pointe À bouleau important bird area - iba … · pointe à bouleau. october 2000 7 approximately...

POINTE À BOULEAUIMPORTANT BIRD AREA

Tracadie-Sheila,

New Brunswick, Canada

Conservation Concernsand Measures

October 2000

Acknowledgements:

The Important Bird Areas Program (IBA) is part of the Natural Legacy 2000 program, a nation-wideinitiative to conserve wildlife and habitats on private and public lands. We gratefully acknowledge thefinancial support of the Government of Canada’s Millennium Partnership Program.

We gratefully acknowledge the North American Fund for Environmental Co-operation for their financialassistance to the program in 1999 and 2000.

The provincial sponsors, the Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists, the Natural History Society ofPrince Edward Island, and the New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists, were very helpful throughoutthe process.

We greatly appreciate the reviews and comments from staff of the New Brunswick Department ofNatural Resources and Energy, and staff from the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Suggested citation:

Dietz, S. and Chiasson, R. 2000. Pointe à Bouleau Important Bird Area. Conservation Concerns andMeasures. Can. Nature Fed., Bird Studies Can., N.B. Federation of Naturalists, Natural History Soc. ofP.E.I., Federation of N.S. Naturalists, 22pp.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4

2 IBA Site Information .......................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Site Description ........................................................................................................ 5

2.2 Map of the Area ........................................................................................................ 6

2.3 IBA Species Information .......................................................................................... 6

2.4 Other Elements of High Conservation Value............................................................ 6

2.5 Land Ownership and Use ......................................................................................... 7

3 Conservation Concerns ...................................................................................................... 8

4 Conservation History ......................................................................................................... 8

5 Conservation Measures ...................................................................................................... 10

6 Background Information .................................................................................................... 15

6.1 IBA Species Account ................................................................................................ 15

6.2 The IBA Program...................................................................................................... 16

6.3 Information on the Lead Organizations of the IBA Program ................................... 17

6.4 Information on Groups and Organizations ............................................................... 18

6.5 Contacts .................................................................................................................... 19

6.6 Bibliography ............................................................................................................. 20

6.7 Appendix .................................................................................................................. 22

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1 Introduction

The Pointe à Bouleau Important Bird Area(IBA) supports a nationally significantpopulation of the endangered Piping Plover. Anaverage of 6 pairs have used this island overthe last five years. The Pointe à Bouleau IBA isa 3.5 km sandspit that is 500m wide, situatedon the northeastern coast of New Brunswicknear Tracadie-Sheila. The low-lying sand dunesystem is broken by several major breaches withextensive wash-overs that often cover parts ofthe ‘Île au Cheval’ saltmarsh.

In 1985, the Piping Plover was declaredendangered federally. Increased beach visitationand all-terrain vehicles (ATV) threaten thesurvival of Piping Plovers in Canada. Vehiclescan crush eggs and young. Human disturbancereduces chick survival and may cause adults todivert energy away from chick rearing,foraging, and brooding. Although Point àBouleau receives no vehicle traffic and limitedhuman disturbance, the potential for increasedhuman disturbance is an increasing possibility.Measures need to be taken to ensure that thebirds and people can both use the site withoutnegative impacts to the birds (Bourgeois 1999-2000).

The Pointe à Bouleau IBA is part of a networkof sites that has been identified through nationaland international criteria as being significantfor certain bird populations. The role of theMaritime Important Bird Areas Program, whichcommenced in 1999, is to provide interestedgroups and organizations with tools to protect,conserve, or monitor sites of importance to birdsthat are identified as Important Bird Areas underthe national program (please refer to Section6.2 for more information). The main objectiveof the program is to provide tools and ideas forprotecting bird species and their habitats. Theprogram promotes conservation, encouragesaction, carries out education, and helps groupsto develop their own approaches to birdconservation at sites which they are interested

in. IBA conservation plans (documents thatoutline conservation concerns and measures ata site) are written with and for the majorstakeholders.

The lead group at the site, the Piper Project /Projet siffleur (a special program of the NewBrunswick Federation of Naturalists) has hadan effective Guardian Program at this site forthe last 5 years. This program aims at reducingdisturbance to the birds through the installationof symbolic fences and education of beachusers.

When a channel was dug to connect two riverson either side of this island, a Roundtablecomposed of government and non-governmentpeople was established to monitor the impactthis project might have on the nesting PipingPlovers, Common Terns, and the surroundingecosystem. Out of this process, anEnvironmental Protection Plan was developedto minimise impacts from the new channel (RoyConsultants Group 1998).

The goal of this conservation plan is to highlightthis site as one in need of protection and as asite that is nationally important to theconservation of Piping Plover in North America.This document will increase the profile of thesite and point out specific managementactivities that are needed to ensure the survivalof this species in the area. This plancomplements the recovery actions listed for theendangered Piping Plover as outlined in theRevised Canadian Piping Plover Recovery Plan(Goossen 2000).

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Conservation measures are recommended tohelp ensure the long-term protection of thePointe à Bouleau IBA. Some of these measuresinclude:

1. To continue education programs inschools and the Coastal Guardianprogram on the beach.

2. To continue to work with the Roundtabletowards the implementation of theEnvironmental Protection Plan.

3. To maintain contact with the privatelandowner; and carry out a title searchwith the possibility of purchasing thedune.

4. To encourage the construction of an eco-centre to promote the protection ofplovers and the dune, and to promotesustainability.

2 IBA Site Information

IBA site identification number: CANB028

2.1 Site Description

The Pointe à Bouleau IBA is a 3.5 km sandspitthat is 500m wide, situated on the northeasterncoast of New Brunswick near Tracadie-Sheila,New Brunswick. This barrier beach has twoswift flowing channels: to the north, theTracadie gully, and to the south, the Val Comeaugully. Part of a newly created channel (in 1999)runs parallel to the Pointe à Bouleau sandspit.The new channel uses the Val Comeau gully toaccess the sea, which is located at the southernend of the sandspit. The low-lying sand dune isbroken by several major breaches withextensive wash-overs, which function as idealplover habitat. These wash-overs cover partsof the saltmarsh.

The community of Tracadie-Sheila has wharveson two separate river systems. Access to sea byfishers from both rivers has traditionally beenchallenged by the dynamic nature of the barrierbeach system, as established gullies fill in withsand. Since 1964, continuous effort was placedin the dredging of the Tracadie and Val Comeaugullies (Roy Consultants Group 1997). Abreakwater was built at the Val Comeau gullyto stabilise the adjacent embankments in 1995.During the 1999 winter season, a channel wasdredged through the McLaughlin Lagoon anda 1 km long canal was cut through a prominentpiece of land extending out to the barrier islandat Pointe à Bouleau.

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2.2 Map of the Area

2.3 IBA Species Information

Pointe à Bouleau supports a nationallysignificant population of the endangered PipingPlover. During the 1996 International PipingPlover census, 14 birds were recorded, whichrepresented about 3.3% of the Atlantic CanadaPiping Plover population. For the 11-yearperiod, between 1987 to 1997, an average of13.4 adult Piping Plovers was found at this site.To meet threshold requirements (minimumnumbers of Piping Plover needed to qualify asan IBA), four Piping Plover have to be presentat the site consistently over a five-year period.The Pointe à Bouleau sand dune has one of thehighest numbers of Piping Plovers found on theAcadian Peninsula (in relation to its size). 12% of the Acadian Peninsula’s population resideson this dune based on 1999 figures (for moreinformation on Piping Plovers, please refer toSection 6.1).

Table 1. Piping Plover data for Pointe àBouleau, 1979 to 2000

Year No of birds

1979 121987 111988 181989 141990 171991 131992 121993 131994 121995 121996 141997 121998 121999 122000 12

(Based on Bourgeois, 1999-2000)

2.4 Other Elements of HighConservation Value

The Pointe à Bouleau area stands out due to itsrelatively wild nature so close to the town ofTracadie-Sheila. Species diversity is excellent(see Section 6.7), and the site is representativeof coastal ecosystems of the northeastern shoreof New Brunswick.

Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) and Sea-Lyme Grass (Elymus mollis) dominate thevegetated dune, in association with Beach-Pea(Lathyrus japonicus), and Scotch Lovage(Ligusticum scothicum). Breaches, dredge piles,and other relatively exposed areas are sparselyvegetated with Beach Wormwood (Artemisiastelleriana) and Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula).The beach is not accessible to vehicles.

The saltmarsh behind the dune is an excellentexample of a good-sized marsh characteristicfor the northeastern shore. This marsh, knownas the ‘Île au Cheval’ saltmarsh, borders

Pointe à Bouleau

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approximately half the dune and covers asurface of 0.54 km2 (Roy Consultants Group1997). Behind the saltmarsh are other rich anddiverse habitats composed of Eelgrasscommunities and mudflats. In spring throughto the fall, nesting and migrating birds use thevarious habitats. Cordgrasses (Spartinaalterniflora and Spartina patens) are found inthe marsh mixed with rushes (Juncus sp.). Inaddition, other characteristic flora such as SeaLavender (Limonium carolinianum), SeasideGoldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), andSeaside Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) canbe found. The Île au Cheval marsh has beenidentified as a potential site for the provinciallyendangered and nationally vulnerable Gulf ofSt Lawrence Aster (Aster laurentianus), whichhas been located in a nearby coastal marsh(Bourgeois, 1999-2000).

Over 3000 birds of 46 species were observedin the Pointe à Bouleau area during a 1999 birdsurvey of the lagoon, marsh, and beach. Manyof these were seabirds or water obligate birds.Interesting sightings included Bonaparte’s Gullsin the estuary of the Petite Rivière de Tracadieand Black-crowned Night Herons near thesouthern end of the Île au Cheval saltmarsh.During spring migration, Brant also feed in theMcLaughlin Lagoon and the saltmarsh. GreatBlue Herons feed in the lagoon throughout thesummer. Willets probably nest in the southernpart of the Île au Cheval saltmarsh, a rare speciesfor the Acadian Peninsula.

Shorebirds visit the saltmarsh and the adjacentmudflats that provide rich feeding groundduring migration. Species such asSemipalmated Sandpiper, SemipalmatedPlover, White-rumped Sandpipers, RuddyTurnstones, Whimbrels, Willets, and othershorebirds can be observed. Various species ofwaterfowl, such as teals, mergansers, and geeseuse the area. Ospreys regularly feed in the area(a complete list can be found in the appendix inSection 6.7).

The shallow Eelgrass lagoon is used by anabundant number of non-commercial fishspecies as well as some commercial fish (RoyConsultants Group 1997). Eelgrass bedsfunction as nurseries and feeding areas forflounder, stickleback, mummichogs, and otherfish.

2.5 Land Ownership and Use

The beach is mainly privately owned, exceptfor the northern and southern ends of the dune,which were bought by the federal government(Fisheries and Oceans) for depositing dredgespoils, and building a breakwater. The saltmarshhas unclear ownership at this time. Theprovincial government has indicated that theadjacent mudflats are within their jurisdiction.

The beach used to be quarried for sand. In the1960’s, a causeway was built to gain access tothe island. During the first part of the lastcentury, the saltmarsh was used for grazing ofhorses and cattle. The former gully that issituated today in the middle section of the dunewas filled in with old car bodies in the mid-sixties. A new channel was then dug which isthe present-day Val Comeau channel.

Public Works Canada has used the north andsouth portions of the dune to deposit dredgespoils. Channels tend to fill in very quicklyalong the coast, and they have to be dredgedfrequently to allow access for the fishing boats.

The main use of the island today is forrecreational purposes and for conservation andresearch work carried out by the Piper Project.

During the 1999 winter season, a channel wasdredged through the McLaughlin Lagoon anda 1 km long canal was cut through a prominentpiece of land extending out to the barrier islandat Pointe à Bouleau. The link between the tworivers provides the boats docked at the Tracadie-Sheila wharf with access to the ocean throughthe Val Comeau gully. The passage also

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provides a safe navigational route for pleasureboaters. It also makes access to the beach byboat easier for people.

Some commercial claming occurs on the lagoonside of the island (Bourgeois 1999-2000).

3 Conservation Concerns

Throughout its range, the major threats to PipingPlover are recreational activities. Increasedbeach visitation by people and all terrainvehicles threatens the survival of Piping Plovers(Goossen et. al. 2000). All-terrain vehicles cancrush eggs and young. Flemming et. al. (1988)and Strauss (1990) clearly demonstrated thatincreased human disturbance to plover chicksreduces their survival and may cause adults todivert energy away from chick-rearing,foraging, and brooding.

Since the development of the new channel,vehicle access is impossible. However,increased boat traffic may result in more peoplevisiting the dune. Unchecked developmentadjacent to the site such as campgrounds andrestaurants may increase the number of peoplewanting to visit the dune. Developmentpressures may push people to request a bridgeaccess to the beach. Unchecked eco-tourismactivities such as kayaks, sea-does, etc., mightincrease disturbance on the dune. Predators suchas gulls and foxes can take the occasional eggor young. Human garbage left on the beach,especially near plover breeding sites, canincrease predation.

4 Conservation History

The Piper Project and its employees haveconsistently monitored Pointe à Bouleau since1988. Surveys have been undertaken on thebeach itself and the adjacent mainland tocompile species lists. A Coastal GuardianProgram was active in 1995, and from 1997 to2000. The program was co-ordinated by thePiper Project. The area has been surveyed on ayearly basis for Piping Plovers since 1987(Bourgeois, 1999). The Coastal GuardianProgram grew out of a need in all three MaritimeProvinces to address the high level of humandisturbance near Piping Plover breeding sites.A clear success can be noted in the fledgingsuccess at Pointe à Bouleau because of theGuardian Program.

Table 2 Fledging success andactivities at Point à Bouleau

Year Pairs Fledging Management measuressuccess*

1989 6 1.17 Monitoring program






1995 6 2.67 Coastal Protection Program1996 6 not Monitoring program

observed

1997 6 1.8 Coastal Protection Program

1998 6 2 Coastal Protection Program



*Young are considered fledged when they are 20 days orolder.

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In 1998, 1999 and 2000 small numbers ofPiping Plover were banded in co-operation withthe Canadian Wildlife Service.

In 1991, the idea of developing a nature centreon the mainland adjacent to the Pointe àBouleau dune was first proposed (Arbour etAssoc. 1991). A development plan for themainland has been written, outlining thefollowing mandate: to educate people about theecology of the two rivers’ ecosystem and toensure protection and monitoring of the PipingPlover on the Pointe à Bouleau dune (SenPAqConsultants et. al. 1999).

Pointe à Bouleau receives some recreationalbeach use during the summer months. NestingPiping Plovers are sensitive to disturbance andsuch recreational activities can result in nestabandonment and reduced productivity. Duringthe winter of 1999, a channel was dredged tolink the two rivers up. The ‘Two Rivers LinkChannel Project’ is part of a larger tourismstrategy for the Tracadie-Sheila region (SenPAqConsultants 1999). As required under theCanadian Environmental Assessment Act,HRDC, assisted by the ‘Corporation duDéveloppement des Deux Rivières de TracadieInc.’ (CDDRT), a comprehensiveenvironmental assessment report on the TwoRivers Link Channel Project was developed.One of the conditions under of the approval bythe Minister responsible for the CanadianEnvironmental Assessment Act was to developan environmental monitoring and protectionplan for migratory birds, especially the PipingPlover and the endangered Gulf of St. LawrenceAster. A plan was put in place in May 1999 tomeet these requirements. This plan includes thefollowing points:

1. A survey of Pointe à Bouleau and ValComeau to locate and map the provinciallyendangered and nationally vulnerable Gulf ofSt. Lawrence Aster (Aster laurentianus).

2. Monitoring and restoration of thehistorical population of Common Terns to thedune.

3. Monitoring and protection of the PipingPlover.

4. Carry out population surveys of othermigratory species. (Roy Consultants Group1998).

A nature centre was to be constructed on themainland to educate people using the site (RoyConsultants Group. 1998). The project is stillexpected to go ahead within a year or two. Themandate of the centre would be to promote theprotection of the area while at the same timeensuring long-term employment benefits andeconomic spin-offs.

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5 Conservation Measures

Piping Plover can be considered as an indicatorspecies for the health of our coastal ecosystems.Their sensitivity to human disturbance duringtheir breeding cycle points to the fragility ofour coasts. A lot of work has gone into therecovery of this endangered bird all acrossNorth America and successes have beenreported from the U.S. and some in theMaritimes. Work to date has also shown thatthe recovery of this species is possible whenpeople can agree to share the beach in a non-destructive manner.

Objective 1 To continue yearlymonitoring of species andfledging success.

Monitoring can give a clear indication how wella species is doing. It also helps to explain andunderstand the dynamics of the population.Most of the Atlantic Provinces undertakesurveys and a certain degree of monitoring.Fledging success is an excellent indicator of theproductivity of a species. For Piping Plover, itis estimated that 1.5 young raised and fledgedper pair is needed to keep the population stable(Goossen et. al. 2000). Work carried out on theAcadian Peninsula has shown that fledgingsuccess is almost double on breeding sites withlittle disturbance or with guardian protection(Piper Project 1999).

Actions Target date, Keycontact

1. Yearly surveys and 0n-going,monitoring. Piper Project

2. Monitor fledging success. 0n-going,Piper Project

3. Participate in International 2001, PiperCensus. Project, Club denaturalistes de la Péninsule acadienne (CNPA)

Objective 2 To continue banding ofPiping Plovers.

It is difficult to understand the dynamics ofpopulation movements and survival of youngwithout adequate information of theirmovements, survival rates, and their winteringareas. CWS is presently undertaking bandingof Piping Plovers in Atlantic Canada and atPointe à Bouleau. Banding should be re-assessed.


1. Banding adults and young. On-going, CWS

2. Re-assess banding CWS, PiperProject

Objective 3 To carry out research in thewintering grounds.

We have a fragmented understanding of wherebirdsthat breed in Atlantic Canada winter. Inaddition, we do not know all the threats thatthe species faces in the south and that couldendanger their survival in their winteringhabitat. Presently the Canadian Wildlife Service(Francois Shaffer, Québec CWS) is undertakingbanding and research in Cuba. Continuedresearch and expanding the wintering studiesto other areas will give biologists a clearerindication about what actually happens there.

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1. Wintering areas & banding. On-going,CWS, US Fish &Wildlife Service,CWS & BirdLifeInternational (IanDavidson)

2. Encourage biologists to On-going,report wintering areas. CWS, US Fish

& WildlifeService, CWS &BirdLifeInternational (IanDavidson)

3. Lobby CWS to encourage On-going,research on where wintering CWS, US Fishgrounds actually are. & Wildlife

Service, CWS &BirdLifeInternational (IanDavidson)

4. An International Piping As soon asPlover committee should be possible, CWS,formed to apply for funding US Fish &under international trade Wildlife Service,agreements to do plover CWS & BirdLifecensuses, education and International (Ianresearch in wintering areas. Davidson)

Objective 4 To carry out education inschools of the AcadianPeninsula.

Education is a long-term approach to achieveattitude change and a change in behaviour.Through awareness raising activities andpresentations, students learn about thisendangered bird and thus become more willingto accept and support protection or conservationmeasures.


1. Organize school On-going,presentations. Piper Project

2. Encourage N.B. Department On-going,of Education to include PP in Piper Project,curriculum. other naturalist

organizations inN.B.

3. Link local Acadian schools 2001/2002with francophone schools in CNF, IBALouisiana & other Acadian Program, Piperschools in U.S. Project & schools

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Objective 5 To carry out education ofthe public and beach users.

It is important to educate adults as well,particularly people that use beaches. Mostvisitors do not know about the vulnerability ofPiping Plovers to disturbance. Once awarenessis raised through education in schools and thecommunities, people usually co-operate verywell and respect low-lying fencing (symbolicfencing) and signs. This type of education is verytime-consuming and intensive, but it is on-siteand can incorporate showing the birds to thevisitors.


1. Carry out the Coastal On-going,Guardian Program. Piper Project

2. Distribute Pamphlets. On-going,Piper Project

3. Posters On-going,Piper Project

4. On-site education (Coastal On-going,Guardian Program). Piper Project

Objective 6 To continue the RoundtablePartnership.

The Roundtable Partnership was created as aresult of the Environmental Impact Assessmentfor the dredging of the Two Rivers LinkChannel. This group advises on theenvironmental monitoring aspect of the channelproject and supports the Coastal GuardianProgram at the site. Members include the Townof Tracadie-Sheila, Corporation duDeveloppement des deux Rivières Tracadie Inc.(CDDRT), Human Resources and DevelopmentCanada (HRDC), provincial departments suchas Crown Lands and Fish and Wildlife(Department of Natural Resources and Energy,DNR&E), Roy Consultants Group, and others.


1. Continue meetings and On-going,collaboration with the Piper Project,Roundtable members. HRDC, CDDRT,

Town ofTracadie-Sheila

2. Potential developers need to On-going,be made aware of the presence Piper Project,of Piping Plover. Roundtable

members

Objective 7 To enforce existing acts.

Using law enforcement is seen as a last resortif people fail to listen and cause serious harmto the birds. Only a few conflicts have occurredin the past. The Piping Plover is listed andprotected under the New BrunswickEndangered Species Act. Fines can be up to $100, 000 for a first offence and $250,000 for asecond offence.


1. Ensure a policy is in place On-going,,to be able to react to DNR&Einfractions to the N.B. FrederictonEndangered SpeciesAct.

2. Ensure the Migratory Birds On-going,,Act is enforced when CWSnecessary

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Objective 8 To officially designate thesite as a WesternHemisphere ShorebirdReserve Network(WHSRN) site.

A designation of Pointe à Bouleau as a WHSRNsite has no legal protection, and requirespermission from the landowner. Such adesignation can raise the profile of the areaconsiderably, on a national and internationallevel.


1. Continue contact with the On-going,landowner. Piper Project,

Roundtable

2. Explore the possibilities of 2001,a designation with the Piper Project,landowner. Roundtable

Objective 9 To continue the CoastalGuardian Program.

The successes of the Guardian Program haveclearly shown that an active protection programwith zones and signs together with educationof beach users can increase fledging success ofPiping Plovers (Goossen et. al. 2000). Thisprogram is crucial to the survival of the species.It not only protects the birds during breeding, itis also non-invasive and non-confrontational.Guardians can either be trained volunteers ortrained hired staff.


1. Secure funding for a On-going,co-ordinator and the Piper Project,program. HRDC, CDDRT

2. Ensure Guardians are On-going,present at key times. Piper Project

3. Co-ordinate efforts On-going,throughout province. DNR&E, CWS,

Piper Project

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Objective 10 To maintain landownercontact.

Stewardship possibilities or acquisition of theproperty should be explored as options.


1. Carry out a title search to Done,determine ownership & surfacearea. (DNR&E)

2. Independent Land Done, NatureAssessment. Conservancy of

Canada, CWS

3. Land survey of the dune. 2001, N.B.DNR&E,

4. Possible purchase of sand 2001?, Naturedune. Conservancy of

Canada,

Objective 11 To support eco-tourisminitiatives that do notnegatively affect the nestingbirds.

Encourage the development of the eco-centre,as a tool for ensuring that the mainland isdeveloped in a way that does not affectnegatively on the habitats of the island. At thesame time, guidelines need to be established toensure that no landings on the beach duringnesting season.


1. Encourage and support the Spring 2001,construction of the eco-center. Piper Project,

Town ofTracadie-Sheila,CDDRT

2. Monitor eco-tourism On-going,projects in the area. Piper Project,

Roundtable

3. Develop guidelines with Long-term,eco-tourism operators. Piper Project,

Town Tracadie-Sheila,Roundtable

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6 Background Information

6.1 IBA Species Account

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

Description:

The Piping Plover is a sand-coloured, sparrow-sized shorebird that nests and feeds alongcoastal sand and gravel beaches. The adult hasyellow-orange legs, a black band across theforehead from eye to eye, and a black ringaround the neck. It runs in short starts and stops.When still, the Piping Plover blends extremelywell with open, sandy beach habitats. The bird’sname is derived from its call notes, plaintivebell-like whistles that are often heard before thebirds are seen.

In Eastern Canada, Piping Plovers breedexclusively on beaches along the seashore. Theyprefer flat beach areas with sand and cobblesubstrate above the high tide line. Areas usedby Piping Plovers generally have littlevegetation, however occasionally nests will bebuilt in Marram Grass (Ammophiliabreviligulata).

Distribution and abundance:

The species is only found in North America.The plovers migrate south in late summer towinter in Cuba, the Bahamas, Mexico, and theUnited States along the Atlantic and Gulf ofMexico coasts. Little is known about PipingPlovers in their wintering grounds.

Life cycle:

Piping Plover return to their nesting areas frommid-April to early May. They establish nestingterritories and form pairs. The pair makes adepression in the sand, which they may line withsmall, white pieces of shell.

Usually four eggs are laid. After about 28 daysof incubation by both adults, the young hatch.Within hours, the downy young leave the nestand follow their parents in search of marineworms, shrimp-like creatures, and insects,which they find in the sand. Both the eggs andyoung blend in so well with their surroundingsthat they might go unnoticed. When predatorsor other intruders come close, the young squat

Table 1 Piping Plover Census Results 1989 to 2000

Province 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

New Brunswick 178 177 203 132 150 145 160 146 139 159 186 172Newfoundland 8 10 7 15 14 17 24 27 35 27 32 27Nova Scotia 120 120 113 54 50 82 71 79 96 76 78 64Prince Edward Is 90 90 110 70 50 60 47 66 60 81 87 87Quebec* 70 78 76 88 92 96 106 104 90 72 88 76

Saint P&M 4 2 6 2 5 4 2

Total 466 475 513 359 356 402 408 429 422 420 475 428

(Adapted from: Amirault, D. 1999 Annual Report: Status of the Piping Plover in Eastern Canada. Canadian WildlifeService, Sackville, New Brunswick. Please note that data for years other than the International Census Years of 1991 and1996 may be incomplete.)

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motionless on the sand while the parents attemptto attract the attention of the intruders, often byfeigning a broken wing. Young are able to flyin about 30 days. Plovers often gather in-groupson undisturbed beaches before their southwardmigration. By the end of July the first PipingPlovers, usually adults, will leave for theirwintering areas.

Feeding:

Piping Plover feed on minuscule crustaceans,shore flies, and marine worms that they findalong the sandy beach and the mud andsandflats.

6.2 The IBA Program

The IBA program is an international initiativeco-ordinated by BirdLife International, apartnership of member-based organizations inover 100 countries seeking to identify andconserve sites important to all bird speciesworldwide. The Canadian BirdLife co-partnersare the Canadian Nature Federation (CNF) andBird Studies Canada (BSC). In the MaritimeProvinces the Prince Edward Island NaturalHistory Society, the New Brunswick Federationof Naturalists, and the Federation of NovaScotia Naturalists sponsor the Important BirdAreas Program.

Through the protection of birds and habitats,they also promote the conservation of theworld’s biodiversity. There are currently IBAprograms in Europe, Africa, the Middle East,Asia, and the Americas.

The Canadian IBA program is part of theAmericas IBA program which includes theUnited States, Mexico, and 17 countries inCentral and South America.

The goals of the Canadian IBA program areto:

� Identify a network of sites that conservethe natural diversity of Canadian bird speciesand are critical to the long-term viability ofnaturally occurring bird populations;

� Determine the type of protection orstewardship required for each site, and ensurethe conservation of sites through partnershipsof local stakeholders who develop andimplement appropriate on-the-groundconservation plans; and

� Establish ongoing local involvement insite protection and monitoring.

IBAs are identified under one or more of thefollowing internationally agreed-uponcategories:

1) Sites regularly holding significantnumbers of an endangered, threatened, orvulnerable species.

2) Sites regularly holding an endemicspecies, or species with restricted ranges.

3) Sites regularly holding an assemblage ofspecies largely restricted to a biome.

4) Sites where birds concentrate insignificant numbers when breeding, in winter,or during migration

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6.3 Information on the LeadOrganizations of the IBAProgram

Natural History Society of Prince EdwardIsland

The Natural History Society of Prince EdwardIsland is a naturalist group that is particularlyinterested in natural history issues andconservation. They record natural events on theisland, maintain a bird check list, offer birdidentification courses, field trips, conduct birdcounts and record unusual or rare sightings.

New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists

The New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists(NBFN) is a non-profit organization formed in1972 to encourage the understanding of natureand the environment, and to focus concern forthe natural heritage of New Brunswick. TheNBFN represents the concerns of twelve localnaturalist clubs throughout the province. Thatrepresents over eight thousand members(website: http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/NBFN.html).

Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists

The Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists(FNSN) furthers communication and co-operation among naturalists in Nova Scotia. TheFederation promotes enjoyment andunderstanding, encourages the establishment ofprotected natural areas, defends the integrity ofexisting sanctuaries, promotes funding andresearch, and encourages and engages in theprotection of endangered and threatened speciesand their habitats (website: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/FNSN/).

BirdLife International:

A pioneer in its field, BirdLife International(BL) is the first non-government organisationdedicated to promoting world-wide interest in

and concern for the conservation of all birdsand the special contribution they make to globalbiodiversity. BirdLife operates as a worldwidepartnership with one or, in Canada’s case, twolead organizations in each country. Theseorganizations provide a link to on-the-groundconservation projects that involve local peoplewith local expertise and knowledge. Since 1993,lead organizations from more than 40 countrieshave become full BirdLife partners.

For further information about the BirdLifeInternational Program, check the following website: http://www.birdlife.net/.

The Canadian Important Bird Areas Programhas been undertaken by a partnership of twolead agencies. The Canadian Nature Federationand Bird Studies Canada are the CanadianBirdLife International partners.

The Canadian Nature Federation (CNF):

The Canadian Nature Federation is a nationalconservation organisation with a mission to beCanada’s voice for the protection of nature, itsdiversity, and the processes that sustain it. TheCNF represents the naturalist community andworks closely with provincial, territorial andlocal affiliated naturalists organizations, todirectly reach 100,000 Canadians. The strengthof this grassroots naturalists’ network allowsworking effectively and knowledgeably onnational conservation issues that affect adiversity of ecosystems and human populationsin Canada. The CNF also works in partnershipwith other environmental organizations,government and industry, wherever possible.The approach is open and co-operative whileremaining firm in the goal of developingecologically sound solutions to conservationproblems. CNF’s website is: http://www.cnf.ca.

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Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) and BirdStudies Canada (BSC):

Founded in 1960 to monitor bird migration, theLong Point Bird Observatory was the firstobservatory of its type in North America and isstill the only one with year-round staff inCanada. LPBO is committed to involvingCanadians in the conservation of birds and theirhabitats. LPBO conducts its national andinternational programs through Bird StudiesCanada.

Since its founding, LPBO’s program has grownand developed considerably. Its principle focusis still bird population monitoring and researchon bird migration but the Observatory now runsmany other programs as well, includingeducation and province-, nation- and continent-wide surveys of bird populations. Amongstthese are the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey,Project FeederWatch and educational and sitesurvey work in Latin America, Ivory Coast, andMalaysia. In addition, LPBO conducts researchinto other aspects of natural history and appliedconservation management. The Observatory hasa special interest in promoting the participationof amateurs and volunteers in research,believing that many people working togethercan accomplish a great deal more than could afew professionals working alone.

These philosophies made the CNF and LPBO/BSC the logical choice to become BirdLifeInternational’s Canadian partners in September1993.

6.4 Information on Groups andOrganizations

A partnership Roundtable was formed lastspring to ensure adequate protection measuresare put in place in the context of the Two RiversLink project.

Human Resources Development Canada(HRDC) As the responsible authority for theTwo Rivers Link project they have to ensurethat the Environmental Protection andMonitoring Plan is carried out. They have acommitment to the protection and monitoringof Piping Plover and other species on the island.

The Canadian Wildlife Service is responsiblefor the conservation and management ofmigratory birds, including the endangeredPiping Plover. They are also responsible forissuing permits to band migratory birds and staffare participating in a Piping Plover bandingproject in Atlantic Canada and Québec(website:http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/hww-fap/endanger/table.html).

N.B. Dept. of Natural Resources & EnergyThe Piping Plover is listed as a provinciallyendangered species. The N.B. EndangeredSpecies Act protects the birds and their habitat.The department is interested in this site as it isidentified as a core Piping Plover site for NewBrunswick.

Fisheries and Oceans, CanadaFisheries and Oceans are involved in monitoringthe impact of the Two Rivers Link project. Theyalso own at least one piece of land on the islandwhere dredge spoils have been deposited in thepast.

Administration Portuaire de TracadiePrivate group who manages the wharves.

Town of Tracadie-SheilaThe Town of Tracadie-Sheila is very interestedin tourism development for the region. Theyare committed to the development of the Naturecentre.

Piper ProjectThe Piper Project is a special program of theNew Brunswick Federation of Naturalists. Itsobjectives are to protect and educate the publicabout coastal ecosystems, especially Piping

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Plover habitat. The Piper Project has beencompleting annual Piping Plover surveys at thissite for twelve years. These surveys have led tothe identification of Pointe à Bouleau as a ‘CoreSite’ in the New Brunswick Piping Plover Atlas.Core sites are those areas ‘that need to beprotected to ensure the continued survival andrecovery of Piping Plovers in NewBrunswick’(Amirault et. al. 1997). The PiperProject undertakes the following projects:Coastal Guardian Project, Monitoring andprotection programs, conservation andeducation, wildlife inventories, and eco-tourismprojects (web site: www.francophone.net/pluvier).

Corporation du lien des deux Rivières deTracadie Inc (CDDRT)The proponent the ‘Corporation du lien desdeux Rivières de Tracadie Inc.’ first proposeda passageway for boats between the Pointe àBouleau dune and the mainland in 1996. Thisproject is part of a larger tourism strategy thatincludes a waterfront development (alreadycompleted), a farmer’s market (alreadyfinished), a cottage cluster on the west side ofthe Tracadie Bay (almost finished), theimprovement of the Val Comeau ProvincialPark, a Fisheries Interpretation Centre, a DayAdventure -Centre in the down town area andan Outdoor Recreation Centre along the upperBig Tracadie River (SenPAq Consultants et. al.1999).

Club de Naturalistes de la Péninsule acadienneThe ‘Club de Naturalistes de la Péninsuleacadienne’ is a naturalist club with close to 100members. The club promotes appreciation,understanding, and conservation of our naturalhistory and is very interested in the protectionof our coastal zone and its inhabitants (website:http://www.francophone.net/cnpa).

6.5 Contacts

CWS, SackvilleKevin Davidson17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227,Sackville, NBE4L 1G6

Bird Studies Canada, OntarioSteve WilcoxBird Studies CanadaP.O. Box 160Port Rowan, ONN0E 1M0

Canadian Nature FederationChristie ChuteCanadian Nature FederationSuite 606, 1 NicholasOttawa, ONK1N 7B7

Department of Natural Resources and EnergyLee SwansonFish and Wildlife Branch,Box 6000,Fredericton, NBE3B 5H1

Crown Lands, DNR&EKevin O’DonnelCrown Lands,Box 6000,Fredericton, NBE3B 5H1

New Brunswick Federation of NaturalistsPierrette Mercier, presidenta/s Musée du Madawaska,195 boul. Hébert,Edmunston, NBE3V 2S8

Administration portuaire de TracadieThomas McLaughlinTracadie-Sheila, NBE1X 1G5

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Corporation du Lien des deux RivièresWeldon McLaughlinc/o Ville de Tracadie-SheilaC.P. 3600, Succ. Bureau ChefTracadie-Sheila, NBE1X 1G5

Ville de Tracadie-SheilaRaymond BenoitC.P. 3600, Succ. Bureau ChefTracadie-Sheila, NBE1X 1G5

Human Resources and Development CanadaSerge BrideauCentre de ressources humainesC.P. 3670, Succ. Bureau ChefTracadie-Sheila, NBE1X 1G5

Nature Conservancy of CanadaJohn Foley85 Country Squire Lane,Charter Settlement, NBE3C 1W5

Piper Project4800 Route 11Tabusintac, NBE9H 1J6

6.6 Bibliography

Amirault, D., R. Chiasson, and S. Dietz. 1997.New Brunswick Atlas of Piping PloverBeaches - Fall 1997. Internal Report,Canadian Wildlife Service Atlantic Regions,Sackville Office.

Bell, F. H. 1978. Status Report on Piping Ploverin Canada. Report prepared for the NationalMuseums of Canada and the Committee onthe Status of endangered Wildlife in Canada.39 p.

Bourgeois, M. 1999-2000. Pointe à BouleauEnvironmental Protection and MonitoringProgram. Wildlife and Recreational UseComponent. Report, 1999 summer season.Prepared for the Piper Project / ProjetSiffleur, Tabusintac, New Brunswick.

Burger, J. 1991. Foraging Behaviour and theEffect of Human Disturbance on the PipingPlover (Charadrius melodus). Journal ofCoastal research. 7(1): 39-52.

Cairns, W. E. and I. A. McLaren. 1980 Statusof the Piping Plover on the East Coast ofNorth America. Amer. Birds 34(2):206-208.

Chiasson, R.D. and Dietz, S.D. 1998. ThePiping Plover in Eastern Canada.Environment Canada. Canadian WildlifeService.

Arbour, Daniel et Assoc. 1991. Tourism andRecreation Development Strategy for theBaie de Tracadie. Report to New BrunswickDepartment of Economic Development antTourism, Fredericton, N.B.

Flemming, S. P., R. D. Chiasson, P. C. Smith,P. J. Austin-Smith, and R. P. Bancroft. 1988.Piping Plover Status in Nova Scotia Relatedto its Reproductive and BehavioralResponses to Human Disturbance. J. FieldOrnithol. 59(4): 321-330.

Goossen, J. P, D. L. Amirault, R. Bjorge, J.Brazil, S. Brechtel, R. Chiasson, G. N.Corbett, F. R. Curley, M. Elderkin, S. P.Flemming, W. Harris, L. Heyens, D.Hjertaas, M. Huot, R. Jones, W. Koonz, P.Laporte, R. I. G. Morrison, C. Stewart, L.Swanson and E. Wiltse. 2000. RevisedCanadian Piping Plover Recovery Plan.

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LeBreton, P. 1995. Final report on theeffectiveness of the measures taken tosafeguard the Piping Plover in the AcadianPeninsula. Summer 1995. Report preparedfor the Piper Project. 17 pp.

Melvin, S. M., A. Hecht; and C. R. Griffin.1994. Piping Plover Mortalities Caused byOff-Road Vehicles on Atlantic CoastBeaches. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 22: 409-414.

Patterson, M. E., J. D. Fraser, and J. W.Roggenbuck.1991. Factors AffectingPiping Plover Productivity on AssateagueIsland. J. Wildl. Manage. 55(3): 525-531.

Piper Project 1999. Report on activities, springto fall 1999. Roland Chiasson, Sabine Dietz,co-directors, 4800 Route 11, Tabusintac,N.B.,E9H 1J6.

Plissner, J. H. and S. M. Haig. 1996International Piping Plover Census.Unpublished. U.S. Geological Survey,Biological Resources Division, Cornwallis,Oregon, 28 pp + Appendices.

Roy Consultants Group. 1997. Tracadie RiversLink Channel Final Report. Project no. 207-96.

Roy Consultants Group. 1998. Rapport étudeapprofondie: Lien de deux rivières.Tracadie-Sheila, Nouveau-Brunswick.

SenPaq Consultants, Piper Project/Projetsiffleur & BDA Ltd. Consultants. 1999.Deux Rivières Tracadie Centre Ecologique.Unpublished proposal submitted toCRRDT.

Shaffer, F, et P. Laporte. 1992. Rapport synthèsedes recherches relatives au Pluvier siffleur(Charadrius melodus) effectuées aux Îles-de-la-Madeleine de 1987 à 1991. Rapportinterne, Association québécoise des groupesd’ornithologues et Service canadien de lafaune. 78 pp.

Strauss, E. 1990. Reproductive Success, LifeHistory Patterns, and Behavioral Variationin a Population of Piping Plovers Subjectedto Human Disturbance. Ph. D Thesis, TuftsUniversity. 143 pp.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996.Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus),Atlantic Coast Population, RevisedRecovery Plan. Hadley, Massachusetts. 258pp.

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6.7 Appendix

List of bird species observed at Pointe à Bouleau

American Robin Merle d’Amérique Turdus migratoriusAmerican Crow Corneille d’Amérique Corvus brachyrhynchosAmerican Bittern Butor d’Amérique Botaurus lentiginosusAmerican Wigeon Canard d’Amérique Anas americanaAmerican Black Duck Canard noir Anas rubripesBank Swallow Hirondelle de rivage Riparia ripariaBelted Kingfisher Martin-pêcheur d’Amérique Ceryle alcyonBlack-bellied Plover Pluvier argenté Pluvialis squatarolaBlack-capped Chickadee Mésange à tête noire Parus atricapillusBlack-crowned Night Heron Bihoreau gris Nycticorax nycticoraxBonaparte’s Gull Mouette de Bonaparte Larus philadelphiaBrant Bernache cravant Branta berniclaCommon Loon Plongeon huard Gavia immerCommon Snipe Bécassine des marais Gallinago gallinagoCommon Tern Sterne Pierregarrin Sterna hirundoDouble-crested Cormorant Cormoran à aigrettes Phalacrocorax auritusGreat Black-backed Gull Goéland marin Larus marinusGreat Blue Heron Grand Héron Ardea herodiasGreater Yellowlegs Grand Chevalier Tringa melanoleucaGreater Scaup Fuligule milouinan Aythya marilaHerring Gull Goéland argenté Larus argentatusHorned Lark Alouette hausse-col Eremophila alpestrisHudsonian Godwit Barge hudsonienne Limosa haemasticaKilldeer Pluvier kildir Charadrius vociferusLeast Sandpiper Bécasseau minuscule Calidris minutillaLesser Yellowlegs Petit Chevalier Tringa flavipesMerlin Faucon émerillon Falco columbariusNorthern Pintail Canard pilet Anas acutaNorthern Harrier Busard Saint-Martin Circus cyaneusNorthern Gannet Fou de bassan Morus bassanusNorthern Shoveler Canard souchet Anas clypeataOsprey Balbuzard pêcheur Pandion haliaetusPiping Plover Pluvier siffleur Charadrius melodusRed Knot Bécasseau maubèche Calidris canutusRed-breasted Merganser Harle huppé Mergus serratorRing-billed Gull Goéland à bec cerclé Larus delawarensisRuddy Turnstone Tournepierre à collier Arenaria interpresSanderling Bécasseau sanderling Calidris albaSavannah Sparrow Bruant des prés Passerculus sandwichensisSemipalmated Plover Pluvier semipalmé Charadrius semipalmatusSemipalmated Sandpiper Bécasseau semipalmé Calidris pusillaShort-billed Dowitcher Bécassin roux Limnodromus griseusSpotted Sandpiper Chevalier grivelé Actitis maculariaWhimbrel Courlis corlieu Numenius phaeopusWhite-rumped Sandpiper Bécasseau à croupion blanc Calidris fuscicollisWillet Chevalier semipalmé Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

pointe À bouleau important bird area - iba … · pointe à bouleau. october 2000 7 approximately...

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