintail Anas acuta 1 Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri 1 Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 84 Glaucous winged Gull Larus glaucescens 88 Pine Siskin Spinus pinus 12 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 1 Common Loon Gavia immer 3 Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus 7 American Robin Turdus migratorius 5 Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon 5 Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 5 Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens 3 Mew Gull Larus canus 3 Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala 5 Brandt's Cormorant Phalacrocorax penicillatus 15 Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus 2 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 4 Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani 3 Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata 1 Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius TOTAL MAMMALS SEEN: Two Hundred and Seventy Five Harbour Seals Two Douglas Squirrels TOTAL HUMAN ACTIVITY: Thirty Four pleasure boats (yachts & motor boats) were seen. Twelve Sea Kayaks were seen. Two tents were seen on Gifford Point. There were many buildings (? Summer Cottages) on the Gifford Peninsula. 28

29 15 Douglas Lake Plateau IBA 15.1 Douglas Plateau 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Douglas Lake Caretaker Name: Ed McDonald Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) May 12 Entire area Done as part of a birdathon September 30 Entire area Casual Data entered in ebird? 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] On Sept. 30 a flock of about 100 Sandhill cranes flew over the plateau. These would be migrating south after spending the summer on their breeding ground in the tundra. 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? The American white pelicans (about 50) spent the entire summer on the lakes of the plateau. Ringed necked ducks were more numerous than past years. On Sept. 30 about 500 were counted. 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. No 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? NA 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] About 16 hours in total. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 29

30 16 Duke of Edinburgh IBA 16.1 Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Data entered in ebird? Aug 11, 2011 Duke of Edinburgh ER Coastal Waterbird Survey 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] Glaucous winged Gull 690 in total 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. No 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Developing display/poster, developing brochures, other 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] Approximately 72 hours, including travel and monitoring. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 16.2 Field Notes from Duke of Edinburgh Visit The Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve is quite difficult to visit as it lies at the western entrance of Queen Charlotte Sound and is exposed to the Pacific Ocean. It is necessary to hire a fishing boat from Port Hardy, which is quite expensive. It would take many days to sail from Vancouver to Port Hardy if one owned a yacht. I suppose it would be possible to trailer a motor boat and launch it in Port Hardy. It is relatively easy to visit all the islands in the reserve in one day, going around all of the Islands and Islets. Landing on any of the islands would seem to be extremely difficult even with a suitable dinghy (Zodiac). Only Pine Island has an inhabitant, the lighthouse keeper. There is a weather station on Herbert Island at the south end of the Buckle group, but this is not manned. 30

31 On August 11 th, 2011, my wife and I hired a fishing boat and a guide to monitor all the birds on and around these islands (and do some fishing). It was a sunny, calm day with 5 10 knots of wind. There was a swell. Hundreds of Harbour Seals and California Sea Lions were seen on the rocky islets. Dall s Porpoises were swimming alongside our boat for a while. A Humpback Whale was also seen. Total Number of Birds seen: 710 Glaucous winged Gull Larus glaucescens 665 California Gull Larus californicus 600 Pigeon Guillemot Cepphus columba 242 Brandt s Cormorant Phalacrocorax penicillatus 23 Common Murre Uria aalge 8 Surfbird Aphriza virgata 2 Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala 1 Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 5 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 1 Northwestern Crow Corvus caurinus 2 Black bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 20 Rhinocerus Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata 2 Red necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 12 Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus 56 Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani Gulls and Sea lions. Lighthouse on Pine Island. 31

32 17 English Bay Burrard Inlet IBA 17.1 English Bay Burrard Inlet 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: English Bay Burrard Inlet Caretakers: Robyn Worcester, Krista Englund, Patricia Banning Lover Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring Data entered in ebird? (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) November 13, 2011 Seawall of Stanley Park Complete census count No March August 2011 Ongoing Great Blue Heron colony at 2099 Beach Avenue Specific sites throughout the IBA Biweekly sample counts following standard protocols (see full report) Beached Bird Surveys Coastal Waterbird Surveys No Data entered into ebird or BCCWS database 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] Great Blue Heron approximately 112 active nests in Stanley Park (march july 2011) Western Grebe 10 observed during the SPES winter seawall count in November Unidentified Grebe 250 were observed during the BCCWS at Barnet Marine Park in January Barrow's Goldeneye 583 were observed during the BCCWS during the month of January Surf Scoter 1389 were observed during the BCCWS during the month of January 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? 2 MAMU were seen off Ferguson Point, SP during a field trip in November Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? There appear to be way more paddleboards disturbing winter birds off Stanley Park now, than in previous years. Also oil tanker traffic in and out of Burrard Inlet is a growing concern. 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. IBA interpretive (1) and identification (4) signs are in the process of being installed at Jericho Beach, Second Beach in Stanley Park, Maplewood Flats, and Shoreline Park in Port Moody. 32

33 The site summary update is nearly complete. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? I think it would be good to do another training session at SPES like we did this fall again this year 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] Krista: 50 hours, Robyn: 50 hours 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 33

34 18 Fraser Delta Boundary Bay 18.1 Fraser Delta Boundary Bay 2011 Annual Report Date: January IBA Name: Fraser Delta Boundary Bay Caretaker Name: Anne Murray Dates/Locations of Site Visits: I visit areas of the IBA for the purpose of birding approximately once a week. During these visits I do not generally count birds but just enjoy their presence, take note of unusual species or numbers and the passage of the seasons. Sometimes I go birdwatching on my own and sometimes with other birders. I have not noticed any changing trends in the site s designated species, with those previously recorded as declining continuing to be low in numbers. I also monitor threats to the habitat and these continue to accelerate with no abatement in sight. Loss of habitat, especially agricultural land, and degradation of habitat from industrial, urban and recreational uses, continue to be the major problems for this IBA. It will take considerable change in policies at the political level to effect any improvement in these issues. It was interesting to note during a visit to Drayton Harbour on Feb , how many water birds were gathered in that bay (an offshoot of Boundary Bay in WA,USA), with many of them close to shore and easily visible. Disturbance of all kinds was significantly lower than at similar habitat locations in many parts of the Fraser delta. 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year? If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] I didn t do any personal counts this year, other than CBC Ladner. 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations? Yes If yes, please describe. High number of Snowy Owls (at least 40 total) at 72 St Boundary Bay and Brunswick Point, mid November onwards. Large numbers of Eurasian Collared Doves everywhere now (flocks of up to 50 seen in Boundary Bay farmland). 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated? Yes If yes, please describe. Imminent and current loss of extensive farmland habitat (> 1000 ac) previously in Agricultural Land Reserve, to urban development (Tsawwassen FN development and South Fraser Perimeter Road). 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated? Yes If yes, please describe. See above # 3 habitat loss of farmland associated with South Fraser Perimeter Road in ALR north of Boundary Bay; also additional house building in various locations around the IBA farmland. Spartina anglica continues as a serious threat in the intertidal. 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, planning)? Yes If yes, please describe. Signage is beginning to be installed marking the IBA; planned completion by spring. A successful BC Nature Fall General meeting and Conference at Tsawwassen and Boundary Bay Regional Park attracted nearly 200 participants and involved several local partners, notably Metro Vancouver Parks and the Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club, for the Friday evening Barbecue, and the Coast Tsawwassen Inn for the meetings and banquet. Funds raised contribute to the local Delta Naturalists Society programs and to BC Nature, including the IBA Program. 34

35 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, outreach, stewardship, or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply & describe assistance desired)? rehabilitating habitat (e.g. removing invasives): writing/updating mgt/conservation plans: installing interpretive or IBA identification signs: writing articles for local media, newsletters, etc: giving presentations to gov'ts/organizations: Metro Vancouver are doing this in the Park The Boundary Bay Management Plan needs updating: political approval is needed for this according to Ministry staff Working on this Being done, e.g. article in Birdwatching magazine about Reifel Bird Sanctuary. Though not specifically on the IBA Program, that is sometimes mentioned. A presentation to the regional government might be in order 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? Difficult to distinguish from many of my regular activities; perhaps 5 hours a week, conservatively = 250 hours a year but much more if you count the time I spend writing about nature. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 19 Fraser Lake IBA 35

36 20 Greater Vancouver Watershed IBA 20.1 Greater Vancouver Watersheds 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Greater Vancouver Watersheds Caretaker Name: Devin Manky Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) August 30, 2011 Seymour Watershed Standard MOE Spotted Owl Survey Data entered in ebird? No 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? No If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] No Spotted Owls were heard. Three single male Barred Owls were heard. 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Further assistance needed to coordinate future monitoring. 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 1 survey x 5 people x 5 hrs + 5 hrs planning and reporting = 30 hrs 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 9. Raw Observations St_ID Date_ E_UTM N_UTM S_time E_Time T_Time Det_Y_N Species_ Sex STATUS Sh201 30/8/ :23 20:38 0:15 NO Sh202 30/8/ :41 20:56 0:15 NO Sh203 30/8/ :00 21:15 0:15 NO Sh204 30/8/ :17 21:32 0:15 NO Sh205 30/8/ :34 21:49 0:15 NO Sh205 30/8/ :52 22:08 0:16 YES BDOW Male Single Sh207 30/8/ :12 21:27 0:15 NO Sh208 30/8/ :30 22:45 0:15 NO 36

37 Sh209 30/8/ :49 23:04 0:15 NO Sh /8/ :06 23:25 0:19 NO Sh /8/ :27 23:42 0:15 NO Sh /8/ :44 23:59 0:15 NO Sh /8/ :03 0:20 0:17 NO Sh /8/ :21 0:38 0:17 YES BDOW Male Single Sh /8/ :40 0:55 0:15 YES BDOW Male Single Sh /8/ :00 1:15 0:15 NO Sh /8/ :20 1:35 0:15 NO 21 Hesquiat Lake Area IBA 21.1 Notes submitted by Caretakers Dave and Diane Ignace for 2011 Date Location # Observed Bird Species Notes January 18, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 6 Hooded Merganser Hanging out in the water front of ouse 4 Swans Flying over the bay February 9, 2011 Matlahaw 150 Brandt On the flat and some flying overhead Point February 10, 2011 Hesquiat 1000s Gulls Feeding off the point Muirs Pt. February 13, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 3 Woodpeckers Black bibs, dark brown heads, tan breast, and back with black speckles orange and black tails (Northern Flicker) 6 Common Goldeneye Feeding in front of house 8 Harlequin Ducks " February 14, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 6 Common and " Barrows Goldeneye February 17, 2011 Village Lake 4 Goldeneyes In our lake March 13, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 25 Brandt Flying in front of house March 24, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 2 Eagle and loon Eagle attacked and wounded loon March 29, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 1 Hummingbird In a tide pool belly up and alive 1st of season April 24, Grey doves Maybe Eurasian collared doves? Around for weeks April 26, Tiny gulls Heermann's Gulls? Red bills. May 14, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 50 MAMU Off Hesquiat Pt May 15, 2011 Hesquiat IR# Grey doves Maybe Eurasian collared doves? on tree and hill by our old house May 23, 2011 Hesquiat IR#1 2 Grey doves Landed on our deck June 17, 2011 Hesquiat Point 20 MAMU And lots of cormorants feeding June 20, 2011 Hesquiat Point MAMU And flock of Common Murre June 20, Maybe Sooty Together and some more Shearwaters June 20, 2011 Offshore Northern Fulmar Feeding off? Point offshore 37

38 22 Holden Lake IBA 22.1 Holden Lake 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Holden Lake Caretaker Name: Al Kirkley Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring Data entered in ebird? (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) April 13, 2011 All Habitat monitor No 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] 3 Great Blue Herons seen on April 13 but there were no nesting birds 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? None 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 2 hours 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 38

39 23 Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets IBA 23.1 Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: McRae Islets Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Jervis Inlet/McRae Coastal Waterbird Survey Islets Data entered in ebird? Yes 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] Glaucous winged Gull 77 at McRae Islet 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. No 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Developing display/poster, developing brochures, other 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] Approximately 4 days, including travel and monitoring. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 39

40 24 Kilpoola Lake IBA 24.1 Kilpoola Lake IBA 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Kilpoola Lake Area Caretaker Name: Lois and Harry Nielsen Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) April 3, 17, 27 Turtle & Reed Lakes, Casual/Bluebird Trail Monitor Kilpoola and Blue Lakes May 6, 20, 29 East Chopaka, Kilpoola Casual/Bluebird Trail Monitor and Blue Lakes June 11, 26 East Chopaka, Kilpoola Casual/Bluebird Trail Monitor and Blue Lakes July 27 East Chopaka, Kilpoola Casual/Bluebird Trail Monitor and Blue Lakes Data entered in ebird? No No No No 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] On April 27, we began noticing large flocks of Brewer's Sparrow. Too many to count. Unable to report on presence of Flammulated Owl. No sightings of Lewis's Woodpecker, Sage Thrasher or White headed Woodpecker. 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? On July 27, a small flock of wild Turkeys observed at Turtle Pond. 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? Yes. Lower level of water in Kilpoola and Blue Lakes. Continuation of mud bogging at Kilpoola and Blue Lakes. 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. Birding trips by Naturalist Clubs, Meadowlark Festival tours, C.B.C yearly, Bluebird Trail monitoring ongoing. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? None 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] Approximately 30 yours, including travel and monitoring. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Confusing. Where do I report bird counts on this form? Info attached below. 40

41 9. Bird Observations April 3 Kildeer and Western Meadowlark (heard), Western Bluebird, Northern Flicker, Mallards, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads April 17 Hairy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (1), Kildeer and Western Meadowlark (heard), Western Bluebird (2), Nuthatch (heard) April 27 Western Meadowlark, Black billed Magpie, Brewer's Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Mallards, Common Goldeneyes, Brewer's Sparrow (large flock), Kildeer May 6 Barrow's Goldeneye (1 pair), Kildeer (many), Meadowlark (many heard), Lesser Scaup (14), House Wren (many heard), American Robin (2), Mountain Bluebird (1 pair), Western Bluebird (4 pair), Tree Swallow (8 pair), Brewer's Blackbird (flock) May 20 Wilson's Pharalope (observed during Meadowlark Festival tour) May 29 Brewer's Blackbirds, Grasshopper Sparrow (heard), Brewer's Sparrow (flock), House Wren, Tree Swallow, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird (1 pr), Meadowlarks (heard), Black=capped Chickadee, Northern Flicker, California Quail, Mallards, Barrow's Goldeneyes, Rudy Duck (1) June 11 Common Nighthawk (heard), possibly a Common Snipe (heard) June 26 Common Nighthawk (heard) or possibly a Common Snipe (heard), Northern Shoveler (pair) and 6 ducklings, Rudy Duck (2) July 27 Wild Turkeys small flock at Turtle Pond on Kruger Mtn Rd 25 Lambert Channel Hornby Island IBA 25.1 Lambert Channel/ Hornby Island Waters 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Lambert Channel/Hornby Island Caretaker Name: Art Martell Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) multiple dates entire area Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC Data entered in ebird? Yes 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] See respective databases 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since 41

42 your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. The site summary is currently being revised. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Assistance with site summary update. 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 50+ hours 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 26 Laskeek Bay IBA 26.1 Laskeek Bay 2011 Annual Report* This was Laskeek Bay Conservation Society s 22 nd Field season on East Limestone Island, Laskeek Bay, Haida Gwaii. Major blow down events over the past winter severely impacted approximately half the island, but left the camp intact. The 2011 season ran from 29 April to 8 July, bringing 2 student interns, 13 volunteers, 2 school groups (QCSS), and 69 visitors to the island. Ancient Murrelet chicks were captured at Cabin Cove and numbers declined slightly from last season. No raccoons were detected on the island this season. Two 5 day oystercatcher surveys were completed in Gwaii Haanas, but we did not complete surveys or band chicks in Laskeek Bay in We censused Glaucouswinged Gull colonies in Laskeek Bay and found 333 active nests at three different colonies above the long term average. Pigeon Guillemots used all 10 original nest boxes at Lookout Point, and 7 of the 18 new boxes installed in 2010 were active. Eight Cassin s Auklet nest boxes were active, all with healthy chicks. Three near shore sea surveys and two Hecate Strait sea surveys were completed. The 16 June near shore survey recorded a total of 356 Marbled Murrelets; much higher than last year. Humpback whale sightings increased this year and we also recorded Dall s porpoise, Minke whale, and Grey whale all of which are seen infrequently. There were 8 sightings of Killer whale groups in Laskeek Bay and 1 sighting in Gwaii Haanas. Fourteen wildlife trees were active, and contained nests of 12 Red breasted Sapsuckers, 2 Chestnut backed Chickadees, and 1 Brown Creeper. Two Bald Eagle nests were active, the Peregrine Falcons had three young and the Common Ravens fledged two young. Prepared by Jake Pattison Reviewed and Edited by Laskeek Bay Conservation Society Box 867, Queen Charlotte, BC, V0T 1S0 *The full field season report is included in the Annual Report 2011 folder 27 Lawn Point IBA 42

43 28 Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay IBA 28.1 Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay 2011 Annual Report Submitted by Hans Laue December 21, 2011 The report is based on my personal unsystematic observations as a resident within the IBA, conversations with a few people, articles in the local newspapers, and other reports. The report is divided into the eight sections of the official report template. 1. Status of IBA Qualifying Birds: The IBA qualifying birds were monitored, either directly or as part of the more general Coastal Waterbird Survey. I don t have quantitative data to give you. The Coastal Waterbird Survey data for this IBA do not seem to be available on the Survey s website, but BC Nature may have access to them. The December 2011 issue of the British Columbia Coast BirdWatch is copied below. It contains Coastal Waterbird Results for for the East Coast of Vancouver Island, within which the IBA is situated, but not data that pertain only to this IBA. Guy Monty is performing ongoing counts of the Brant and probably some other target species, e.g., Thayer s Gull. A local paper, The News, in its March 4, 2011 issue reported him as saying that there has been a 58% decline in Brant numbers in the IBA since 1988, although the numbers have increased slightly in the last couple of years. In contrast, the entire Pacific Flyway population of Brant has remained more or less constant. The BirdWatch issue contains an article by Karen Barry and Peter Davidson titled Coastal Waterbird Survey in which they report on the decline of the Western Grebe numbers in the southern Strait of Georgia. The numbers have certainly declined drastically within this IBA, suggesting that this species should be removed from the list of target species for the IBA. The very large numbers of sea ducks (of the order of half a million) that could be observed in the Strait of Georgia in some recent years during March and April were not present this year. This may have been related to a relatively weak herring run in this area this year. 2. Rare/Unusual Birds: A female Summer Tanager was observed and photographed in French Creek within the IBA on November Status of Pressures/Threats: No new conservation threats have arisen, to the best of my knowledge, but there is always the potential threat of further development along the shoreline, from Parksville to Qualicum Beach. The developments in themselves may not be that harmful, but the more of them there are, the more likely people are going to be on the beach in areas where the Brant are feeding, unless one can educate them to do otherwise. Activities near the Brant s feeding or resting areas, like walking, playing sports on the beach, kite surfing, or even throwing rocks, will have a negative effect on Brant numbers. 4. Status of Habitat: The habitat within the IBA has not significantly changed during this year. All major developments along the shoreline were already completed last year. However, the beach promenade in the Parksville Community Park was completed this year. As long as people stay on the promenade, one can hope that their presence is not going to have a negative effect on the birds at the shore. Also, most of the traffic on the promenade will be during the summer, when virtually no water birds are present. There have been concerns raised about the damage to estuaries being done by Canada Geese. See the article A Closer Look at Canada Geese on Vancouver Island by Karen Barry in the current BirdWatch issue. The BC Government has finally issued a permit at the beginning of November allowing logging in the parcel DL33 of coastal douglas fir forest. The logging began immediately afterward, over the protest of various groups, e.g., the Western Canada Wilderness Committee. Later in the month, the Government passed an injunction prohibiting protesters from interfering with the logging. On Feb. 14, 2010, in response to a request for public input into the application for a logging permit, BC Nature wrote a letter presenting arguments why logging in DL33 should not be allowed. The letter was addressed to Mr. Bill Zinovich, Integrated Land Management Bureau, with copies to several 43

44 Government offices. Although DL33 is not within the IBA, it is close enough to it that logging in DL33 may have adverse effects on the IBA as pointed out in the BC Nature letter. 5. Status of Responses: To my knowledge, no new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities were begun in the IBA during 2011, but a number of such activities are ongoing. 6. Current/Future Activities: I was given three IBA identification signs and am in the process of getting them installed by the bodies having jurisdiction over the different parts of the IBA. One of these signs was installed on December 20 at the shoreline along the beach promenade in the Parksville Community Park mentioned above where many birds congregate in the winter including Brant. I may be able to participate in the development of an interpretative IBA sign if the Regional District of Nanaimo wishes to develop one. They will discuss the matter in January. 7. Volunteer Hours: Rough guess: 50 hours. 8. The annual report form was quite helpful in delimiting the scope of the report. 29 McFadden Heronry IBA 30 McIntyre Beach Rose Spit IBA 44

45 31 Mitlenatch Island IBA 31.1 Mitlenatch Island 2011 Annual Report by MIST Dec. 08, 2011 Completed by MIST (Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team) Coordinator and IBA Caretaker Peggy Sowden 1. Summary of Activities This year MIST volunteer teams were on the island from April 6 th to Sept 12 th. During each week volunteers performed a series of tasks including providing a protective presence for the nesting seabirds by greeting visitors, answering their questions and ensuring they kept on the paths and landed their vessels at the designated locations (away from nesting Black Oystercatchers and moulting Harlequin Ducks). The volunteers also offered nature walks for visitors, guided them in use of the bird blind and gave out the newly updated brochure. Beach clean up was done weekly. In April a new solar charging system was installed allowing bird observations to be entered into a laptop. Art Martel prepared the spreadsheet and at the end of the summer entered the data into ebird and the BCBBA. In April the IP removal program began with Dave Polster setting up the study plots and providing a management plan. The program continued throughout the summer concentrating on Himalayan blackberry removal in the notch meadow. The old bird blind was replaced in September. MIST successfully applied for funds from MEC for a new dinghy, a training workshop and the installation of the interpretive sign. Plans are underway for the MIST training workshop which will be held in May Bird Observations All data entered on ebird and BCBBA. Following the bird s name are the Date counted/number of individuals counted, highlighted number is the maximum number recorded during Apr 6th to Sep t12th, 2011: Glaucous winged Gull*: Apr.11/815, May 25/1467, July 22/300 Pelagic Cormorant: Apr.11/1, Apr.19/12, May25/218, June 24/ 719, July 22/366 Double crested Cormorant : Apr.11/7, Apr.19/4,May 25/59, June 24/297, July21/4,July22/0 Pigeon Guillemot*: Apr.11/1, Apr.23/61, May 13/56, May 25/241, June 24/17, July 22/299 Black Oystercatcher: Apr.11/9, May 13/16, May 25/5, June 24/36, July 21/4, July22/7 Northwestern Crow#: Apr.11/22, May 13/19, May 25/46, June 24/26, July 22/35 Harlequin Duck : Apr.11/25, May 13/78, May25/58, June 24/82, July22/29 *Birds were counted during circumnavigations of the island by boat. GWGU numbers will be lower than expected as not all of the nesting habitat is visible by boat and PG numbers will be lower as adults maybe on the nests which are not visible. # Northwestern Crows on the nests will not be counted as volunteers do not enter the nesting areas. 3. Unusual Sightings 1. Virginia Rail (nesting, fledged young): May 11, May 30, July 17, Aug 02, Aug 06. Nancy Baron reported seeing a Virginia Rail on Mitlenatch in Brown Pelican : July 15/ Marleen Datema reported seeing Brown Pelicans on the island previously 3. Black Bellied Plover: Apr 16, May Long Billed Curlew : Apr Conservation Threats 1. The visitor numbers continue to be in the order of 3,000 for the season. There continues to be concerns with people attempting to bring dogs on the island. Further signs are planned, mention in MIST s future website and local newspaper articles. Another concern is boats landing close to Black Oystercatcher nests. The signs, MIST brochure and megaphone has helped. In time we hope the public will become aware that the center of Camp and NW Bay are the only places to land. 45

46 2. Predation on GWGU eggs and young by River Otter and Bald Eagles continues to increase. Repeat GWGU laying has been noted to have increased and late fledging. 3. Violations of fishing regulations in the RCA fishing gear and forage fish depletion are potential concerns. A new spotting scope will hopefully allow for quick and accurate reporting to fishery officials. 4. Forage fish depletion is an ongoing issue that maybe affecting the success of seabird nesting. 5. Habitat degradation 1. Spread of invasive plants. Sedum acre has greatly increased. The IP removal program has begun and Sedum acre as well as other species will be added to removal plans for the upcoming season. 2. Beach garbage. There has been an alarming increase in the garbage washing onshore in particular Styrofoam 6. Upcoming Events A MIST training workshop is planned for May Data inventory collection and IP removal techniques will be covered as well as an overview of the Natural and Human history of Mitlenatch. The interpretive signs will be installed in NW Bay. 7. Assistance It would be helpful to have someone from IBA give a presentation on the IBAs. The workshop is planned for the weekend of May 12/13, Volunteer Hours (TOTAL~ 7152 hours per year) 1.MIST volunteer weeks 7days x 24 hrs x 24 weeks = 4032 hrs. 2.Other MIST hours for : creating educational materials (signs, brochures) 5 volunteers x 20 days x8hrs =800hrs. : infrastructure bird blind,outhouse painting etc. 8 volunteers x 20days x8hrs=1280hrs :equipment camp, boat etc 2 volunteers x 10 days x8hrs = 160hrs :fund raising 3 volunteers x 20 days x 8hrs = 480 hrs :misc office time, phone calls, liaison meetings with BC Parks 1 volunteer x 8hrs x 50days = 400hrs 9. Report Form Yes it is helpful 31.2 Mitlenatch Island 2011 Annual Report by Keith Riding Date: IBA Name: Mitlenatch Island Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Mitlenatch Island Coastal Waterbird Survey Yes Data entered in ebird? 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] Glaucous winged Gull 77 Pelagic Cormorant Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 46

47 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. No 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Developing display/poster, developing brochures, other 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] Approximately 1 day, including travel and monitoring. 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes Field Notes: Cortes Bay to Grief Point; Plus Mittlentach Island. Trip Date: Species Seen: 11 Canada Goose Branta canadensis Four were seen. Pelagic Cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus Seventy one were seen. Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia One was heard. Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Two were heard. Northwestern Crow Corvus caurinus One hundred and seventy one were counted. Common Raven Corvus corax One was seen. Surfbird Aphriza virgata Thirty were seen. Glaucous winged Gull Larus glaucescens Seventy seven were counted. Common Murre Uria aalge Thirty were seen. Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala Two were seen. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Two were chasing over the island. Fifty five Stellar Sea Lions were seen. One hundred and seventy two Harbour Seals were counted. Five yachts were seen. Two motor boats and two ferries and one tug boat were seen. 47

48 32 Mt. Arrowsmith and Area Mountains IBA 32.1 Mt. Arrowsmith and Area Mountains Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Mount Arrowsmith Caretaker Name: Catherine Watson Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) Northern aspect of Mt. Casual obsv. and habitat monitor. Arrowsmith along McBey Creek Eastern aspect of Mt. Arrowsmith Casual obsv. and habitat monitor. along Main Gully trail Data entered in ebird? Yes 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? No If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? No 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? No 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. No 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Writing/updating mgt/conservation plans; monitoring with equipment/protocols; installing interpretive or IBA identification signs; writing articles for local media, newsletters, etc.; giving presentations to local governments/organizations 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] 12 hrs 8. Did you find this annual report form helpful? Yes 9. Additional Notes Species spotted on 19/08/11 were Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, American robin Species spotted on 16/09/11 were Chestnut backed chickadee, Dark eyed Junco 48

49 33 Osoyoos Oxbows IBA 33.1 Osoyoos Oxbows 2011 Annual Report After several years of development encroaching on the Osoyoos Oxbows IBA, 2011 was a fairly quite year. Over the year I visited the area on at least 18 days putting in about 50 hours checking out the area and talking to people using the area. The Department of Highways finished the widening of Highway 97 and a bike/walking path was put in along the western edge of the area. Parks Branch personnel worked on some of the fencing in the area and installed the new IBA sign at the south end of the Ecological Reserve. There was also some maintenance work done on the dyke northeast of Road 22. A brush fire burned part of the Ecological Reserve above Black Sage Road but was quickly brought under control so the area burned was quite small. The poor weather in late spring and early summer had a detrimental effect on the Bobolinks this year. Far fewer birds than normal were present and no nests were found this year. Due to the excessive rainfall early in the season the meadow foliage grew enormously this year and was the highest I've ever seen it in over 30 years. The Peregrine Falcons again nested on Throne Mountain and young were seen flying around indicating a successful season. The CWS personnel who have been working on the Yellow breasted Chats did not do monitoring in the oxbows this year but they appear to have had a successful breeding season. Barn Owls had been absent from the area for three years, after a bad winter wiped out the local breeders, but this year they again returned to the area with a bird being found in April. The Bald Eagles that nested in the area for the first time last year were again present, building a new nest northeast of Road 22. The Long billed Curlews were again present with 2 pairs being seen during the breeding season but it's not known if they were successful with their nesting. The wet and cold start to the breeding season resulted in many local breeders, mostly the late arriving species like Gray Catbird and Willow Flycatcher, being found in much lower numbers than usual and a very poor breeding season with few young produced. The only species that seems to have done really well this year is Song Sparrow which were not bothered by the poor weather and had a huge breeding season with most pairs fledging multiple broods. Doug Brown 34 Pacific Spirit Regional Park IBA 35 Porlier Pass IBA 49

50 36 Seabird Colonies (CWS) 36.1 Summary of call with Moira Lemmon on February 15, 2012 Krista Englund reviewed the spreadsheet of Moira's IBAs (see below) and Moira confirmed visited done in 2011 and plans for the future. CWS Visit Schedule for Breeding Seabird Colonies IBA number IBA NAME Date of Previous Visits Date of Next Anticipated Visit Primary Researcher Overview of Research/ available reports BC139 Alder Island 2005 partial, brief none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 50; unpublished CWS data BC010 Anthony Island (Skaang Gwaii) none at present CWS Tech Rp # 65; unpublished CWS/S&T data BC141 BC007 Dodge Point&Gogit Passage island chain Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve 2006 CWS monitoring plots; 2009 RHAU banding/blood sampling; 2010 RHAU banding/blood sampling; 2011 CWS monitoring plots CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Environment Canada 1992 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 50; Ref CWS monitoring plots Pine I.; 2009 RHAU banding/blood sampling Pine I; 2010 RHAU banding/blood sampling Pine I.; 2011 monitoring plots Pine I. BC016 Englefield Bay Islands 2004 Helgesen, Lihou, Saunders Is.; days on 2+ islands to investigate recovery from racoons 2012 Mark Hipfner pilot with Fisheries (RHAU feeding on juvenile salmon) none at present CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Environment Canada CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Environment Canada; Tony Gaston in 2011 CWS Tech Rp # 123; unpublished CWS/S&T data CWS Tech Rp # 65; unpublished CWS data; Ref. 1 BC004 Frederick Island 2005 none at present CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Envt. Can. CWS Tech Rp # 95; unpublished CWS data BC093 Gillam Island 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 94 BC105 Goose Island Group 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 121 and Banks BC125 Grey and Green Islands 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp #

51 BC009 Hippa Island 1983; 2011 John Elliot may have none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 95 visited for some toxicity work BC005 Kerouard and St. James 2004 none at present Mark Hipfner S&T Ref. 3; CWS/S&T unpublished data islands Envt. Can. BC136 Kunghit Island and 2004 none at present Mark Hipfner S&T CWS/S&T unpublished data Luxana Bay Envt. Can. BC088 Kyuquot Channel Islets 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 94 BC003 Langara Island 2004 colony survey; SFU grad student under Mark Hipfner none at present CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Envt. Can.; SFU/CWS Wildlife Chair CWS Tech Rp # 95; Ref. 4 (CWS tech Rep 445) BC008 Lepas Bay Islet 1986 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 43 BC122 Lucy Islands 2006 CWS monitoring plots; 2009 RHAU banding/blood sampling; 2010 RHAU banding/blood sampling; 2011 CWS monitoring plots 2012 Mark Hipfner pilot with Fisheries (RHAU feeding on juvenile salmon) CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Environment Canada CWS Tech Rp # 121; unpublished CWS/S&T data BC253 Major Brown Rock 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 121 BC106 Moore and Byers 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 121 Islands and Bank BC140 Ramsay and northern Juan Perez Sound islands 2007 Ramsay I. CWS monitoring plots 2012 Ramsay I. CWS monitoring plots ANMU/CAAU CWS CWS Tech Rp # 50; Ref. 5 & 6; unpublished CWS data BC137 Rankine and Langtry islands 2005 CWS monitoring plots Rankine I. ; 2010 CWS monitoring plots Rankine I.; 2011 post doc return for tagged birds BC006 Scott Island Group 2009 CWS monitoring plots Triangle I.; S&T EnvironmentCanada/SFU research; 2006 Sartine Is; Triangle I. S&T Environment Canada/SFU Research; none at present 2012 Mark Hipfner monitoring CAAU; 2014 CWS monitoring plots Triangle I. CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Environment Canada CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Environment Canada CWS Tech Rp # 50; Ref. 7; unpublished CWS data CWS Tech Rp # 86; numerous scientific papers (S&T/SFU); Ref. 10; unpublished CWS data 51

52 BC138 Skincuttle Inlet Islands 2008 CWS monitoring plots George and East Copper Is CWS monitoring plots George and East Copper Is. CWS; Mark Hipfner S&T Environment Canada CWS Tech Rp # 50; Ref. 8 & 9; unpublished CWS data BC103 Smith Sound islets 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 121 BC090 Solander Island and 1988 Solander Island colony none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 94 Brooks Bay survey BC011 Tian Bay/Port Louis area 1986 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 43 References 1 Gaston, A.J. and M. Masselink The impact of Raccoons Procyon lotor on breeding seabirds at Englefield Bay, Haida Gwaii, Canada. Bird Conservation International 7: Lemon, M.J.F Survey of Ancient Murrelet colony at Dodge Point on Lyell Island in Pp in A.J. Gaston and A. Lawrence (eds.). Laskeek Bay Conservation Society Report on Scientific Activities # 3, Hipfner, M.J Population Status of the Common Murre Uria aalge in British Columbia, Canada. Marine Ornithology Vol , Pp Regehr, H.M., M.S. Rodway, M.J.F. Lemon and J.M. Hipfner Status of the Ancient Murrelet colony on Langara Island in 2004, nine years after eradication of introduced rats. Technical Report Series No Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region, British Columbia. 5 Lemon, M.J.F Survey of Permanent Seabird monitoring plots on Ramsay Island. Pp in A.J. Gaston and A. Lawrence (eds.). Laskeek Bay Conservation Society Report on Scientific Activities # 3, Hipfner, J.M Surveys of permanent seabird monitoring plots on Ramsay Island, Gwaii Haanas, in June Pp in Gaston, A.J. (ed.) Laskeek Bay Research 13. Laskeek Bay Conservation Society, Queen Charlotte City, B.C. 7 Lemon, M.J.F Surveys of permanent Seabird Monitoring Plots on Rankine Island, Gwaii Haanas National Park, June unpublished CWS report to Parks Canada, Feb Lemon, M.J.F Seabird colony monitoring on George Island, Pp in A.J. Gaston (ed) Laskeek Bay Research 7 9 Lemon, M.J.F Surveys of permanent Seabird Monitoring Plots on George Island and East Copper Island, Gwaii Haanas National Park, June unpublished CWS report to Parks Canada, Dec Hipfner J.M., M.J.F. Lemon and M.S. Rodway, Introduced mammals, vegetation changes, and seabird conservation on the Scott Islands, British Columbia, Canada. Bird Conservation International (2010) 20:1 11. ª BirdLife International, 2010 doi: /s

53 37 Sidney Channel IBA 37.1 See 38 Skidegate Inlet IBA 39 Skookumchuck Prairie IBA 39.1 Skookumchuck Prarie 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Skookumchuck Prarie Caretaker Name: Peter Davidson Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring Data entered in ebird? (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat monitor.) June 8, 2011 Most of IBA see route Casual Observation description below July 2011 Specific sites visited during other activities Casual Observation No Route: We traveled north through the IBA on Highway 93/95 by truck from the Wasa bridge to Farstad Way. Several stops were made along the way to look and listen for Long billed Curlew in the native grasslands and alpha alpha fields alongside the highway. We then turned West onto Farstad Way and drove to the Tembec Pulp Mill. We retraced our steps and continued north on Highway 93/95 to Bradford Road. We turned East on Bradford Road and traveled to the Barraclough residence at the end of the road. After touring the Barraclough ranch (on Wasa Sheep Creek Road), we returned to Highway 93/95 and traveled south look and listen for Curlew in the fields on the west side of the highway before ending our tour at the Wasa Bridge. 1. Target Bird Observations June 8 two Long billed Curlews were observed. The first curlew was seen feeding in native grassland. The second curlew was suspected to be on a nest close to or within the Wildlife Habitat Area, surprisingly close to the highway. July I observed up to five long billed curlew feeding in the alfalfa fields of Barry Minor on some of my trips through the area. 2. Other Notable Bird Observations June 8 A Lewis's Woodpecker was seen nesting in a snag at a ranch. July nesting Lewis's Woodpeckers were observed. June 8 A Lazuli Bunting was seen at the Tembec Pulp Mill. June 8 A Bobolink was seen on a fencepost in ranch fields. July several Bobolinks (e.g. small flock) were seen in ranch fields. 53

54 3. Habitat Changes and Conservation Threats A key habitat issue in this IBA is forest encroachment. Controlled burns have been conducted to reduce forest encroachment, but none were conducted this year due to weather. Another key threat is Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), which appears to be spreading across the grassland. Sulfur Cinquefoil is not a noxious weed controlled by the Regional District. The Minor s have sold the property and it appears to have been divided into two parcels. I will keep you posted on this very important feeding area for curlew of Skookumchuk Prairie. Potential loss of habitat due to development is a minor concern (e.g. Barry Minor property). Recreation is a minor concern. Forest encroachment and Antelope Bitter Brush (Purshia tridentata) Patch of Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) 54

55 4. Conservation Activities & Monitoring Contacting landowners to notify them of the importance of the area for curlews is a possible future stewardship activity. Several Wildlife Habitat Areas were designated for curlew breeding, but curlews do move around from year to year (perhaps WHAs should be larger). There is a very active young naturalists club who may be able to get involved with monitoring activities. Peter conducted Breeding Bird Atlas surveys during the first year and will look for his data (note that the habitat data for the atlas was incorrect and there was only one point count within the IBA). Flammulated Owl and Poorwill surveys were done recently in the area. 40 Snake Island IBA 40.1 Snake Island 2011 Annual Report The site summary for Snake Island IBA is currently being revised and modifications of the current boundaries is being considered. Snake Island was not visited in

56 41 Somenos Marsh IBA 41.1 Somenos Marsh 2011 Annual Report Date: IBA Name: Somenos Marsh Caretaker Name: Paul Fletcher Dates/Locations of Site Visits Date(s) Area Monitored Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual Observation, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, habitat, etc) Weekly All areas Casual No Weekly Somenos Marsh, Swan count Yes? Somenos Lake Data entered in ebird? 1. Were any of the IBA qualifying birds (i.e. the species, or congregations, listed in the site summary) counted or monitored this year (please circle)? Yes If yes, what was the maximum number of each target species observed and the associated date? [Please note if this high count was for individuals, or breeding pairs for colonial birds; and, if known, indicate how long (weeks, months) these high numbers persisted. Please attach your detailed monitoring data if not entered into an online database such as ebird.ca] Please note previously sent bird reports. Also please note that Trumpeter Swans use Somenos mostly for overnight roosting making it hard to determine actual TRUS use of Somenos. Trumpeter Swan 88 were counted in January 2011 during weekly marsh counts 2. Were there any other notable bird observations, such as rare, abundant or unusual species or congregations (please circle)? Please see previously sent bird reports. 3. Have any new or potential conservation threats ('pressures') arisen, or existing pressures worsened, since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? Yes. Annual high water levels and slow runoff continue to limit agricultural management of the fields allowing the willows to slowly take over the previously farmed fields. 4. Has the habitat ('state') changed in any significant way since your last report or since the site was designated (please circle)? Yes. See #3 above. 5. Have any new monitoring, stewardship, outreach or conservation related activities ('responses') begun since your last report or since the site was designated (e.g. tours, presentations, wildlife/habitat research, habitat restoration/protection, management planning)? If yes, please describe. 6. BC Nature/Bird Studies Canada (BSC) may be able to assist with providing funding, supplies, training or coordination for monitoring, stewardship and/or conservation activities. Would you like to initiate any of the following but need some assistance (please check all that apply and describe assistance desired)? Rehabilitating habitat, monitoring with equipment/protocols, developing portable display/poster, developing brochures 7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? [Note: This info helps us leverage funding for the IBA program.] Did you find this annual report form helpful? The report is irritating. Every time I save it, it changes things and cancels the yes/no boxes. 56

57 42 South Thompson River IBA 43 Strathcona Provincial Park IBA 43.1 Strathcona Provincial Park 2011 Annual Report Strathcona Park IBA Report 2011 Betty Brooks SWI The summer of 2011 was a very busy one for the SWI Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre. Krista Kaptein was back again as our coordinator. She did a fantastic job of organizing lectures, nature walks and hikes as well as training many volunteers. Because of the latter, we were able to keep the Centre open nearly every day of the week during the summer and weekends until early October. Visitor numbers were up over last year despite the slow start to the summer because of the heavy snow pack. Some damage happened to the building due to the weight of snow but SWI men were able to do the repairs. I led an early walk on birds and plants and because of the many pink snow patches was able to expound on the ecology of pink snow which includes birds. The near by Vancouver Island Mountain Sports building is now complete and the manager wishes to work with SWI regarding programs. I will be giving him an IBA poster. Birds The annual Strathcona Park Bird Search was carried out June with 9 people participating. See the attached for results. The Green Heron and Red eyed Vireo seen boosted the Park's species list to 183 and were new records for the Breeding Bird Atlas. The fledgling Western Screech Owl seen in August was a new breeding record. Cards were again available at trailheads for Ptarmigan sightings. Other Activities In August The Friends of Strathcona Park held an information day for the public at the south end of Buttle Lake. Free transportation and cake was provided. There were various displays as well as field trips for natural history and recreational subjects. The IBA poster was shown as part of the SWI display. I led a nature walk on the Price Creek trail. The Friends had a work party in September to work on their trail in the Bedwell Valley. Despite very wet weather, they were able to complete the low impact trail. Vancouver Island marmots have been breeding successfully and there was less helicopter monitoring going on in A DVD on the 1910 reenactment expedition is now available. It also contains historic photos taken in I have notified Parks about the new sign and they are interested in putting it up in the park next summer. Monitoring During the summer and fall I made several camping trips with other naturalists to the Buttle Lake area and hiked various trails there. The Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau Lakes were well monitored by PFOs, 57

58 naturalists and volunteers. Park Rangers monitored the more remote areas of the park. Concerns Concerns are on going about horse use in the park. The Minister has now signed the Park Use Permit for Clayoquot Resort to take horses into the Park in the Bedwell Valley. The permit has been reduced from 30 years to ten years. Illegal snowmobiles and other vehicles are difficult to monitor with reduced Parks staff but helicopter monitoring took place and some fines were issued in Owners of off leash dogs continue to be another problem. Fines can only be issued by Park Rangers who are seldom available. There are some concerns about the expansion plans for Mt. Washington. Two hundred more units are planned for accommodation which will have impacts on the park (noise, silting of water ways etc.). Meetings will be taking place for interested parties. Hours About 250 hours were spent by myself and other volunteers in the park this year. Fledgling Western Screech Owl Price Creek Trail, Strathcona Provincial Park. Photo: Betty Brooks 58

59 Betty Brooks with a Gray Jay intruder at Croteau Lake, Forbidden Plateau Strathcona Provincial Park. Photo: Krista Kaptein STRATHCONA PARK BIRD SEARCH JUNE Common Loon 1 Green Heron 89 Canada Goose (with young) 9 Barrow's Goldeneye (with young) 1 Hooded Merganser 14 Common Merganser (with young) 5 Turkey Vulture 3 Bald Eagle 2 Sharp shinned Hawk 1 Cooper's Hawk 2 Ruffed Grouse 4 Sooty Grouse 7 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Ring billed Gull 1 Glaucous winged gull 1 Great Horned Owl 1 Barred Owl 1 Common Nighthawk 26 Black Swift 8 Rufous Hummingbird 2 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red breasted Sapsucker 1 Steller's Jay 9 Gray Jay 9 Common Raven 19 Northwestern Crow 9 Chestnut backed Chickadee 6 Red breasted Nuthatch 3 Brown Creeper 1 Bewick's Wren 8 Pacific Wren 1 American Dipper 7 Golden crowned Kinglet 30 Swainson's Thrush 5 Hermit Thrush 31 American Robin 16 Varied Thrush 3 Cedar Waxwing 9 Orange crowned Warbler 15 Yellow Warbler 7 Yellow rumped Warbler 3 Black throated Gray Warbler 14 Townsend's Warbler 5 MacGillivray's Warbler 2 Common Yellowthroat 2 Wilson's Warbler 59