2012 BC Important Bird Area Annual Reports€¦ · 2012 BC Important Bird Area Annual Reports ... 14.1 Creston Valley WMA 2012 Annual Report.....26 15 Desolation Sound ... (February/March

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2012 BC Important Bird Area Annual Reports Compiled by Krista Englund, BC Nature

Mew Gull in Active Pass IBA (M.Hoebel) IBA sign at Stanley Park in English Bay (R. Worcester)

Mitlenatch Island volunteer workshop (M. Graham)

Squamish Environment Society on an estuary clean‐up day

Long‐eared Owl seen on Creston CBC (M.A. Beaucher)

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Table of Contents

1 Active Pass IBA ............................................................................................... 5

1.1 Active Pass 2012 Annual Report ......................................................................................... 5

2 Barkley Sound IBA & Amphitrite Banks/Swiftsure Banks IBA ....................... 10

2.1 Barkley Sound 2012 Annual Report .................................................................................. 10

3 Baynes Sound IBA ........................................................................................ 12

3.1 Baynes Sound 2012 Annual Report ................................................................................... 12

4 Big Bay South to Delusion Bay & Kitkatla Channel & Lucy Islands IBAs ......... 12

5 Boundary Bay‐ Roberts Bank ‐ Sturgeon Banks (Fraser River Estuary) .......... 13

5.1 Boundary Bay‐Roberts Bank‐Sturgeon Banks 2012 Annual Report ................................. 13

6 Cecil Lake IBA ............................................................................................... 16

6.1 Cecil Lake IBA Annual Report 2012 ................................................................................... 16

7 Chain Island & Islets IBA ............................................................................... 17

8 Checleset Bay IBA ......................................................................................... 17

9 Chehalis River Estuary IBA ............................................................................ 18

9.1 Chehalis Estuary 2012 Annual Report ............................................................................... 18

10 Chilcotin Junction IBA ................................................................................ 21

10.1 Chilcotin Junction 2012 Annual Report .......................................................................... 21

11 Chopaka Customs IBA ................................................................................ 25

12 Comox Valley IBA ...................................................................................... 25

12.1 Comox Valley 2012 Annual Report ................................................................................ 25

13 Cowichan River Estuary IBA ....................................................................... 25

14 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area IBA .......................................... 26

14.1 Creston Valley WMA 2012 Annual Report ..................................................................... 26

15 Desolation Sound ...................................................................................... 33

15.1 Desolation Sound 2012 Annual Report .......................................................................... 33

16 Douglas Lake Plateau IBA .......................................................................... 34

16.1 Douglas Plateau 2012 Annual Report ........................................................................... 34

17 Duke of Edinburgh IBA .............................................................................. 39

17.1 Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve 2012 Annual Report ......................................... 39

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18 English Bay Burrard Inlet IBA ..................................................................... 40

18.1 English Bay Burrard Inlet 2012 Annual Report .............................................................. 40

19 Fraser Lake IBA .......................................................................................... 43

20 Greater Vancouver Watershed IBA ............................................................ 43

21 Hesquiat Lake Area IBA ............................................................................. 43

21.1 Bird Observations submitted by Dave and Dianne Ignace for Hesquiat Penninsula ..... 43

22 Holden Lake IBA ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

23 Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets IBA ..................................................................... 44

23.1 Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets 2012 Annual Report ............................................................... 44

24 Kilpoola Lake IBA ....................................................................................... 45

24.1 Kilpoola Lake IBA 2012 Annual Report .......................................................................... 45

25 K’omoks IBA .............................................................................................. 46

25.1 K’omoks IBA 2012 Annual Report .................................................................................. 46

26 Lambert Channel Hornby Island IBA .......................................................... 47

26.1 Lambert Channel/ Hornby Island Waters 2012 Annual Report ..................................... 47

27 Laskeek Bay IBA ........................................................................................ 48

27.1 Laskeek Bay 2012 Annual Report* ................................................................................ 48

28 Lawn Point IBA .......................................................................................... 48

29 Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay IBA .............................................. 49

29.1 Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay 2012 Annual Report ...................................... 49

30 McFadden Heronry IBA ............................................................................. 51

31 McIntyre Beach Rose Spit IBA .................................................................... 51

32 Mitlenatch Island IBA ................................................................................ 52

32.1 Mitlenatch Island 2012 Annual Report by MIST ............................................................ 52

32.2 Mitlenatch Island 2012 Annual Report by Keith Riding ................................................. 56

33 Mt. Arrowsmith and Area Mountains IBA .................................................. 56

34 Osoyoos Oxbows IBA ................................................................................. 57

34.1 Osoyoos Oxbows 2012 Annual Report .......................................................................... 57

35 Pacific Spirit Regional Park IBA .................................................................. 66

36 Porlier Pass IBA ......................................................................................... 66

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37 Seabird Colonies (EC/CWS) ........................................................................ 67

37.1 Summary of call with Moira Lemon on March 25, 2013 ............................................... 67

38 Sidney Channel IBA ................................................................................... 71

38.1 Sidney Channel 2012 Annual Report ............................................................................. 71

39 Skidegate Inlet IBA .................................................................................... 72

40 Skookumchuck Prairie IBA ......................................................................... 72

41 Snake Island IBA ........................................................................................ 72

41.1 Snake Island 2012 Annual Report .................................................................................. 72

42 Somenos Marsh IBA .................................................................................. 73

42.1 Somenos Marsh 2012 Annual Report ............................................................................ 73

43 South Thompson River IBA ........................................................................ 75

43.1 South Thompson River 2012 Annual Report .................................................................. 75

44 Strathcona Provincial Park IBA .................................................................. 78

44.1 Strathcona Provincial Park 2012 Annual Report ........................................................... 78

45 Squamish River Estuary IBA ....................................................................... 80

45.1 Squamish Estuary 2012 Annual Report ......................................................................... 80

46 Stuart, Tachie and Middle Rivers IBA ......................................................... 86

46.1 Stuart, Tachie and Middle Rivers 2012 Annual Report .................................................. 86

47 Summallo – Skagit River IBA ...................................................................... 87

47.1 Email with Gord Gadsden .............................................................................................. 87

48 Tachick and Nulki Lakes IBA ....................................................................... 87

48.1 Phone call with Nancy Krueger ...................................................................................... 87

49 Tofino Mudflats IBA .................................................................................. 88

49.1 Tofino Mudflats 2012 Annual Report ............................................................................ 88

50 White Islets IBA ......................................................................................... 89

51 White Lake Area IBA .................................................................................. 90

51.1 White Lake Area 2012 Annual Report ........................................................................... 90

52 Vaseux Lake Area IBA ................................................................................ 99

52.1 Vaseux Lake Area 2012 Annual Report ......................................................................... 99

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1 Active Pass IBA

1.1 Active Pass 2012 Annual Report

Active Pass IBA

Annual Report 2012

January 31, 2013

Michael Dunn, Mayne Island, BC Mike Hoebel, Galiano Island, BC

Caretakers

www.activepassIBA.ca

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Introduction For 2012, 5 stewards continued to provide their observations of bird and marine mammal 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 including one marine survey in May of Active Pass and Porlier Pass IBAs. Michael Dunn also did a winter marine survey in December. Both of these marine surveys were made possible by a volunteer boat owner/photographer. In all, 42 species were observed using the waters and marine shorelines of the Active Pass IBA for 2012.

Barrow’s Goldeneye December 2012 (M.Dunn photo) Qualifying Species The seasonal distribution of the IBA qualifying species remains evident in the observations compiled for 2012. Bonaparte’s Gull had peak daily and yearly numbers in the April-May period (this year 4,406 in May) and the usual, but lesser, fall high was not detected this year. Pacific Loon numbers for 2012 were generally higher than in previous years with good numbers tied to the late fall and winter months (February/March and November/December) and this year peak daily highs were recorded in March and December periods. Brandt’s Cormorant continues to show low daily high numbers through the fall and winter months with the peak this year in December (22 birds). Again this year, the numbers reported for two of the qualifying species – Pacific Loon and Brandt’s Cormorant continue to be below historical observations. As was the case last year, the December 15, 2012 Christmas Bird Count tallied over 700 Brandt’s Cormorants in Plumper Sound and Navy Channel between Mayne and North Pender islands.

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Bonaparte’s Gull May 2012 (M.Dunn photo) Conservation Threats No new concrete conservation threats were observed over 2012, but concern was expressed by some of the stewards that commercial shipping has increased in frequency due to expansion of truck trailer hauling runs. This includes overnight runs and during times of high tides coupled with storm surges, soft and fractured bedrock shorelines along the IBA are showing signs of increased erosion. 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 2012.

Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants December 2012 (M.Dunn photo)

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Other Conservation Opportunities The Mayne Island Conservancy continues to monitor eelgrass and forage fish spawning within the IBA to measure changes and occurrences over time. Kelp bed monitoring was undertaken in 2012. The Mayne Island Conservancy and Mayne Island Recycling Society again hosted a community beach cleanup for Earth Day April 22, 2012. 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 32 students plus 4 staff and parents who participated. For the IBA 114 kg of marine debris was collected, plastic of all kinds made up the bulk of this material. This amount was well down 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 as well as the Mayne Island Conservancy’s AGM. Information about bird activity in the Active Pass IBA has been provided in regular bird articles in Galiano’s monthly newsmagazine. Part of the new Southern Gulf Islands Economic Development Commission’s mandate is to promote island enterprises using the ‘triple bottom line’ philosophy to new developments. Community resilience is one of the outcomes desired. The regional Experience the Gulf Islands initiative is under the auspices of the commission and the significance locally, nationally and internationally of the Active Pass IBA as a potential economic driver has been recognized. Another benefit of the Experience program would be to inform and educate many more people specifically about the Active Pass IBA. Both caretakers are engaged in this process. In early December 2012 Michael Dunn held a winter bird identification course for interested people, this included some of the IBA stewards. The course included a focus on identification and counting techniques for the large flocks of over-wintering marine birds found around Mayne Island, particularly Active Pass. The course was all outdoors and included stops at Miners Bay and Georgina Point. On Galiano, birdwalks to observe birds in the IBA have been offered to the public. Volunteer Time It is estimated that volunteers contributed over 200 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 58 volunteers over the 2012 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 2012 results of this monitoring component. This year again, we were excited by the observation of a Humpback Whale in Active Pass and off Gossip Island in October. One steward provided the orca use numbers and no other marine mammal sightings were reported. This year we had 1 beached marine mammal. A Dall’s Porpoise (?) partial skeleton washed up in Miners Bay during the summer.

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Mew Gull another frequent user of Active Pass (M.Hoebel photo)

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2 Barkley Sound IBA & Amphitrite Banks/Swiftsure Banks IBA

2.1 Barkley Sound 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Barkley Sound, Offshore Banks (Swiftsure and Amphitrite) Caretaker Name: Anne Stewart Date: January 20. 2013

Summary of Site Visits:

Date(s)

Description of Monitoring Area of IBA Covered (%)

Notes

Mostly Fall and Spring

tiny most surveys done out of research vessels, some observations from beaches and small boats

Fall through spring

Coastal Waterbird Surveys tiny North Bamfield Inlet is done by foot on the boardwalk; Deer Group Islands Survey is done by small boat

December 29 Christmas Bird Count Also tiny Morning is done by boat, afternoon is done by foot and vehicle.

Throughout the year

Casual and at‐sea surveys with students

tiny Mostly done on board one of the BMSC Research Vessels

August 10, 2012 Field trip with North American Ornithology attendees

large On board the Michelle Diane, charted by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for the trip 11 hours of observations by 10 people

1. Did you enter all of your bird observations into an online database, such as eBird, Coastal Waterbird Survey, Breeding Bird Atlas, etc? Y N

Not all data entered yet. Will finish soon.

2. Were any IBA trigger species or other species of interest observed this year? Y N

A number of the IBA qualifying birds were monitored at sea this year including; Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Tufted Puffins, Brandt's Cormorants, Surfbirds, Surf Scoters, Western Grebes , Bald Eagles, Heermans Gulls, Mew Gulls, Glaucous‐winged Gulls, Sooty Shearwaters and Northern Fulmars. Due to the large size of the areas (over 1000 square kilometers) no complete area counts were made making it difficult to compare with historical numbers presented in IBA descriptions. Only two Tufted Puffins were seen this year and the former nesting sites on Seabird Rocks was completely dominated by numerous Bald Eagles with no sign of TuPu in the area when we visited during nesting season. There were some unusual beach casts this year following severe at sea storms in January. A Horned Puffin washed ashore along with other alcids including Rhinoceros auklets and Tufted Puffins. The seaweed that was cast up at the same time indicated a southern origin for these birds. They were all in very beautiful condition with no oiling. Similar beach casts were observed on neighbouring beaches in western Washington.

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Stacey Hrushowey conducted a necropsy on the Horned Puffin and it appeared that it may have succumbed to 'starvation and exhaustion'. Western Grebe numbers do not seem to have bounced back after a decline noted in 2011. The almost disappearance of the "Bamfield Inlet flock" continues with a maximum of eight seen. The reduction of the McKenzie Anchorage average flock size of 300 ‐ 500 birds to about one hundred continues. The high count this year for Western Grebes in McKenzie Anchorage this year was 108, three years ago it was 587. The relatively new, winter, tree‐roosting spot for DcCo is now well established with about 60 birds roosting nightly on Bamfield Inlet. Those birds appear in late November and stop using that roost site in mid‐April. Black Oystercatchers are still fairly abundant in the area and 64 individuals were count on December 29 during the Christmas Bird Count.

A notable (for this area) observation was one dead Snowy Owl at Sarita River, found during Christmas Bird Count.

In August, this year I hosted a field trip through the Marine Centre for participants from the North American Ornithological Conference at UBC. Ten spent a full day looking at the outer edge of Barkley Sound, across the banks and back and far offshore for a really good look around. We spent eleven hours making observations and covered a lot of ground thanks to Brian Gisborne and the MV Michelle Diane. The shallow bank areas including LaPerouse, Swiftsure and Amphitrite were not where the most abundant bird activity was found. The top of the canyons and along the 600 fathom edge of the continental shelf is where the largest concentrations of seabirds were found. Highlights included a Parastic Jaeger, two South Polar Skuas, many Black‐footed Albatross, thousands of Pink‐Footed Shearwaters as well as many Buller's and Sooty Shearwaters, Northern Fulmars, Fork‐Tailed Storm Petrels, Cassin's Auklets, Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, Tufted Puffins, Sabine's Gulls, Red‐Necked Phalaropes and many more. California Gulls were abundant and it looks like they are a "trigger species".

3. Are you aware of any other datasets or monitoring programs underway for the IBA trigger species or other species of interest? Y N

Will check with Parks Canada, they used to do surveys.

4. Has the land use, ownership and/or conservation status (e.g. management plans, protected areas) of the site changed since your last report? Y N

5. Has the habitat of the site changed since your last report? Y N

Probably, the only constant is change, especially at sea.

6. a. Have any new or potential conservation threats arisen, or existing pressures worsened? Y N

Threats to birds remain the same in this area; oil spills, drift net fisheries (salmon gillnet) and a high speed, high volume "sports" fishing fleet that spends increasingly more time offshore. There were more and longer salmon gillnet fishery openings this year than there have been for decades. Other than incidental catch the gillnet fisheries are associated with increased hydrocarbons on the water mostly diesel and hydraulic fluid. Plastic is abundant at sea and on beaches and ingestion of plastic may have long‐term effects on birds in these IBAs. Locally, there have been quite a few small oil‐spills coming from the Coast Guard construction site at the mouth of the Bamfield Inlet. Even though the construction barge has an oil boom draped around it, it does not seem to be very effective. Bald Eagles appear to be doing well although they may negatively impact other species, especially on seabird nesting areas like Seabird Rocks. The Christmas Bird count was 60 Bald Eagles.

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b. Have any conservation threats lessoned? Y N

People here shot fewer birds than they used to.

7. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated? Y N

We are including a marine bird conservation lab for many of our BMSC visiting school groups. The elementary groups are doing the story "Wisdom" and having a learning activity based on that book and the older students are doing a hands‐on investigation into plastics and the utility of aquatic birds as ecological indicators. Community birding sessions are being organized this year to increase interest and ability in birding.

8. What conservation actions do you feel would help improve conditions for the trigger species?

Human education and communication. For some, legislation, motivation and enforcement.

9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? ~ 200 hours

10. Please include any other comments about the status of your IBA (e.g. assistance required from IBA partners, boundary or site summary changes required, comments about the report form, other species observed, etc). The boundaries were set up based largely on where the factory ships and hake fleet were fishing twenty ‐ twenty five years ago. Things have changed and large flocks are now found further offshore. This should possibly be taken into consideration.

3 Baynes Sound IBA

3.1 Baynes Sound 2012 Annual Report

Baynes Sound IBA has been amalgamated with Comox Estuary and Lambert Channel/Hornby Island IBAs into a single IBA – K’omoks IBA (see section 25).

4 Big Bay South to Delusion Bay & Kitkatla Channel & Lucy Islands IBAs

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5 Boundary Bay‐ Roberts Bank ‐ Sturgeon Banks (Fraser River Estuary)

5.1 Boundary Bay‐Roberts Bank‐Sturgeon Banks 2012 Annual Report

Written and submitted by Anne Murray January 31, 2013 Caretakers: Anne Murray, Margaret Cuthbert (Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society) and Mary Taitt & Boundary Bay Conservation Committee 1. Site visits: This IBA is extremely well visited by birdwatchers from casual groups to experts on a daily basis. Numerous rare birds are recorded. Some areas have Coastal Waterbird Surveys, etc. The Casual Birding group of Delta Naturalists’ Society, organized by Tom Bearss, cover areas in the IBA weekly, except for a few “away” trips. Observations of this group are recorded on the blog www.dncb.wordpress.com. As yet, we have not put numbers seen into eBird. I entered at least three personal birding visits into eBird this year and hope to get more into the habit of doing this. White Rock and Surrey Naturalists society also have field trips in the IBA, as do other naturalist societies from around the lower mainland. 2. Trigger Species: IBA trigger species were all observed this year. The site summary reflects the scale of numbers observed. Should Bald Eagle be added? There are well over a thousand at the Delta landfill and breeding numbers are as high as they have ever been. 3. Other data sets: Barn Owl numbers for the IBA were supplied by Sofi Hindmarch: 104 nest sites, plus probable 2 more north of YVR. In 2010, she identified “115 nest and roost sites of which I confirmed that 72 were nest sites, 27 were only roost sites, and the remaining 16 sites, I couldn't confirm with certainty whether breeding occurred or not.” So it looks like Barn Owl numbers are steady, perhaps with due to mild winters and large broods. 4. Land use, ownership and /or conservation status changed? Ramsar Site designation was awarded to all of the Fraser River delta with the exception of Roberts Bank. See attached map. 5. Has habitat changed? Agricultural Land Reserve land has been optioned for port‐related uses. Rail and road networks have been expanded losing further agricultural land. The Tsawwassen First Nation are beginning to develop their lands away from agriculture and towards commercial and residential use. The Southlands are proposed for partial development in South Delta. These farmland losses total potentially 1000 ha. 6. New conservation threats See 5. for habitat losses. Also, Terminal 2 is proposed for DeltaPort which would double the footprint of the existing port and threaten intertidal habitat. Enlarging the causeway will further impact tidal processes on Roberts Bank. This is a very serious issue for the next few years as the Environmental Assessment process kicks in.

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Recreational uses, including hunting, continue to be a conflict with sound bird management. No conservation threats have lessened. 7. Conservation actions undertaken The Site Summary has been updated and the map boundaries reworked to be more rigorous and defensible, as per the protocols developed at the national level. Standard signs from IBA Canada were erected at Boundary Bay dyke entrances, Roberts Bank, Alaksen NWA, Iona Beach Regional Park, and other key locations, thanks to assistance of MetroVancouver Parks, Delta Corporation, Environment Canada and others. Advocacy for bird life continues on many fronts. This is the main focus of the Boundary Bay Conservation Committee (BBCC), led by Mary Taitt. Susan Jones of BBCC was recognized for her efforts with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Also many stewardship actions have been undertaken, including putting up and maintaining bird boxes, educating the public with almost weekly displays through the summer, at many different locations and so on. Much of this has been done by Delta Naturalists’ Society and Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society (FoSBS). They can be considered as Site Support Groups. We may want to recognize them for that role. Here are Margaret Cuthbert’s comments concerning FoSBS: We have managed to do quite a few displays in 2012 promoting the IBA (8 events) and I have also been attending Surrey’s Biodiversity Strategy working group meetings where I was able to promote the IBA information as input to define the conservation areas. I was also able to do this with meetings with the CAO in WR and the Director of Leisure Services through the interpretive signage project which also promotes the IBA. She and FoSBShas erected numerous signs describing habitat, birds and other wildlife around White Rock waterfront and the Little Campbell Fish Hatchery. In the fall, an IBA workshop was held in the Cammidge House, Boundary Bay Regional Park with the IBA Team. A second workshop was held by Bird Studies Canada on counting bird flocks. Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust continues to improve conditions for waterfowl, shorebirds and other species through their farmland programs. This is an important means of protecting bird habitat in the working landscape. Mary Taitt and I continue as Directors on the Board of the Trust. 8. Conservation actions to improve conditions for trigger species We need to undertake action planning in the IBA and set some goals. Examples of goals:

Completion of Ramsar status for the whole Fraser Delta by including Roberts Bank (much of which is a Wildlife Management Area) in the designation.

Reactivation of the Boundary Bay Management Plan Committee to revisit and update the WMA Management Plan.

Get the Province, Metro Vancouver, Environment Canada and the local municipalities to sit at one table with concerned naturalists and thrash out recreational conflicts in the IBA. Examples are: conflicts with birdwatching and hunting (safety concerns, tourism impacts around e.g. Snowy Owl viewing), habitat protection and hunting (Snow Geese chased from YVR airport are pushed towards hunters at Brunswick Point or squeezed into playing fields in Richmond), and parks with high habitat value being turned into dog parks, usually with no consultation with local naturalists or their opinions being ignored.

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Sign to be designed and erected at Boundary Bay Regional Park

Advice to be given to Metro Vancouver Parks about enhancing the pond at Boundary Bay Regional Park.

Persuade the federal and provincial government not to expand the port on Roberts Bank any further and not to destroy any more agricultural land.

9. Hours spent on Caretaker related duties: ?????? An awful lot. Sorry that this is a rushed and incomplete catalogue of activities. I need to think how we can better assess what activities are happening annually, who is doing what and what we should be doing for the site. Now that the Site Summary is updated, it is time to do some Action Planning and organization.

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6 Cecil Lake IBA

6.1 Cecil Lake IBA Annual Report 2012

IBA Name: Cecil Lake Caretaker Name: Darryl Kroeker Date: November 26, 2012


Date(s) Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, etc.)

Area of IBA Covered (%)

Notes (location monitored, how IBA navigated, etc)

July, 2012 Weed control on islands Mowed weeds

Sept 13, 2012 Weed inspection with PRRD Inspected the feeding station for scentless chamomile


No bird observations made








Contacted some of the land owners at the outlet of Cecil Lake to discuss conservation options. No interest at this time.


Much of the lake bottom is privately owned so securing the outlet would help protect the lake from future drainage.

9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? 20 hours

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7 Chain Island & Islets IBA

8 Checleset Bay IBA

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9 Chehalis River Estuary IBA

9.1 Chehalis Estuary 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Harrison/Chehalis Estuary Caretaker Name: Kathy Stewart Date: January 2, 2013





Almost daily Casual, Backyard bird count 10% daily 25% during counts

Walk along shoreline on west side almost daily, drive and walk to monitor other areas. Did not get on water or out on the actual estuary at all this year.


I haven’t been very good about submitting to Ebird lately, must rectify that. Have submitted counts to Backyard Bird Count and to Project Feeder watch and anything really unusual to Ebird. (New Years resolution is to start sending daily counts to Ebird again.)


Trigger species observed: Bald Eagle, Trumpeter Swan and also Tundra Swan (a lot more Tundra Swan this year)

Species of interest: Snow Goose (seen in January, mixed in with a flock of Canada Geese), Rose‐breasted Grosbeak – 1 male was observed for the 3rd year in a row, except from the markings it does not appear to be the same bird. A Ring‐bill Gull was seen in April; A Saw‐whet Owl in March, a House Wren in August and a Common Grackle in July. Total species recorded to date: 181



Haven’t actually ‘changed’ but are hopefully moving towards the process of changing. 1. The Harrison Mills Regional Association has taken on the project of trying to get the area moved from being a ‘proposed’ Wildlife Management area to a reality. 2. On November 17th, at the F.V.B.E.F., Brent Gurd of the Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resources Operations showed up promoting the W.M.A. Proposal. On Dec. 5, 2012 a meeting was called to further explore the issue, however, those present at the meeting decided that their focus should be on the immediate issue of the Bald Eagles being disturbed by the general public. It was understood that the same day there were two meetings taking

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place, one with the district of Kent and one with the Chehalis First Nations, both meetings to do with the W.M.A., and those present at the H.M.R.A. meeting felt it best to let the political process take it’s course in regards to W.M.A. designation.



No ‘new’ conservation threats, but existing pressures have worsened as more people move to the area and more people become aware of the area. There are more people using the very small park area, and when water levels are high, using water craft. The district has taken steps to decrease the problem of off leash dogs, have in fact, even issued fines, but the issue does still remain, especially in the as yet ‘unregulated’ areas.



On Dec. 5th, 2012 a meeting was called by the Harrison Mills Regional Association and included persons from the 4 strata’s adjacent to the estuary, a representative from Kilby which runs the boat launch and regional campground on Harrison Bay, David Hancock representing both the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival and Hancock Wildlife Foundation, the owners and manager of Sandpiper Golf Course, 2 F.V.R.D. representatives from parks and Wendy Bales, the regional representative to the district. Although Wendy suggested that there are bigger threats, such as gravel mining and forestry in the area, it was decided that the immediate threat, that being disturbance to the eagles and swans, be addressed first. A committee has been formed and an initial plan laid out, that being primarily signage: 1. A very large sign at the junction of Highway 7 and Morris Valley Road which will show all ‘attractions’ in the area such as the various hatcheries and viewing areas, this sign to include maps and areas to stay off of 2. Educational signage based on the sample you sent us re leaving space for the birds, be erected at all boat launching areas including Kilby, Harrison Lake etc. 3. Smaller, educational signage along the foreshores explaining why these areas should not be accessed. 4. Has also been suggested that the Bald Eagle Festival make it their mandate during the next year to contact all stakeholders, such as canoe and kayak clubs and photo clubs to try and educate them as to the need to stay back from the eagles.

The Golf course has also laid out a plan for a boardwalk and covered viewing area on the foreshore of their course. Although it will probably be much more difficult to get going, we are starting a movement to ask for a boardwalk and viewing area across the contentious grassland area between Eagle Point Park and the boat launch at Tapadera.

I don’t know if this should be included in here because I don’t know what they are actually for, but when we returned after being away over Christmas, there were flagged stakes marking out an area of the riparian waterfront at Eagle Point Community Park. The area marked out is to the south of the bench and main viewing area and surrounds a small pond. Like I say at this point I don’t know who or what they are for. Should also be noted that the district did erect a large educational sign in this area explaining about the cycle of the salmon attracting the eagles etc. The sign does not address anything to do with why the area shouldn’t be disturbed.


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All of the above should help. Ideally we need clearly defined paths all along the foreshore, preferably board walks with viewing areas, once those are in place then steps can be taken to make sure the public stay on the board walks and not wander willy nilly all over the place. Getting the co‐operation of kayakers, canoeists and photographers will be the biggest challenge.

9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? Probably averages out to about an hour a day – over 350 hrs per year.

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10 Chilcotin Junction IBA

10.1 Chilcotin Junction 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Chilcotin Junction Caretaker Name: Kris Andrews Date: Jan 28, 2013





April 15, 2012 MFLNRO (Williams Lake Office: STGR Survey by Julie Steciw and Becky Bings,

Total of 16 birds in 3 leks in the vicinity of the Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park

May 12, 2012 Bird Atlassing: Phil Ranson, Sandy and Rita Proulx, Kris Andrews

(7.4 km) 0.2%

Moon Road (car) 2 Flammulated Owls

May 18, 2012 Casual: Kris Andrews and Lubna Khan

Single observation point.

Stafford Ranch , Hwy 20 opp. Pablo Creek Ranch Road (car) 2 Long Billed Curlews

May 26, 2012 Casual‐ overnight camping‐Rod Sargant reporting

Details not available

Moon Road (car) 10 Flammulated Owls heard and Common Poorwill

June 4, 2012 Bird atlassing‐Phil Ranson and Sandy Proulx

(2 km) 0.06%

Logging Road n. of Stafford Ranch 1 Flammulated Owl

June 10, 2012 BBS Route 45 Williams Lake, Cathy Koot and Kris Andrews

(14.6 km) 0.4%

Staffords Ranch , Hwy 20 , stop 36. All the stops within the CJ IBA should be captured from the 2012 BBS database for Williams Lake route #45. 8 Long Billed Curlews.

June 13, 2012 Bird atlassing: Phil Ranson and Sandy Proulx

(6.7 km) 0.18%

English Road 1 Flammulated Owl, 2 Common Poorwill, Common Nighthawks in the evening. A morning trip there found PSLF, WEKI, EAKI, NAWA, MAWA, YWAR, WIWA, LABU

June 13, 2012 Bird Atlassing: Phil Ranson (see above) bserved from English Road

Doc English Bluff 2 adult Golden eagles at nest with one large Chick, dozens of White throated Swifts going into crevices

June 17, 2012, Casual: Sharon Henry and Kris Andrews

(7.25 km) 0.19%

Farwell Canyon Rd. e. of Chilcotin R. 1 male Rock Wren singing in

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a boulder pile just e. of the Farwell Canyon. Herd of California Bighorn Sheep with 3 lambs

June 20, 2012 Casual, WLFN trip on bikes (2.75 km) 0.07%

Williams Lake River Valley 1 Rubber Boa, and 1 Veery, 1 Warbling Vireo

June 24, 2012 Bird Atlassing: Sharon Henry and Kris Andrews`

(6.2 km) 0.16%

Wineglass Ranch 2 Lewis Woodpeckers, catching and carrying food to hole in cottonwood snag. Other species included but not limited to: ECDO, MODO, VEER, BUOR, SPTO, CONI. All species recorded in eBird under CJ IBA Wineglass Ranch

Nov 11, 2012 Casual: Phil Ranson, Sandy and Rita Proulx, Kris Andrews

(11.5 km) 0.31%

Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Black Billed Magpie (2 herds of California Bighorn Sheep)

Nov 11, 2012 Same as above (2.55 km) 0.07%

Farwell Canyon east of Chilcotin R. 1 Golden Eagle

Nov 11 2012 Same as Above (4.54 km) 0.12%

Sheep Creek Hill on Hwy 20 w. of Fraser River 1 Golden Eagle

Nov 11, 2012 Same as above (10.5 km) 0.28%

Staffords Ranch, Hwy 20 1 Golden Eagle

1. Did you enter all of your bird observations into an online database, such as eBird, Coastal Waterbird

Survey, Breeding Bird Atlas, etc? Yes all the data is entered. We did get some birding trips in the spring to Moon and English Road to listen for FLOW’s and COPO. Cathy Koot completed the WL BBS Route no. 45 on June 10th. Stops 31 to 48 are located along Hwy 20 inside the CJ IBA boundaries. I have only noted the LBCU sightings at stop 36. I assume the point count data for the 2012 survey will be captured eventually in the Chilcotin Junction IBA database.

2. Were any IBA trigger species or other species of interest observed this year? If yes, please summarize. Yes, Flammulated Owls were heard on Moon Road (2 to possibly 10), English Road (1) and an unnamed Forestry Road n. Stafford’s Ranch on Hwy 20 (1) in late May and early June. Common Poor wills were heard in June on English Road and Moon Road on the same occasions in June that the FLOW were heard. Long billed Curlews were observed in Stafford’s fields along Hwy 97 (8 across from Pablo Creek Ranch). A pair of Lewis Woodpeckers was observed catching food in a cut field at Wineglass Ranch and carrying food repeatedly into the top of a large cottonwood tree in the field where they were assumed to be feeding young. A Golden Eagle nest with one large chick was observed by Phil Ranson in June on Doc English Bluff, as were dozens of White throated swifts. Three other sightings of Golden Eagles were

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made in November at Farwell Canyon, the Sheep Creek Hill w. of the Fraser River and over Stafford’s fields on Hwy 20. A male Rock Wren was singing in a boulder pile on the Farwell Canyon Road just e. of the Chilcotin River Bridge. Julie Steciw and Becky Bings with MFLNRO, Williams Lake observed 16 Sharp tailed Grouse at three lek sites in the vicinity of the Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park in April 2012.

3. Are you aware of any other datasets or monitoring programs underway for the IBA trigger species or other species of interest? No, to my knowledge there are no other monitoring programs under way for IBA trigger species or species of interest other than MOE monitoring of Sharp Tailed Grouse populations within the Cariboo Region. Becky Bings, MNRO, Williams Lake advised that she and Julie Steciw have completed a study of cover conditions for grass nesting birds in the Cariboo that includes: Sharp tailed Grouse, Western Meadow Lark and Vesper Sparrow. They will send me a copy when it comes out in March 2013.

4. Has the land use, ownership and/or conservation status (e.g. management plans, protected areas) of the site changed since your last report? No, I am not aware of conservation status/ownership changes within the IBA. Tom Hughes did advise that the Fraser Breaks, Hanceville Canyon and Dante’s Inferno Goal 2 Protected Areas have been submitted for approval and signing off is expected in the near future. These 3 areas are adjacent to the CJ IBA and would help to conserve FLOW populations in habitats adjacent to the IBA boundaries.

5. Has the habitat of the site changed since your last report? No, there have been no major habitat

changes that I am aware of since 2011. Warming trends may continue subtle influence on the health of the grassland and forest plant communities that support the trigger species populations. Becky BIngs, MNR, Williams Lake advised that there was a new fire upstream of the Farwell Canyon this summer and a fire guard was constructed in places around it. Apparently Douglas Fir Bark Beetle has been associated with these kind of fires. Some snag removal may be occurring for safety reasons in salvage logging areas.

6. Have any new or potential conservation threats arisen, or existing pressures worsened?

a. I am not aware of any new or potential conservation threats arising since 2011 nor of any existing pressures worsening. b. Have any conservation threats lessoned? Leo Rankin, retired Forest Entomologist, advised that the Spruce Budworm invasion has lessened somewhat in the WL Forest District and he didn’t think that there had been any spraying within the IBA boundaries in 2012. Someone has recently been hired to replace Leo as Forest Entomologist for the Cariboo Region of MNR. I will try to find out who the new person is and ask if it would be possible to review maps of Spruce budworm attack and management operations.

7. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated.

Tom Hughes, with the Parks office in Williams Lake advised that there were no tree encroachment management activities within the Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park in 2011, but they had initiated two transects for monitoring the grassland plant community condition within the park (see attached protocol). He said the only work done within the Park was to rebuild the fence along the northern park boundary to keep cattle out. He advised that the CJ IBA sign provided by BC Nature was put up on the fence in the summer, but that it and some other Park signs have disappeared since.


a) Maintenance of the management strategy for Mule Deer Winter Range, b) Confirmation that the Spruce Budworm Spray program if resumed within the IBA boundaries will not

have a negative effect on the trigger FLOW population or other insectivorous bird species in the IBA.

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There is a new entomologist in the MNRO in Williams Lake. I will try to contact her in future to determine what maps would be available to show Spruce Budworm distribution and control areas.

c) Logging on private land within the IBA could become a potential problem. It would be good to identify privately held lands within the IBA boundaries and determine what value these lands have to perpetuating healthy trigger species populations. Julie Steciw and Becky Bings suggested trying to access Hectares BC through BC Data to calculate the hectares of private land. They advised that they could probably provide some maps showing private land, protected land and habitat capability maps, but could not provide any analysis. I had a quick look at the Hectares BC program online, but since I cannot imput the IBA boundaries there would be no way to calculate the area of the different layers of interest within the IBA.

9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g.,

travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc? A rough estimate is 70 hours 10. Please include any other comments about the status of your IBA (e.g. assistance required from IBA

partners, boundary or site summary changes required comments about the report form, other species observed, etc).

a. It has come to my attention that Linda Durrell of Williams Lake, collected some 20 plus years of bird observations from the early 1980’s to around 2005 at the Wineglass Ranch which falls within the boundaries of the CJ IBA (east side of Chilcotin River opposite the mouth of Big Creek). Her records include Black Chinned Hummingbird, Chukar and Lewis Woodpecker to name a few species occurring on the ranch. She sent copies of some of her observations to Wayne Campbell, but still has all her original notebooks. Some of her bird observations were also reported in the Williams Lake Field Naturalist magazine “The Muskrat”. I will investigate the availability of this information either through Wayne Campbell, The Muskrat or from Linda Durrell. This data would be valuable to include in the IBA data base if it can be accessed. Note: I contacted Wayne Campbell, Jan 27, 2013 regarding Linda Durrell’s bird records. He advised that he has some nest record cards and summary sheets that she had sent to him over her years of observation and recording. He also has a complete set of the Williams Lake Muskrat from the first edition in his archives. He said that his wife is transcribing some of the nest records into their electronic database and that it would be possible to extract data records for specific species in specific map sheet areas. Linda’s hand writing is very small and difficult to read. Transcribing these records is very time consuming. Would it be a good idea to consider if Linda’s records should be copied or somehow recorded for the CJ IBA database? Should she be approached and asked if she would be willing to donate her records to an agency that would be able to transcribe the records into an electronic database or archive the written records for posterity? Not sure who the best repository would be.

b. I would like to update information reported in the 2009 Annual Report for this IBA. The estimate for the % protected area encompassed by the Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park and Doc English Bluff Ecological Reserve within the Chilcotin Junction IBA was reported on page 6 as 59% based on an area of 75 km2 contained within the original map boundaries for the IBA. However based on the area of 375 km2 within the new map boundaries, the total protected area within the IBA is 11.7%.

c. At the time of my discussion with Julie Steciw on the 2012 Annual Report for the IBA we briefly discussed the draft CJIBA: monitoring Proposal and more specifically the Potential Survey Protocols in Appendix A. Julie recommends following the standards for monitoring set down by the Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC) at http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/about.htm. These standards are in use by BC Government agencies and those reporting environmental data under contract to various provincial

25

government offices. The objective was to standardize monitoring protocols in BC. The standards themselves are available on line at: http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/index.html. The standard protocol applicable to FLOW monitoring is contained in the following standard series 11 inventory methods and data collection forms:

11 Inventory Methods for Raptors (Version 2.0) Oct. '01 7680001651 [PDF]

11 Inventory Dataforms for Raptors Mar. ‘09

[PDF] Instructions [Doc] Forms

The methods specific to Flammulated Owl can be found in this document in section: 5.7.2 Flammulated Owl B‐FLOW Otus flammeolus............................................... 88 d. A rubber boa was observed just inside the IBA boundary in the Williams Lake River Valley on the

evening (8:30 pm) of June 20th on a WLFN outing

11 Chopaka Customs IBA

12 Comox Valley IBA

12.1 Comox Valley 2012 Annual Report

Comox Valley IBA has been amalgamated with Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel/Hornby Island IBAs into a single IBA – K’omoks IBA (see section 25).

13 Cowichan River Estuary IBA

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14 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area IBA

14.1 Creston Valley WMA 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area Caretaker Name: Marc‐Andre Beaucher Date: 31 January 2012





7 March & 9 May Western Screech‐owl nest boxes monitoring

<1%

No owl recorded; 2 northern flying squirrels recorded in two separate box. 12 boxes monitored.

21 & 27 March Aerial Waterfowl count (absolute) ~85% (CVWMA only)

Did not have data results at the time this report was written. Data is with CWS.

10 April to 19 Sept

Western Grebe monitoring ~25% (CVWMA only)

See Table 1 below. Mix of area constrained surveys and casual observations.

14 & 15 May American Bittern monitoring (using NAMBMP). Call playbacks for AMBI only.

~8% (CVWMA only)

Point counts in Six mile Slough unit. See Table 2.

1 April to 7 December

Short‐eared Owl surveys. Point count and casual observations.

~3% (CVWMA only)

Count at stationary location and while traveling. See Table 3.

9 January to 27 December

Casual observations. 90%+ (CVWMA mostly)

Mix of travelling by foot and vehicle.

9 May to 13 September

Tree Swallow Nest boxes monitoring in Corn Creek Marsh

<1% Monitored 68 nest boxes on 12 different days. See Table 4.



Table 1. Summary of Western Grebe observations on the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for 2012.

Duck Lake Leach Lake Kootenay Lake

Kootenay River

Total

Number of Observation Days 15 5 1 1 18

Number of Time Constraint Surveys 3 4 1 0 6

Total Time Constraint Surveys (hrs) 3.2 5.4 0.5 0 9.1

Date of first observation 10 Apr 18 May n/a n/a ‐

Date of first nest observation 9 Jul n/a n/a n/a ‐

Maximum Number of Adults observed (during one count)

42 12 30 n/a 84

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Maximum Number of Nests Observed (during one count)

15 0 n/a n/a 15

Maximum Number of Juveniles observed (during one count)

22 1 0 n/a 23

Table 2. Summary of 5 species of marsh bird observations on the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for 2012.

Six Mile Slough Pond 1





Leach Lake Pond 1

Leach Lake Pond 2

Leach Lake Pond 4

Total

Number of Point Count Stations

2 7 8 6 4 n/a n/a n/a 27

Number of Virginia Rail detected

2 2 3 0 1 n/a n/a n/a 8

Number of Sora detected

2 6 8 3 2 n/a n/a n/a 21

Number of American Bittern detected (Point count/Incidental)

0 0 4 0 0 n/a n/a n/a 4

Number of Pied‐billed Grebe detected

0 0 1 1 2 n/a n/a n/a 4

Number of American Coot detected

0 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a n/a 1

American Bittern Incidental Observations

0 2 3 0 0 1 1 1 3

Table 3. Summary of Short‐eared Owl observations on the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for 2012.

Duck Lake / Duck Lake Nesting Area

Comments

Number of Observation Days 9 1 count of 4 individuals; 4 counts of 3 individuals; 2 counts of 2 individuals; 3 counts of 1 individual.

Number of Time Constraint Surveys 4

Total Time Constraint Surveys (hrs) 2

Date of first observation 1 April

Maximum Number of Individuals observed (during one count)

4

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Table 4. Summary of Tree Swallow nest boxes observations on the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for 2012.

Total Average per Nest

Number of Observation Days 12 n/a

Number of Nest Boxes Monitored 68 n/a

Number of Nest Boxes Occupied 62 n/a

Number of Nests Built 83 n/a

Number of Eggs Laid 410 4.9

Number of Young Hatched 289 3.5

Number of Young Fledged 222 2.7

American Coots: Coots were generally abundant on the CVWMA in 2012, especially on Duck Lake. On 7 April, we estimated 20,000 to 30,000 individuals on Duck Lake alone. Again, large numbers were estimated on 13 September on Duck Lake: 40,000 to 60,000 individuals.

American White Pelican: American White Pelicans numbers were recorded incidentally between 25 April and 16 October 2012. Nine (9) were counted in Leach Lake on April 25th, the first record for 2012. One hundred and twenty‐three (123) were recorded at Duck Lake on 16 July. Reduced human disturbance due to a public access closure resulting from unusually high water at Duck Lake seemed to have lead pelicans to use the south end of Duck Lake more extensively than usual. Pelicans were observed loafing on the dyke for several weeks. The dyke closure took place between the end of June and mid‐August. The Leach Lake unit was used heavily again by pelicans in 2012. We counted 162 individuals in Leach Lake on 14 September and estimated up to 250 individuals on 19 September. We recorded the last pelicans (96) on 16 October, when they were observed soaring high in the sky, going south.

Black Tern: We observed the first Black Terns through the CVWMA on 15 May, when 3 individuals were seen flying north over the Six Mile Slough unit. We observed the largest number of individuals on 30 July in the Corn Creek unit when 15 to 20 adults were observed foraging and feeding a minimum of 10 chicks standing on the floating leaves of lily pads. The last record of Black Tern was made on 3 August when 10 individuals were observed foraging in the Corn Creek unit.

Bobolink: One male Bobolink was noted on the power line, along Highway 3 north of Nick’s Island Road, on 1 and 13 June.

Bonaparte’s Gull: Bonaparte’s Gulls were very abundant in late October in the Leach Lake unit: 300 were counted on 25 October.

Common Nighthawk: We recorded 4 different individuals foraging in the vicinity of the bat condo southwest of Duck Lake on 13 June and 9 August while conducting bat emergence count. One more individual was encountered in Leach Lake on 11 June, and one nest containing one egg was discovered on the slope west of Leach Lake on 28 June.

Forster’s Tern: Forster’s Terns were also recorded incidentally between 14 May and 26 July. The maximum count we recorded was 7 individuals over the Duck Lake Nesting Area on 21 June.

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Great Blue Heron: Herons standing on nests at the Leach Lake rookery were first observed on 8 March. Observations made on 27 March and 5 April produced no data, however, herons were seen again on the nests again on 13 April. Twenty‐six (26) individuals were recorded throughout the CVWMA during an aerial survey on 27 March. Greater White‐fronted Goose: Greater White‐fronted Geese (min. 70) were recorded foraging in agricultural fields on 5 March along Highway 3, on the Creston flats. Flocks of less than 100 individuals were recorded sporadically along the same highway until 21 March. Fall migration brought a considerable number of individuals, particularly in the ponds adjacent to the visitor center. We recorded the first individuals (68) on 5 September and the last individuals (510) on 10 October. Numbers were highest on 17 and 19 September with 570 and 621 individuals, on respective date. Individuals were counted and not estimated. Harlequin Duck: One adult male was detected and photographed on Summit Creek, on 23 May. The individual was not seen afterward. Long‐billed Curlew: We did not record any curlew in 2012. Long‐eared Owl: One individual was spotted and photographed in the Leach Lake unit during the Creston Valley Christmas Bird Count. Osprey: We did not monitor ospreys on the CVWMA in 2012, but several pairs were observed on the Area from 10 April to 13 September. Peregrine Falcon: One individual was sighted flying over Leach Lake on 25 May. Rough‐legged Hawk: Rough‐legged Hawks were relatively abundant throughout the Creston flats and observed practically on a daily basis from 1 January to 1 April and 1 October and 31 December. Voles were very abundant during that period. Snowy Owl: We recorded 5 individual sighting of Snowy Owl along Highway 3 (one on Wildlife Road), between 16 November and 19 December. Four of the sightings were made along Highway 3 on 14, 17, 18, and 19 December – most likely the same individual. Swan: Fluctuating numbers of swans (10‐750) (mix of Tundra and Trumpeters with a larger proportion of Tundra) were recorded from 9 January to 30 March, throughout the Creston Valley. We recorded 522 and 309 swans during aerial surveys conducted over the CVWMA, on 21 and 27 March, respectively. We noted very few swans during the fall migration; 35 individuals were recorded on Duck Lake on 13 November. Waterfowl: Staff from Canadian Wildlife Service conducted two waterfowl aerial surveys over the CVWMA on 21 and 27 March. Ice still covered a good proportion of the wetland on 21 March but conditions improved for the second count with little ice cover left. Data has not been analyzed/summarized at this time.

American Wigeon: This species was abundant during the fall migration, especially on Duck Lake and in the Leach Lake unit. We estimated that 7,000 to 10,000 individuals were present on Duck Lake on 18 September, and 7,500 on Leach Lake pond 1 on 19 September. Number of individuals on Duck

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Lake on 13 and 28 November were estimated to a maximum of 10,000 and 5,000, on respective date.

Mallard: We estimated that 5,000 to 7,500 individuals were present on Duck Lake on 18 September.

Ruddy Duck: Approximately 200 individuals were observed on Duck Lake on 13 September.

Western Grebe: It was interesting to note that Duck Lake water levels were the highest on record in 2012 and the Western Grebe had the most productive year in at least the past five years. We suspect that this year’s success is a result of decreased human disturbances (principally from anglers, kayakers, etc.) brought about by the dyke/public access closure implemented at the south end of Duck Lake from late June to mid‐August.



As announced on 12 June 2012, after conducting a mandate review for the past 4 years to address governance and financial stability, the Minister (FLNRO) responsible for overseeing the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority announced plans to rescind the 1968 Creston Valley Wildlife Act that currently governs the CVWMA. Once the Act is rescinded (within the next two years), the plan is to have the CVWMA designated under the current BC Wildlife Act along with the 22 existing provincial WMAs. The BC Government and Ducks Unlimited Canada have also expressed interest in entering in a long‐term agreement that would make Ducks Unlimited the main governing body of the Area. Ducks Unlimited has been involved with the CVWMA since its inception in the late 60s and has built most of water management infrastructure on the CVWMA.


No, not significantly.


The temporary dyke/public access closure due to “flood hazard” at the south end of Duck Lake (late June to mid‐August) was not well received by all. A number of individuals, mostly anglers, expressed dissatisfaction with the closure and restricted access. A few individuals took up the opportunity to complain bitterly and push for more vehicle access to CVWMA area closed to vehicles (e.g. Leach Lake unit).

There are also talks of the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce exploring the idea of re‐opening a long‐defunct campsite in the Summit Creek area. The former campground was closed in 2001 after a “dangerous tree” assessment revealed significant safety risks to campers due to large trees with dead tops that could blow down during storms. It was recommended that the campground be closed rather than cutting down the trees because the wildlife values in that area were considered to exceed the value of having a campground. The Summit Creek is a unique patch of very large and old western red cedars and cottonwoods, and offers exceptional habitat to several species of birds (e.g. Western Screech‐owl, Vaux’s Swift), bats, fish and mammals.

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People walking dogs off‐leash appears to be on the rise, likely causing unnoticed decline, displacement, and/or nesting failure for several species of birds (e.g. American Bittern in Corn Creek Marsh).



Ducks Unlimited invested over $500,000 in the fall to upgrade several water controls and repairs kilometers of dykes necessary for management and the proper functioning of the wetland.


Site‐specific seasonal closure to reduce human disturbance (e.g. boating) could definitely help species such as the Western Grebe on Duck Lake, be more successful. Restricting seasonal use of kayak/canoes could also benefit species such Black and Forster’s Tern.

Educating “dog‐walkers” about the negative implications of wandering dogs on birds would also be a great benefit to several species and more specifically waterfowl that use dyke slopes for nesting.

9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling,

monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? The data used in this report was collected as part of work duties and not specifically for IBA reporting. However, for good (minimal) coverage of the whole IBA area (not CVWMA only), we estimate that a minimum of 300 hours a year would be necessary, e.g. 5 people surveying/monitoring 5 hours once a month for twelve months. More would be better! Reporting, including a bit of data analysis, probably required 3‐4 days or 21‐28 hours (for this report).

10. Please include any other comments about the status of your IBA (e.g. assistance required from IBA partners, boundary or site summary changes required, comments about the report form, other species observed, etc). This report most likely presents only a very small fraction of the bird life in this IBA. The data presented is mostly from a single observer. The IBA is over 17,000 hectares in size! Organized and scheduled monitoring/surveys should be established to present a more accurate picture of bird activity, conservation threats and actions needed in this IBA. More people should be involved in the surveys/monitoring. A review (or discussion about) of the boundary should be conducted; the site summary should also be updated and “trigger species” reviewed. It would be to identify a list of species that can be targeted specifically for IBA purposes; the identified species should also align with other provincial or regional initiatives. While this is more of a technical detail, I would personally be more inclined to enter my data into eBird for example, if the location format used the UTM grid instead of the Lat/Long. I don’t know of any quick

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ways to “batch” convert UTMs to Lat/Long (please provide any tools available to do so!) and do not have time to enter positions individually.

Short‐eared Owl photographed in Leach Lake, during Creston CBC, on 27 December 2012.

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15 Desolation Sound

15.1 Desolation Sound 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Desolation Sound Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Date: September 2012


Date(s)

Description of Monitoring (e.g. Casual, Coastal Waterbird Survey, BBA, CBC, etc.)


Notes

September 24‐25, 2012

Traversed land trails on foot; otherwise a boat was used for going around islands and into covers and inlets

Started at Rolloy Island, ended at Theodosia Inlet; sea conditions calm; dawn to dusk


2. Were any IBA trigger species or other species of interest observed this year? Y N GWGU – 83

MAMU ‐ 43




6. a. Have any new or potential conservation threats arisen, or existing pressures worsened? Y N If yes, please describe what , when, where, etc.

b. Have any conservation threats lessoned? Y N If yes, please describe what , when, where, etc.

7. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated? Y N If yes, please describe.


9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? Several days including travel

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16 Douglas Lake Plateau IBA

16.1 Douglas Plateau 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Douglas Lake Plateau Caretaker Name: Alan Burger (Nicola Naturalist Society); Rick Howie (Kamloops Naturalists)

Date: February 5, 2013





03 Feb 2012 Casual (RRH), Knutsford area <1% Local search for Snowy Owls and other wintering species. 4 hrs

16 Feb 2012 Casual (RRH) <1% Search for wintering species along Hwy 5a from Kamloops to Nicola Lake. 6 hrs

18 Feb 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops to Nicola Lake, Spahomin, Peterhope Lake

2% Search for wintering species. 6 hrs

6 Mar 2012 Casual (RRH). Kamloops to Nicola Lake

<1% Winter bird search along hwy 5a. 4 hrs

10 Mar 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops to Nicola Lake

<1% Winter & early migrant bird search along hwy 5a. 5 hrs.

16 Apr 2012 Casual (RRH) Knutsford, Jacko Lake area

<1% Miscellaneous sightings while doing work on proposed Ajax mine site. 4 hrs

17 Apr 2012 Casual (AEB + Nicola Naturalist Group)

5% 10:30 – 15:30; Road loop covering Pennask Rd, Minnie Lk Rd & Douglas Lk Rd. Birding and looking for cranes

19 April 2012 Casual (AEB) 5% 08:00 – 10:00 Hwy 5A Nicola Lake to Kamloops

22 Apr 2012 STGR lek search (RRH) Napier Lake area

<1% Lek searches west of Napier Lake and casual birding along Long Lake Road. 5 hrs

24 April 2012 Casual (RRH) Goose Lake area <1% Miscellaneous sightings while doing other work. 1 hr

6 May 2012 BCBBA (AEB + Nicola Naturalist Group) Data in BCBBA

5% 09:00 – 13:00 Lundbom Lake area

9 May 2012 Casual (Margaret & Glen Carlson) 5% Approx. 3 hours. Road loop covering Pennask Rd, Minnie Lk Rd & Douglas Lk Rd.

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Birding and looking for cranes

14 May 2012 BCBBA (RRH, AEB , Krista Englund + Nicola Naturalist Group) Data in BCBBA

8% 09:15‐13:00; Roads covering Pennask Rd, Minnie Lk Rd & Douglas Lk Rd. & towards Chapperon Lake. Birding.

21 May 2012 Casual (RRH) Birding along Hwy 5a enroute to Merritt.

1% Visited some specific sites like Separation lake but mostly roadside observations after that. 3 hrs.

27 May 2012 Casual (KNC) Birding Big Day 2% Kamloops Naturalists engaged in a Big Day birding contest with some teams exploring the IBA but details and observations were not recorded with specifics. A recreational pursuit as opposed to monitoring.

30 May 2012 Casual – BC Field Ornithologists field trip (Les Gyug, AEB, + group) Data in BCBBA

5% 09:00 – 15:00. Roads – Nicola Cutoff; Douglas Lake Rd & N of Douglas Lake

02 June 2012 Surveys for Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) on Philip property (RRH)

<1% Part of survey to establish species list for property. 2 hrs

17 June 2012 BCBBA point counts (RRH) Jacko Lake area

<1% Also casual birding while doing work on Ajax mine site 6 hrs

22 June 2012 BCBBA point counts plus NCC surveys on Philip property (RRH)

<1% Casual birding, point counts plus intensive habitat searches. 12 hrs

24 June 2012 BCBBA (AEB + Nicola Naturalist Group) Data in BCBBA

5% 08:00 – 14:30 Quilchena Creek Road

29 June 2012 BCBBA counts + NCC surveys on Philip property (RRH)

<1% Point counts + intensive habitat searches. 12 hrs

02 July 2012 BCBBA counts + NCC surveys on Philip property (RRH)

<1% Point counts + intensive habitat searches. 10 hrs

3‐5 July 2012 BCBBA (AEB ) Data in BCBBA

15% 09:00 on 3 July to 16:00 on 5 July multiple squares including Stump Lk, Glimpse Lk, Douglas Lk, Chapperon Lk. Minnie Lk Rd.

16 July 2012 BCBBA (AEB ) Data in BCBBA

3% 0745 – 12:30. Stump Lake area

18 July 2012 Casual (RRH) Jacko Lake area and Ajax Mine site

<1% Bird sightings while doing other survey work. 4 hrs

02 Aug 2012 NCC surveys on Philip property and <1% 5 hrs

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Jackson Ranch (RRH, A. Harcombe, B. Pryce)

09 Aug 2012 NCC surveys on Philip property, casual obs on Ajax mine site (RRH)

<1% 6 hrs

18 Aug 2012 BCBBA (AEB ) Data in BCBBA

3% 06:20 – 09:40 Lauder Road

26 Aug 2012 Casual on Ajax mine site (RRH) <1% 4 hrs

30 Aug 2012 Casual (RRH) while driving Hwy 5a to Merritt

<1% 1.5 hrs

16 Sep 2012 Casual (AEB + Nicola Naturalist Group)

10% 08:30 – 15:00. Roads – Douglas Lk Rd to Chapperon Lk, Minnie Lk Rd & Pennask Lk Rd.

23 Sep 2012 NCC surveys on Philip property (RRH)

<1% Intensive habitat searches + casual birding elsewhere in vicinity. 6 hrs

09 Oct 2012 Casual (RRH) while driving Kamloops to Merritt along Hwy 5a

<1% 1.5 hrs

21 Oct 2012 Casual (RRH) Knutsford area <1% Rose Hill, Separation Lake. 3 hrs

17 Nov 2012 Casual (RRH) Knutsford area <1% 2 hrs

23 Nov 2012 Casual Ajax Mine area (RRH) <1% Misc observation while doing other work. 6 hrs

02 Dec 2012 Casual (RRH) Knutsford area <1% Misc observations while driving and doing other work. 2 hrs


Most Nicola Naturalist Society data was entered into the BC Breeding Bird Survey database for the spring and summer visits.

Rick Howie entered data into BCBBA database as appropriate. Other data maintained in personal Access database or sent to NCC as appropriate for their property.


Sandhill Cranes observed on 16 Sep 2012: 117 near Chapperon Lake and 14 near Douglas Lake. This species also seen on 17 April ‐ 95 flying overhead near Douglas Lake. Also seen 9 May – data not available. Other observations during spring and fall migration near Kamloops.

White Pelicans on migration regularly seen on Nicola Lake and Douglas Lake: e.g., 17 April 2012 – 17 on Nicola Lake; 16 Sep – 26 at Nicola Lake, 14 at Douglas Lake.


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KGHM mining corporation has been purchasing land at the northern end of the IBA near Jacko Lake and Knutsford as they continue with their proposal for a large open pit copper mine adjacent to the southern boundary of Kamloops. If approved, this mine would alter a large area of open grasslands.


No obvious changes in the southern portion of the IBA. No significant changes to the northern portions. Logging may be occurring in portions of the mid‐south parts of the IBA.


A small portion of the southern end of the IBA has been affected by construction of a third powerline between the substation near the Lauder Road/Douglas Lake Road intersection towards Quilchena Creek area. Once the construction is completed the habitat is likely to be changed relatively little. The new powerlines run parallel to the existing lines and might increase risks of collisions to cranes and other birds.

If approved, threats from proposed Ajax Mine near Kamloops will include conversion of native grassland to open pit, rock dumps and tailings pile. Restoration may result in a grassland of mixed native and agronomic species as well as other habitat types targeted in the restoration plan. Approval and startup times are uncertain but perhaps 2+ year away and the results of reclamation will be unknown for some decades from now after reclamation is initiated and evaluation commences. Return to a functioning ecosystem is a very long term proposition. The mine footprint could exceed 2000 ha or about 0.013% of IBA.


No obvious reductions in threats at the southern part of the IBA. The same is probably true for the northern portion.


Amphibian monitoring program run by Nicola Naturalist Society (Merritt) in collaboration with Biolinx Environmental Research (Victoria) and BC Frogwatch (Ministry of Environment) is doing night call surveys for Great Basin Spadefoots (Spea intermontana) in the IBA grasslands. Nocturnal birds also recorded on these surveys.

Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has entered into conservation covenant agreements with several landowners in the northern portions of the IBA. I am not certain how many ha are involved but this can be obtained from NCC as needed.

Burrowing Owl introductions and monitoring are continuing in northern portion as well as southern parts of IBA.


Communications with landowners about value of species and special ecological needs.

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monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? Southern part of IBA (Nicola Naturalist Society) – about 55 hours in the field and 5 hours at meetings, summarizing data etc. R. Howie spent 121 hours on various surveys and casual birding initiatives. Members of Kamloops Naturalists club took some trips in IBA area but details were not recorded. Other time was spent by observers completing square surveys for the BCBBA but time would need to be obtained from that program and has not been completed yet. An additional 15‐20 hours is likely for the northern portion of the IBA.

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17 Duke of Edinburgh IBA

17.1 Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Duke of Edinburgh ER Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Date: September 2012


Date(s)



Notes

May 27, 2012 Went around each rock (where possible) and island by boat

Started and ended at Port Hardy; 0700 hrs to 1530 hrs; 1 m waves



RHAU – 55 individuals GWGU – 416 individuals BLOY – 21 individuals BAEA – 46 individuals HADU – 22 individuals COLO – 5 individuals PECO – 6 individuals BRCO – 5 individuals PIGU – 3 individuals MAMU – 2 individuals


Need a nocturnal visit during breeding season

4. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? Several days

5. Please include any other comments about the status of your IBA (e.g. assistance required from IBA partners, boundary or site summary changes required, comments about the report form, other species observed, etc). There is a lighthouse on Pine Island (manned) and an unmanned weather station on Herbert Island (occasionally visited)

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18 English Bay Burrard Inlet IBA

18.1 English Bay Burrard Inlet 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: English Bay ‐ Burrard Inlet

Caretaker Name: Robyn Worcester, Stanley Park Ecology Society

Date: 27 Nov. 2012





Once per month Coastal Waterbird Survey Lost Lagoon site (entered online)

Once per month Beached Bird Survey Deadman’s Island Site (entered online)

Oct 2011‐ March 2012

Seawall Survey of Stanley Park BCIT Fish, Wildlife Recreation program (data attached)

Oct 2012‐ Dec 2012

Seawall Survey of Stanley Park BCIT Fish, Wildlife Recreation program (data not yet available)

March‐Aug 2012 Great Blue Heron colony Monitoring

Just Stanley Park colony (data attached)

Nov. 14 2012 SPES annual winter seawall survey

Just Stanley Park (data attached)


Survey, Breeding Bird Atlas, etc? N See reports sent with Annual Report.

2. Were any IBA trigger species or other species of interest observed this year? Y Yes:

WEGR – on SPES winter bird count as well as BCIT FWR bird surveys (see attached)

BAGO – on SPES winter bird count as well as BCIT FWR bird survey (see attached)

GBHE – monitored throughout their breeding season (see attached)

3. Are you aware of any other datasets or monitoring programs underway for the IBA trigger species or other species of interest? N

4. Has the land use, ownership and/or conservation status (e.g. management plans, protected areas) of the site changed since your last report? N

5. Has the habitat of the site changed since your last report? N 6. a. Have any new or potential conservation threats arisen, or existing pressures worsened? Y

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Oil Tanker traffic proposed for this IBA is of great concern. Please see the Wilderness Committee report for specific potential impacts on Stanley Park from this proposed activity.

b. Have any conservation threats lessoned? N

7. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated? Y

SPES is working on a project called “Migratory Bird Habitat Enhancement in Stanley Park” with Eco Action funding support. We are restoring, enhancing, monitoring and maintaining habitat that supports migratory birds. Specific actions include the installation of floating islands ‐ structures which provide habitat for birds to use for resting, feeding and potentially breeding away from urban trails and disturbance by pets and people. To promote the productivity of declining species such as the wood duck and tree swallow, SPES will create, maintain and monitor nest boxes and other nesting habitat in key breeding areas. To protect and enhance the overwintering habitat for waterfowl, including several species at risk, we will actively engage the community in enhancement and monitoring efforts along the park’s shorelines and intertidal areas. Public awareness and skills‐building is incorporated throughout these initiatives for sustainability as well as to support stewardship of natural habitats beyond Stanley Park’s borders.

We are also distributing the “Give birds their space” posters in the IBA (see attached). We will be distributing about 40 posters in local marinas, kayak rental shops, community centers, boat launches and other key locations around Vancouver.

Worked with BSC and the Park Board to install an interpretive sign at Second Beach in Stanley Park this March as well as an information sign at Jericho beach.


More restrictions on boaters coming close to large flocks of birds that winter around the foreshore. Increased disturbance pressure from off leash dogs, paddle boarders and pleasure craft operators is of growing concern. It would be ideal to have buoys offshore that restrict how close watercraft can get to large flocks of birds especially in Oct‐Dec.


monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)?

Probably at least 300 hours – this is not including BBS and CWS survey volunteers

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19 Fraser Lake IBA

20 Greater Vancouver Watershed IBA

21 Hesquiat Lake Area IBA

21.1 Bird Observations submitted by Dave and Dianne Ignace for Hesquiat Penninsula

Date Location # Observed Bird Species Notes

February 19, 2012 Hesquiat Point 12 MAMU Swimming around feeding in groups

March 6, 2012 Hesquiat point 10 MAMU Sitting around on the water

April 7, 2012 Around house 4 Hummingbirds First spring sightings

April 21, 2012 Mile off beach between Hes. Point and Mathew Pt

20 MAMU Many seabirds in big groups feeding

5 Loons

10 Common Murres At fishing grounds

10 Cormorants

June 24, 2012 Here in front 1 Osprey First spring sighting

May‐Oct In front of house

1 GBHE Hangs out on beach am almost daily

Sep 30‐Nov 30 2012

Field, yard and beaches

50‐100+ at a time

Canada Geese Annual goose migration

Nov 1, 2012 Village from lake past front

14 Swans Flew past heading south

Nov 2, 2012 “ 7 Swans Fourth flock largest – 15 birds

Nov 16, 2012 Sand beach ½ mile

1 each Snowy owl and big hawk

Possibly white tail band light belly

Nov 23, 2012 3 miles out 1 Snowy owl @ stink bug

Saw it by house day before

Notes: No significant events, no logging now possible; road work soon; forgot to note all the brandt we had around hundreds and lots of shags all winter too plus several hawks of varied sizes and colors

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22 Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets IBA

22.1 Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Jervis Inlet/McRae Islets Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Date: September 2012


Date(s)



Notes

September 22, 2012

A boat was used to circumnavigate the area 9and to reach it) twice slowly

11:30 am to 12:45 pm; sea calm



BRCO – 25 individuals GWGU – 35 individuals BLOY – 4 individuals





No evidence of human activity on the islet.




9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? Several days

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23 Kilpoola Lake IBA

23.1 Kilpoola Lake IBA 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Kilpoola Lake Area Caretaker Name: Lois Nielsen Date: October 13, 2012


Date(s)



Notes

April 7, 14, 21, 2012, May 6 & 28, 2012 June 10, 25, 2012 July 6, 18, 21, 2012

Bluebird trail monitor/casual observation

1. Did you enter all of your bird observations into an online database, such as eBird, Coastal Waterbird Survey, Breeding Bird Atlas, etc? Y N Entered on behalf


White‐crowned sparrow seen twice, April 21 and May 6 (small flock, 4‐6)



Recent purchase of two parcels by the Nature Conservancy of Canada



Lower level of water in Kilpoola Lake


Not as much mud‐bogging as in previous years



9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? 10 trips in all, to monitor Bluebird boxes; average of 3‐4.5 hours driving and walking time during each trip (total = 36.5)

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24 K’omoks IBA

24.1 K’omoks IBA 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: K’omoks Caretaker Name: Art Martell Date: 30 January 2013





Sept‐April, monthly

Coastal Waterbird Survey 80% of coast

Oct‐April, weekly

Swan Count 75% of upland

Comox CBC 50%

Comox Spring Bird Count

50%



All were counted on at least one of the surveys


eBird records by individuals at numerous locations in the IBA





7. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated? Y N .

Work on including IBA in regional conservation strategies

Work on acquiring additional conservation land


Development of inclusive regional conservation strategies

Acquisition of additional conservation land

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9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? 1000+ hrs

10. Please include any other comments about the status of your IBA (e.g. assistance required from IBA partners, boundary or site summary changes required comments about the report form, other species observed, etc).

The K’omox IBA site assessment and species data was completely updated in 2012 Information sessions were held and information was distributed to update interested residents on the status of the K’omoks IBA

25 Lambert Channel Hornby Island IBA

25.1 Lambert Channel/ Hornby Island Waters 2012 Annual Report

Comox Valley IBA has been amalgamated with Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel/Hornby Island IBAs into a single IBA – K’omoks IBA (see section 25).

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26 Laskeek Bay IBA

26.1 Laskeek Bay 2012 Annual Report*

This was Laskeek Bay Conservation Society’s 23rd field season on East Limestone Island, Laskeek Bay, Haida Gwaii. The 2012 season ran from 4 May to 12 July, bringing 19 volunteers and 42 visitors to the island. There were no school groups or student interns this year. Ancient Murrelet chicks were captured at Cabin Cove and numbers increased slightly from last season. No raccoons were detected on the island this season. Black Oystercatcher surveys were conducted in both Laskeek Bay and in Gwaii Haanas. We censused Glaucous‐winged Gull colonies in Laskeek Bay and found 231 active nests at three colonies. Pigeon Guillemots used 16 of the 28 nest boxes at Lookout Point. Seven Cassin’s Auklet nest boxes were active, but only one chick fledged. Three near‐shore sea surveys were completed resulting in very low Marbled Murrelet counts; one Hecate Strait sea survey was completed. There were few marine mammal sightings this year and only 14 Humpback sightings. One Grey whale and two Minke whales were also recorded in Laskeek Bay. There were five sightings of Killer whale groups in Laskeek Bay. Fourteen wildlife trees were active: eight with Red‐breasted Sapsuckers, two with Chestnut‐backed Chickadees, one with Hairy Woodpeckers, one with Brown Creepers and one with Red‐breasted Nuthatches. There were three active Bald Eagle nests. Both the Common Raven and Peregrine Falcon nests were also active. Prepared by Ainsley Brown 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 2012 folder

27 Lawn Point IBA

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28 Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay IBA

28.1 Little Qualicum Estuary to Nanoose Bay 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: L. Qual. Est. to Nanoose B. Caretaker Name: Hans Laue Date: Dec. 19, 2012


Date(s) Description of Monitoring Area of IBA Covered (%)


All year Casual 50% Nanoose area, Englishman River Estuary, Rathtrevor Park, Parksville Community Park, Parksville Ermineskine Park, Little Qualicum River Estuary, Qualicum Beach water front

February , first half

Casual 15% Little Qualicum River Estuary, Salish Sea at Beachcomber Park in Nanoose Bay

Dec. 14, 2012 Dec. 16, 2012

CBC Nanoose Bay CBC Parksville/Qualicum Beach

30% 60%

Most of the IBA area, water front and inland

1. Did you enter all of your bird observations into an online database, such as eBird, Coastal Waterbird Survey, Breeding Bird Atlas, etc? No

The 2012 CBC results for both the Nanoose Bay and Parksville/Qualicum Beach counts, which together comprise the IBA area, are available on the Audubon site.

At the beginning of February, there were large numbers of Common Murres (10,000 or more) off Little Qualicum River Estuary, along with smaller alcids too far out to identify in a scope; a week later large numbers of Common Murres (several thousand) off Beachcomber Park in Nanoose Bay, with smaller alcids mixed in that were impossible to identify in the scope.

There was a report (don’t have date) of several hundred Marbled Murrelets and Ancient Murrelets off Morecroft Regional Park in Nanoose Bay; also some hundred Western Grebes off Morecroft Regional Park.

Brant numbers were good. Black Oystercatchers were present in the usual numbers throughout the IBA, in groups from 2 or 3 to 20. As usual, large numbers of gulls during the herring run. My impression is that the target gull species, Thayer’s and Glaucous‐winged (or hybrid), were present in the usual numbers.

2. Were any IBA trigger species or other species of interest observed this year? Yes

There was an unusually high number of Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, and Ancient Murrelets. See Item 1.

The number of Anna’s Hummingbirds is increasing as is the number of Eurasian Collared Doves (still unusual, though).

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3. Are you aware of any other datasets or monitoring programs underway for the IBA trigger species or other species of interest? Yes

Christopher Stephens, upcoming Caretaker for the IBA, has been monitoring birds in the wetlands area at the end of Despard Ave. in Parksville. Guy Monty, Caretaker of the Morecroft Camp in Nanoose Bay, has started monitoring birds in Morecroft Camp in addition to his usual monitoring of the Brant and other kinds of monitoring.

4. Has the land use, ownership and/or conservation status (e.g. management plans, protected areas) of the site changed since your last report? Yes

As to the protected areas, only the Morecroft Regional Park is undergoing changes. The Morecroft Camp was turned into a Regional Park in 2011, I believe, and a management plan for the Park is now in its final stages. It says that 85% of the Park is to remain in its natural state. There will be an enhanced parking area at the entrance with toilet facilities. Dogs will be allowed in the Park only on leash. A muddy section of trail has been replaced by a board walk.

The IBA is within a large urban area in which residential development and habitat destruction is an ongoing fact of life. The Fairwinds development plans for the Schooner Cove area and the interior of Nanoose that have been in the making for years have not yet been implemented, but they will in not too distant a future, I think. These plans should not affect the sea birds, I would think, which are the main target of this IBA.

5. Has the habitat of the site changed since your last report? Yes

See under Item 4. Residential development in Parksville and Qualicum Beach has involved habitat destruction. The wetlands area at the end of Despard Avenue in Parksville is in danger of being turned into a housing development, making room for an expansion of the adjacent housing development.

No significant habitat changes have occurred along the ocean front, to my knowledge.

a. Have any new or potential conservation threats arisen, or existing pressures worsened? No

b. Have any conservation threats lessoned? No

6. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated? Yes

Christopher Stephens has made a presentation to the Parksville City Council about the importance of the wetlands area at the end of Despard Avenue in Parksville and organized a tour of the area in which the mayor of Parksville and the public participated.

The Mid‐Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society is continuing to monitor eel grass beds and other habitats. One ongoing concern is the effect of Canada Geese on sedge grasses in the estuaries.


A major factor affecting sea birds in this IBA is the herring run and the associated fishery. Without the herring run, we would not have the large concentrations of sea birds present in March and April. Studies of the factors affecting the herring run including the influence of the herring fishery would be an important prerequisite to effective conservation action.

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8. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? One task that required some time at the beginning of the year was the posting of the remaining two IBA signs, getting necessary permissions, etc. Including that, 40 hours is approximately the time.

29 McFadden Heronry IBA

30 McIntyre Beach Rose Spit IBA

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31 Mitlenatch Island IBA

31.1 Mitlenatch Island 2012 Annual Report by MIST

IBA Name: Mitlenatch Island Caretaker Name: Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team (Peggy Sowden)

Date: Nov.25,2012


Date(s) Description of Monitoring Area of IBA Covered (%) Notes

April 1‐Sept. 14

MIST has a continuous presence on the island. All bird observations recorded into ebird. Casual, travelling and stationary counts, Cormorant (Pelagic and Double‐crested) nest counts, and BCBBS

~20% of the island (100% of the non‐restricted areas of the island and 100% of shoreline ‐ circumnavigation of the island by water)

Monitored on foot on the island. By small boat for circumnavigation

Yes all of MIST’s daily bird observations are recorded in ebird. BCBBS records are also done monthly in the summer. GWGU nest counts are planned every 5 years. Pelagic and Double–crested cormorant nest numbers are done at several points in the nesting season.

1. Were any IBA trigger species or other species of interest observed this year? Yes

Glaucous‐winged Gull Historic active nest counts ‐1981~2000, 1991~3000, 2010 ~1050 Due to the fact that accurate observations from circumnavigation of the island can’t be obtained (can’t see all nests, especially on West Hill) numbers of nests or birds will not be very useful in assessing the population change until the proper active nest count is done in 2015. A single travelling count across the notch meadow will be set up monthly for 2013, which may provide a better idea, over time, of nesting population numbers vs. casual observations. 2011: Apr.11/*815, May 25/1467, July 22/300 (casual observation) 2012: Apr.12/921, May 24/*1384 (casual observation) Pelagic Cormorant Historic – total number of nests (active or not active) 1959 – 155, 1974 – 286, 1983 ‐318, 1987‐ 315, 1990‐334, 1991‐ 330, 1992‐ 332, 1993 – 311, 1994 – 337, 1995 – 338 1998 ‐222, 1999 – 311, 2000 ‐234, 2009 ‐233, 2011 ‐299 2011: Apr.11/1, Apr.19/12, May25/218, June 24/* 719, July 22/366 2012: Apr.15/31, May 24/185, July 31/ *378 Please note ‐this year birds were counted only, not nests. In future years all nests as well as adults and immatures will be counted as suggested by Trudy Chatwin. Double‐crested Cormorant Historic –total number of nests (active and not active) (No nests were recorded 1959‐1993) 1993‐10, 1994‐33, 1995‐43, 1998‐46, 1999‐47, 2000‐70

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2012 ‐20 adults this is the greatest number of adults seen at one time. In future years a total nest count will be attempted as well. This is difficult from the water. A more accurate count will be done in 2015 with the GWGU census 2011: Apr.11/7, Apr.19/4, May 25/59, June 24/* 297, July21/4,July 22/0 2012: Apr.13/5, May 24/40, July22/*60 Pigeon Guillemots 2011: Apr.11/1, Apr.23/61, May 13/56, May 25/241, June 24/17, July 22/*299 2012: Apr.15/125, May 24/*166, June 13/10, July22/60 PG numbers will be lower as adults maybe on the nests which are not visible Black Oystercatcher 2011: Apr.11/9, May 13/16, May 25/5, June 24/*36, July 21/4, July22/7 2012: Apr.15/8, May 14/*13, June 13/2, July 31/12 Northwestern Crow 2011: Apr.11/22, May 13/19, May 25/*46, June 24/26, July 22/35 2012: Apr.9/*100, May 13/50, June 13/8, July 31/12 Harlequin duck 2011: Apr.11/25, May 13/*78, May25/58, June 24/82, July22/29 2012: Apr.12/*136, May 24/53, June 13/39, July 5/10,Aug 29/1 Following the bird’s name are the Date counted/Number of individuals counted, *underlined number is the maximum number recorded during Apr6 to Sept12th, 2011, Apr1 to Sept13th in 2012 Please note decrease in both species of cormorants, Black Oystercatchers and Pigeon Guillemots from 2011 to 2012.

2. Are you aware of any other datasets or monitoring programs underway for the IBA trigger species or

other species of interest? Yes

GWGU egg and blood collection. Mikaela Davis a SFU Masters student is doing a toxicology study. The blood and eggs are examined for toxins and from DNA analysis it can be determined if the toxins are coming from natural sources (fish etc.) or from garbage ingested. 2012 is her 4th year collecting on the island.

Ongoing Pelagic Cormorant egg collection for toxicology study. John Elliot (Environment Canada) is following the presence of a number of common environmental toxins. Eg.PCB’s.

3. Has the land use, ownership and/or conservation status (e.g. management plans, protected areas) of the

site changed since your last report? No 4. Has the habitat of the site changed since your last report? Yes

Ongoing invasive plant (Blackberry sp.) removal has opened up possible new GWGU nesting areas on East Hill. Sedum acre has begun to be removed on East Hill. Sedum acre (European sp.) is spreading over the level rocks on East Hill and speeding the succession to shrubs. This could, in time, greatly decrease the available nesting habitat for GWGU. Plans are for MIST volunteers to focus this year on Sedum acre removal as well as Blackberry. Blackberry growth continues to fill the gullies on West Hill. Unfortunately manual removal can’t be done here during the nesting season (territories are established in March and last fledglings leave in September). Until another method of removal is used the blackberry growth will

54

reduce available GWGU nesting territory. An experimental controlled burn plot may be considered. Forage fish depletion is an ongoing issue that maybe affecting the success of seabird nesting.

5. a. Have any new or potential conservation threats arisen, or existing pressures worsened? Yes

There continues to be concerns with people attempting to bring dogs on the island. Two new signs at NW Bay, one of the two main landing spots, additional “No entry” signs, a newspaper article, additions to the BC Parks website may have helped reduce the number of dogs on the island this summer.

Another concern is boats landing close to Black Oystercatcher nests. The signs, MIST brochure, BC Parks website and megaphone has helped make the public aware that the center of Camp and NW Bay are the only places to land.

Violations of fishing regulations in the RCA – fishing gear and forage fish depletion are potential concerns. A new spotting scope has helped with reporting to fishery officials. MIST working with DFO’s Greg Askey will create posters of the RCA’s and post these in boat launching sites and marinas from Comox to Campbell river and Powell River to Lund in 2013.

b. Have any conservation threats lessoned? Yes

Bald Eagle predation of GWGU was anecdotally noted to have lessened. 6. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated? Yes

Interpretive/information signs installed in NW Bay‐ MIST

Intertidal survey has begun –Doug Biffard, Connie Miller Retzer, Erica McClaren and MIST

BCBBS has begun‐ Karen Barry, MIST

IP program has continued and expanded to includes Sedum acre as well as Himalayan and Evergreen blackberry‐MIST

Photo: Marlene Graham

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Increase public awareness of the role they play in protecting nesting sea birds.

Write and publish more articles (newspapers, magazines), produce a display table with pamphlets and present a video of nesting seabirds.

7. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g.,

travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)?

MIST volunteer weeks ‐7days x 24 hrs x 24 weeks = 4032 hrs. This year MIST volunteer teams were on the island from April 1st to Sept 14th. 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 MIST brochure. Beach clean‐up was done weekly. The invasive plant removal program continued throughout the summer concentrating on Himalayan and Evergreen blackberry removal in the notch meadow. Removal of Sedum acre began on East Hill. Other MIST hours: 1. creating educational materials volunteers x 20 days x8hrs =800hrs 2. fund raising for and conducting a workshop and training session 35 volunteers x 20 =700 hrs 3. infrastructure – installation Interpretive sign, work on cabin 5 volunteers x 4 hrs=20hrs 4. equipment – camp ,boat etc 5 volunteers x 5 days x8hrs =200 hrs 5. office time, phone calls, liaison meetings with BC Parks 1 volunteer x 2hrs x 50days =100 hrs TOTAL~ 1820 hours per year

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31.2 Mitlenatch Island 2012 Annual Report by Keith Riding

IBA Name: Mitlenatch Island Caretaker Name: Keith Riding Date: October 2012




Notes

September 27, 2012

Boat Marine portions



Common Murre – 700 Glaucous‐winged Gull – 82 Brandt’s Cormorant – 123 European Starling – 150 Pacific Loon ‐ 32


See MIST







9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)?

32 Mt. Arrowsmith and Area Mountains IBA

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33 Osoyoos Oxbows IBA

33.1 Osoyoos Oxbows 2012 Annual Report

The online site summary for Vaseux Lake Area was updated in 2012 to incorporate recent bird data (2000‐2010), and an up to date review of habitats, land uses, threats and opportunities (see http://www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=BC261&lang=EN). An action plan was completed in September 2012 (see below). Thanks to Caretakers Eva Durance, Doug Brown, Doreen Olson, Bob Handfield and Lee McFadyen, and all partners who made this work possible.

ActionList

OsyooosOxbowsImportantBirdArea

Preparedby:KristaEnglund,BCNatureVersion1.1

September,2012

This project was undertaken with the financial support of:

Ce projet a ete realize avec l’appui financier de:

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Acknowledgements The first action list was developed in March 2012 with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Federal Department of the Environment. Thanks to Krista De Groot and Kevin Fort for your help in arranging the funding. The update completed in September 2012 was supported by funding from BC Nature. Thanks to Orville Dyer and Tanya Luszcz for your support in facilitating the two meetings. We thank the volunteer Caretakers for the five South Okanagan Important Bird Areas for their tireless work, particularly Doug Brown, Caretaker for Osoyoos Oxbows IBA. We appreciate the contributions from all partners and supporters who attended the meetings or provided input in advance of the meetings:

Anne Murray, BC Nature

Alyson Skinner, South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Program

Barbara Pryce, Nature Conservancy of Canada

Bruce Harrison, Ducks Unlimited Canada

Bryn White, South Okananagan‐Similkameen Conservation Program

Christine Bishop, Environment Canada

Carl McNaughton, The Nature Trust

Dick Cannings, Bird Studies Canada

Doreen Olson, White Lake IBA Caretaker

Doug Brown, Osoyoos Oxbows IBA Caretaker

Eva Durance, Vaseux Lake IBA Caretaker

Kirk Safford, BC Ministry of Environment

Krista Englund, BC Nature

Lisa Scott, Wildlife Tree Stewardship/South Okanagan Invasive Plant Society

Mark Weston, BC Parks

Margaret Holm, Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance

Megan Harrison, Environment Canada

Nick Burdock, The Nature Trust

Orville Dyer, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations

Peter Davidson, Bird Studies Canada

Rob Stewart, Ministry of Forests Land and Natural Resource Operations

Tanya Luszcz, Partners in Flight/Canadian Wildlife Service

Tim Forrester, Simon Fraser University Background Osoyoos Oxbows (Figure 1) was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2000 because it supports nationally significant populations of Yellow‐breasted Chat, a nationally Endangered species under the Species at Risk Act. Between 30‐60 individuals were detected in the IBA annually between 2006‐2011. Numerous other national species at risk are present at this site: Western Screech Owl (macfarlanei subspecies; 1‐2 individuals; Threatened) Barn Owl (up to 4 individuals; Threatened), Lewis's Woodpecker (2 individuals; Threatened), Peregrine Falcon (up to 3 individuals; Special Concern), Long‐billed Curlew (up to 8 individuals; Special Concern), Common Nighthawk (Threatened), Barn Swallow (Threatened) and Bobolink (Threatened). Other important species that occur here include provincially rare Brewer’s Sparrow, Lark Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow. Most of these species are ranked as a top priority in the BCR9 draft plan and are ranked as a first or second priority under goal one or goal two of the BC Government’s Conservation Framework. Osoyoos Oxbows IBA is a hotspot for owls, with as many as eight species occurring in the area, four of which breed regularly. Burrowing Owls (nationally Endangered) were formerly present at this site and Short‐eared Owls (nationally Special Concern) have been detected.

59

The marshes at the north end of Osoyoos Lake, remnants of a once significant chain of wetlands in the Okanagan valley bottom, support Northern Harrier, Virginia Rail and Yellow‐headed Blackbird. The easy access along Highway 97 and the high diversity of birds and habitats makes the Osoyoos Oxbows one of the premier birding sites in Canada. Figure 1. Osoyoos Oxbows IBA

Key Habitats and Threats Actual or potential threats at Osoyoos Oxbows include development or expansion of vineyards and pastures, removal of roadside vegetation, and trampling by livestock. Researchers have found several dead chats and owls that have collided with vehicles in the area, which identifies roads as a potential threat to Yellow‐breasted Chats and owls (Potvin and Bishop 2010, COSEWIC 2002). Other important habitat includes fields, grasslands and snags/trees used for nesting and foraging. These habitats are impacted by development, loss of nesting sites (e.g. barns), agricultural and land use practices, altered fire regimes, etc. Current Conservation Status and Activities Core riparian habitat for Yellow‐breasted Chat and Western Screech Owl within this IBA is protected within the South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area, Haynes’ Lease Ecological Reserve, and 17 Wildlife Habitat Areas that have been designated for Yellow‐breasted Chat. Yellow‐breasted Chats, Western Screech Owls, Lewis’s Woodpeckers and Common Nighthawks are listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, which involves development of recovery strategies for these species including the identification of critical habitat and what needs should be addressed. Three conservation organizations (the Nature Conservancy of Canada, The Nature Trust of British Columbia and Ducks Unlimited Canada) own and manage land in this IBA to benefit wildlife. Various efforts are underway to improve habitat for birds and other wildlife (see Appendix A). For example, parts of the riparian woodlands have been fenced to exclude cattle, cutting of hay on several parcels is routinely delayed until Bobolinks have finished nesting, and several projects have been undertaken to restore water flow to the marshes and oxbows. Private lands adjacent to protected habitat (e.g. Willow Beach) represent potential future restoration and conservation opportunities. Additional activities are

Legend IBA boundary

South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area

Wildlife Habitat Areas

Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve

NGO fee simple conservation lands (DUC, TNT, NCC)

60

needed to address ongoing or potential threats, restore habitat and ensure that this IBA continues to support target bird species in perpetuity. Action List On March 25, 2012, BC Nature coordinated a meeting with the volunteer IBA Caretaker for Osoyoos Oxbows (Doug Brown) and numerous program partners and supporters (see attendance list in Appendix B) to generate an ‘action list’ for Osoyoos Oxbows IBA. The purpose of this action list is to identify high priority conservation needs and opportunities to improve conservation over the long term. Actions are summarized in Table 1 below. The status of the actions was updated in September 2012.

Table 1. Summary of Actions for Osoyoos Oxbows IBA

Category Lead* Timing Status

1. Land/water protection

a) Identify high priority sensitive ecosystems/conservation framework habitats used by IBA trigger species that are not protected – to prioritize acquisition and stewardship

MFLNR 2012 onwards

Lead to be identified

2. Land/water management/restoration

b) Circulate restoration plan for DUC property to Osoyoos Oxbows IBA Group after it is finalized

DUC 2012‐2013

To be circulated

c) Circulate link to the management plan for South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area to Osoyoos Oxbows IBA Group for review and comment

MFLNR 2012

d) Insert a delayed date (1‐2 weeks past July 8) into new agreements with farmers for annual haying

DUC/NCC 2013 No needed this year; Will do for 2013

e) Fix fences along west edge of South Okanagan WMA to exclude cattle

MFLNR 2012‐13

f) Erect gates/signage to discourage ATV access to crown parcel adjacent to Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve

MFLRN 2012‐13

g) Exclude horse grazing from DUC/NCC parcels DUC/NCC 2012 Reduction to 10 head in 2012, no grazing lease in 2013 unless necessary for habitat mgt

h) Investigate opportunities to restore Haynes farm buildings

Doreen Olson 2012 Investigated; historical society interested; need guidance on species at risk considerations and project lead – follow up with Rob

i) Work towards developing a plan to deal with invasive Russian Olive and other invasive plants (Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)

ALL Ongoing BC Parks conducting a pilot project to remove these species at Haynes Point – funding needed to support work at OO; need to replace vertical

61

structure before removing trees

j) Control for Purple loosestrife, Common Reed (Phrygmites), which may be a hybrid of native‐non‐native species, puncturevine and longspur

SOSIPS, DUC, MFLNRO

2012‐13 Investigate the need for an additional release of biological controls

k) Conduct restoration/enhancement where there are current opportunities and investigate opportunities to restore lands adjacent to SOWMA:

ALL Ongoing

Restore historic oxbow channels via excavation at Bobolink meadows

DUC 2012‐13 Excavation began Mon Sep 17, 2012

Conduct riparian planting at oxbow excavation at Bobolink Meadows

NCC 2012‐13 To be conducted fall 2012 and spring 2013

Investigate opportunities for mitigation/restoration work resulting from the upgrading/realignment of power lines along Black Sage Road

BC Parks 2012‐13 Underway

3. Species management

a) Install nest boxes/platforms for Barn Owl Caretaker, OONC (OSCA)

2012

b) Continue next box program for Northern Saw‐whet Owls (Western Screech Owls occasionally use these boxes)

Caretaker, OONC

Ongoing

4. Education and awareness

a) Develop a media/communication strategy for all the SOS IBAs combined that outlines article templates, key messages and seasonal themes and identifies potential writers/publications

BC Nature 2012‐13 Nature Canada has begun work on this; BCN will adapt for use in SOS

b) Install small signage at strategic points along new bicycling trail west of DUC‐owned parcels

DUC 2013 To be done 2013

c) Publish regular articles on the Osoyoos Oxbows IBA in the local newsletter (e.g. every 1‐2 months)

OSCA/SOSCP 2012 Media releases sent by BCN in June; needs to be handled locally

d) Raise awareness of conservation importance and birding attraction amongst Municipal officials & elected politicians through presentations where appropriate (e.g. planning advisory committees)

BCN, OSCA, Caretakers

Future To be completed

e) Plan for replacement of signs on large existing sign shelter west side of dyke adjacent to TNT owned lands (close to Bobolink Meadows)

Lead needed 2013 onwards

None to date

f) Continue to conduct tours during the Meadowlark Festival

OSCA, OONC, EC‐CWS

2013 onwards

Continue

5. Livelihood, economic and other incentives

a) Develop a recognition program/certificate of appreciation for landowners, naturalists, others, who help protect birds in IBAs

BSC/NC/BCN 2012‐13 Requested of Nature Canada

62

b) Recognize the landowner (Pendergrafs?) who delayed haying when asked by Barry Lancaster

BCN 2012 Upon development of certificate

c) Identify and pursue opportunities for encouraging stewardship agreements, conservation covenants and/or biodiversity farm plan development

SOSSP/ BC Nature

2012‐13 Discussions started between SOSSP/BCN

6. Communication, partnerships and capacity building

a) Convert the White Lake IBA Group email list to a formal listserve and encourage communication

BCN 2012 To be completed ASAP

b) Communicate regularly by email or remote meetings; meet at least annually

BCN/ALL Ongoing Emails sent regularly; plans to meet Apr 2013

c) Keep informed of new proposals for Willow Beach SOSCP Ongoing

d) Build relationships with Osoyoos Indian Band BCN/ALL 2012‐13 Not started

7. Research, inventory and monitoring

a) Purchase GPS units for use by Caretakers or other authorized birders and provide training

BCN/MNRO 2012 Purchase complete, training could be provided in spring 2013 (test GPS session for GRSP)

b) Provide guidance to Caretakers and birders on which species need to be surveyed and where; record date, UTM location and breeding status

BCN/BSC/ CWS/MNRO

2012 Draft complete – location of GRSP valuable for WHA

c) Conduct bird surveys/inventory on DUC and NCC parcels

Caretaker and birders

2013 onwards

To be completed

d) Check field on road 18 just outside existing boundary for Bobolink and Long‐billed Curlew

Caretaker and birders

2013 onwards

To be completed

a) Revise IBA boundary (exclude First Nations land from current buffer land, include adjacent riparian areas/habitats)

BCN/BSC 2012 No revisions completed to date

b) Harvest data from BSC in medium term and provide data to MNRO; discuss data management at a future meeting

BSC/BCN 2012‐3 Krista to arrange call

*Acronyms: BCN = BC Nature BCP = BC Parks BSC = Bird Studies Canada DUC = Ducks Unlimited Canada EC/CWS = Environment Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service MFLNR = Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations NC = Nature Canada NCC = Nature Conservancy of Canada OONC = Oliver Osoyoos Naturalists Club OSCA = Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance SOSCP = South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program SOSIPS = South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society TNT = The Nature Trust

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Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting Participants are expected to implement their actions as identified in the list. BC Nature will establish a listerv to facilitate communication between participants and allow progress to be tracked on an ongoing basis. Progress will also be tracked annually in the BC IBA Caretaker Network Annual Report Compendium, which is posted to the BC Nature website. It is expected that meetings between participants will be convened approximately annually to discuss actions and identify new needs and opportunities. References Potvin, A.J. and C.A. Bishop. 2010. An endangered population and roadside mortality: three western Yellow‐breasted Chat fatalities in the south Okanagan valley, British Columbia. British Columbia Birds, Volume 20.

COSEWIC. 2002. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Western Screech Owl Otus kennicottii macfarlanei subspecies kennicottii subspecies in Canada.

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Appendix A. Current Conservation Activities

Category Activity Lead Extent of IBA

1 Land/water protection 1.1 Site/area protection 1.2 Resource and habitat protection

Current protected areas ‐Ecological Reserve 100 (Haynes Lease) ‐South Okanagan Wildlife Mgt Area ‐Wildlife Habitat Areas ‐Fee simple conservation lands

DUC has an agreement with NCC where we manage their land parcel (Bobolink Meadows)

DUC recently did a small land swap with Ministry of Highways to enable them to push the biking trail through to Osoyoos Lake

BC Parks MFLNRO MFLNRO DUC, TNT, NCC DUC/NCC DUC

100.5 ha 317 ha 0.05 ha 83 ha

2 Land/water management 2.1 Site/area management 2.2 Invasive/problem species control 2.3 Habitat/natural process restor.

Highways did a habitat compensation project near Deadman’s lake in 2010

DUC annually controls noxious weeds

Management of invasive plants in ER100 as needed

Management of invasive plants – predominantly focus on roadside treatment of puncturevine and longspine sandbur (combination of herbicide, hand‐pulling and grass seeding) and herbicide treatment of wild four o`clock (roadside and dike); biological control agents are released as required

SOSIPS coordinates with Argo Road Maintenance (MOT Contractor) to ensure timely roadside mowing (main concern is Rd 22)

Some farmers delay harvest of hay until Bobolinks finished nesting (e.g. Pendergrafs – informal agreement with Dick Cannings, DUC has agreements with farmers)

Highways DUC BC Parks SOSIPS SOSIPS DUC, Dick Cannings, Barry Lancaster

>5% >5% >5% >5% >5% >5%

3 Species management 3.1 Species management 3.2 Species recovery 3.3 Species reintroduction 3.4 ex situ conservation

Yellow‐breasted Chat Recovery

Northern Saw‐whet Owl box program (19 boxes)

CWS‐EC Christine Bishop et al. Doug Brown/ Oliver‐Osoyoos Naturalists

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4 Education and awareness 4.1 Formal education 4.2 Training 4.3 Awareness /communications

Field course with South Okanagan High

Tours during Meadowlark Festival

New IBA signs installed and articles written in media

EC‐CWS EC‐CWS BC Nature

5 Law and policy 5.1 Legislation 5.2 Policies and regulations 5.3 Private sector standards/codes 5.4 Compliance and enforcement

Development of Biodiversity Conservation plan for the RDOS

Existing regulations under the BC Forest and Range Practices Act, the BC Wildlife Act, the Canadian Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Canadian Species at Risk Act, etc.

SOSCP

6 Livelihood, economic and other incentives 6.1 Linked enterprises livelihood alt. 6.2 Substitution 6.3 Market forces 6.4 Conservation payments 6.5 Non‐monetary values

DUC will likely keep some level of (delayed) annual haying at Bobolink Meadows

DUC

7 External capacity building 7.1 Institutional/civil society dev’t 7.2 Alliance and partnership dev’t 7.3 Conservation finance

8 Research and monitoring 8.1 Monitoring 8.2 Research

CWS monitors Yellow‐breasted Chat

Caretaker/birders monitor/Ebird

Christmas Bird Count

Breeding Bird Atlas

Bird banding by Barry Lancaster

WiTS volunteer monitors conduct surveys for cavity nesting SAR

Photomonitoring of the burn area in ER100 to see what comes up for regen/invasives

EC‐CWS Doug Brown/ Osoyoos‐Oliver Naturalist Club BSC BC Nature BC Parks

*Acronyms: BCN = BC Nature BCP = BC Parks BSC = Bird Studies Canada DUC = Ducks Unlimited Canada EC/CWS = Environment Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service MFLNR = Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations NC = Nature Canada NCC = Nature Conservancy of Canada OONC = Oliver Osoyoos Naturalists Club OSCA = Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance SOSCP = South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program SOSIPS = South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society TNT = The Nature Trust

66

34 Pacific Spirit Regional Park IBA

35 Porlier Pass IBA

67

36 Seabird Colonies (EC/CWS)

36.1 Summary of call with Moira Lemon on March 25, 2013

Krista Englund reviewed the spreadsheet of Moira's IBAs (see below) and Moira confirmed visits done in 2012 and plans for the future. CWS Visit Schedule for Breeding Seabird Colonies

IBA# 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)

2006‐CWS monitoring plots; 2009 ‐ RHAU banding/blood sampling; 2010 ‐ RHAU banding/blood sampling; 2011 ‐ CWS monitoring plots

none at present CWS; Mark Hipfner ‐ S&T Environment Canada

CWS Tech Rp # 65; unpublished CWS/S&T data

BC141 Dodge Point&Gogit Passage island chain

1992 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 50; Ref. 2

BC007 Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve

2006‐CWS monitoring plots ‐Pine I.; 2009 ‐ RHAU banding/blood sampling ‐ Pine I; 2010 ‐ RHAU banding/blood sampling ‐ Pine I.; 2011 ‐ monitoring plots ‐ Pine I.; 2012 – Pilot project with DFO (RHAU feeding on juvenile salmon – diet fed to chicks) and placed geolocators on RHAU

2013 ‐ Retrieving geolocators placed on RHAU in 2012 and 2nd year of collaborative study with DFO

CWS; Mark Hipfner ‐ S&T Environment Canada –for geolocators and fish study


BC016 Englefield Bay Islands

2004 ‐ Helgesen, Lihou, Saunders Is.; 2011 ‐ 4 days on 2+ islands to investigate recovery from racoons

none at present CWS; Mark Hipfner ‐S&T EC; Tony Gaston S&T EC 2011

CWS Tech Rp # 65; unpublished CWS data; Ref. 1

BC004 Frederick Island 2005 2013 – placing geolocators on ANMU; occupancy sampling in CAAU and ANMU colonies

Laurie Wilson CWS; Envt. Can.

CWS Tech Rp # 95; unpublished CWS data

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2014 – retrieval of geolocators from ANMU; planned repeat survey of nesting colonies of ANMU and CAAU

BC093 Gillam Island 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 94

BC105 Goose Island Group and Banks

1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 121

BC125 Grey and Green Islands


BC009 Hippa Island 1983; 2011 John Elliot may have visited for some toxicity work

none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 95

BC005 Kerouard and St. James islands

2004 none at present Mark Hipfner ‐ S&T Envt. Can.

Ref. 3; CWS/S&T unpublished data

BC136 Kunghit Island and Luxana Bay

2004 none at present Mark Hipfner ‐ S&T Envt. Can.

CWS/S&T unpublished data

BC088 Kyuquot Channel Islets


BC003 Langara Island 2004 ‐ colony survey; 2005‐2008 ‐ SFU grad student under Mark Hipfner

none at present CWS; Mark Hipfner ‐S&T Envt. Can.; SFU/CWS Wildlife Cha

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 study with DFO (RHAU feeding on juvenile salmon)

2013 ‐ Placing geolocators on RHAU and 2nd year of collaborative study with DFO

CWS; Mark Hipfner ‐ S&T Environment Canada


BC253 Major Brown Rock 1988 none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 121

BC106 Moore and Byers Islands and Bank

1988 2013 ‐ Placing geolocators on RHAU on Moore Islands to understand movements while at sea


CWS Tech Rp # 121

69

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. and geolocators on CAAU; 2011 ‐ post doc return for geolocator birds

none at present CWS; Mark Hipfner ‐ S&T Environment Canada

CWS Tech Rp # 50; Ref. 7; unpublished CWS data

BC006 Scott Island Group 2009 ‐ CWS monitoring plots Triangle I.; S&T Environment Canada/SFU research; 2006 ‐ Sartine Is; 2010 ‐ 2011 ‐ Triangle I. ‐ S&T Environment Canada/SFU Research; 2012 ‐ Mark Hipfner monitoring CAAU

2013‐continued CAAU research on Triangle Island 2014 ‐ CWS monitoring plots Triangle I (RHAU, CAAU, TUPU)


CWS Tech Rp # 86; numerous scientific papers (S&T/SFU); Ref. 10; unpublished CWS data

BC138 Skincuttle Inlet Islands

2008 ‐ CWS monitoring plots ‐ George and East Copper Is.

2013 ‐ CWS monitoring plots – George (ANMU) and East Copper Is.(CAAU)‐ geolocators on ANMU 2014 – retrieval of geolocators from ANMU on George Island

Laurie Wilson 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 Brooks Bay

1988 ‐ Solander Island colony survey none at present CWS CWS Tech Rp # 94

BC011 Tian Bay/Port Louis area


References 1 Gaston, A.J. and M. Masselink. 1997. The impact of Raccoons Procyon lotor on breeding seabirds at Englefield Bay, Haida Gwaii, Canada.

Bird Conservation International 7: 35 – 51 2 Lemon, M.J.F. 1993. Survey of Ancient Murrelet colony at Dodge Point on Lyell Island in 1992. Pp. 38 ‐ 51 in A.J. Gaston and A. Lawrence

(eds.). Laskeek Bay Conservation Society Report on Scientific Activities # 3, 1992 3 Hipfner, M.J. 2005. Population Status of the Common Murre Uria aalge in British Columbia, Canada. Marine Ornithology Vol. 33 2005,

Pp. 67‐69

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4 Regehr, H.M., M.S. Rodway, M.J.F. Lemon and J.M. Hipfner. 2006. Status of the Ancient Murrelet colony on Langara Island in 2004, nine years after eradication of introduced rats. Technical Report Series No. 445. Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region, British Columbia.

5 Lemon, M.J.F. 1993. Survey of Permanent Seabird monitoring plots on Ramsay Island. Pp. 52 ‐ 55 in A.J. Gaston and A. Lawrence (eds.). Laskeek Bay Conservation Society Report on Scientific Activities # 3, 1992

6 Hipfner, J.M. 2004. Surveys of permanent seabird monitoring plots on Ramsay Island, Gwaii Haanas, in June 2002. Pp. 35 ‐ 39 in Gaston, A.J. (ed.) 2004. Laskeek Bay Research 13. Laskeek Bay Conservation Society, Queen Charlotte City, B.C.

7 Lemon, M.J.F. 2005. Surveys of permanent Seabird Monitoring Plots on Rankine Island, Gwaii Haanas National Park, June 2005. unpublished CWS report to Parks Canada, Feb. 2006.

8 Lemon, M.J.F. 1997. Seabird colony monitoring on George Island, 1996. Pp. 27 ‐ 48 in A.J. Gaston (ed) Laskeek Bay Research 7 9 Lemon, M.J.F. 2003. Surveys of permanent Seabird Monitoring Plots on George Island and East Copper Island, Gwaii Haanas National

Park, June 2003. unpublished CWS report to Parks Canada, Dec. 2003 10 Hipfner J.M., M.J.F. Lemon and M.S. Rodway, 2010. 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:10.1017/S0959270910000043

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37 Sidney Channel IBA

37.1 Sidney Channel 2012 Annual Report

Caretaker: James K. Finley, Friends of Shoal Harbour Sanctuary Summary of Site Visits

Monthly Coastal Waterbird Survey Sites 38, 39, 40 ‐ Sidney Channel, Roberts Bay, Tsehum Harbour

Informal boat surveys offshore Sidney Channel

Daily informal counts Roberts Bay

Daily formal Bufflehead counts October‐ November ‐ Roberts Bay 1. All observations entered on‐line? No, data entered only for Coastal Waterbird Survey, and unofficially on‐line for Buffleheads, and casually in notebooks 2. IBA trigger species observed Horned Grebe numbers up, first Common Loon on CWS since 2009, notable absence of late ‐summer autumn mixed, feeding aggregations of Rhinoceros Auklet, Glaucous‐winged Gulls, and particularly Heerman's Gulls reported to IBA network). 3. Other data sets or monitoring? No 4. Conservation status changed? Yes Parks Canada has promoted the dormant Southern Gulf Islands National Marine Conservation Area proposal, and the Friends of Shoal Harbour (FOSH) have promoted inclusion of the sanctuary into the NMCA framework. 5. Habitat changed? Yes Yes, though habitat cannot be separated from predator dynamics. Evidently, schooling 'forage' fish, especially Sand Lance, are still declining in the underwater sand dunes of Sidney Channel, and in spite of a spring spawning of Herring in Saanich Inlet (the first in about a decade), only a single shoal of juvenile herring was observed in Roberts Bay, SHMBS, in late autumn. A late winter storm and tide surge caused damage to seawalls and severe beach erosion calling for improved construction techniques to protect estuarine habitat. Fuel oil spills occurred in the sanctuary on three occasions, but damage was contained at least superficially. Lack of autumn storms and resultant kelp debris limited the detritivore community and co‐operative feeding aggregations of Buffleheads and associated species. 6. a. New threat arisen? No b. Any threats lessened? Yes, at least potentially.

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Recognition of Shoal Harbour Sanctuary through the activities of FOSH and the election of Elizabeth May have lessened the likelihood of incursions by the marina industry into the sanctuary and IBA. 7. Conservation actions conducted

Registration of the Friends of Shoal Harbour Sanctuary (on the Southern Salish Sea IBA

Letters to editors on several issues ‐ pollution, erosion, derelict vessels etc

Member presentations to the community, to Mayors, MLAs and MPs on variety of issues

Interpretive display at the Brant Carving Festival

Monthly meetings of FOSH Committee

Organization of All Buffleheads Day, with Elizabeth May, MP, and Murray Coell MLA

Report to the national IBA program regarding decline of Heerman's Gulls

Communication and participation with local conservation organizations ‐ Peninsula Streams and Seachange

Preparation of a report on potential management strategies by Ilka, student of Calvin Sandborn, UVic Environmental Law

8. Conservation actions that might improve conditions Public education, monitoring and ecosystem‐based research on forage species and habitats. 9. Hours of volunteer labour Monitoring (CWS etc) 55 Communication /letters etc 15 Public presentations / displays 20 Monthly meetings 200 UVic Environmental Law 18 Media reports etc 10 Total ~320 10. It is necessary and timely to bring this IBA site up to date with boundaries defined and species reports

from Neil Dawe (1981), Pete Davidson and Parks Canada surveys, and the CWS surveys. Need follow‐up on Heerman's Gull status.

38 Skidegate Inlet IBA

39 Skookumchuck Prairie IBA

40 Snake Island IBA

40.1 Snake Island 2012 Annual Report

The site summary for Snake Island IBA is currently being revised and modification of the current boundary is being considered.

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41 Somenos Marsh IBA

41.1 Somenos Marsh 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Somenos Marsh Caretaker Name: Paul Fletcher Date: January 10, 2013





Dozens Casual 20%


Others do bird counts in and around Somenos Marsh through Cowichan Valley Naturalists

2. Were any IBA trigger species or other species of interest observed this year?

Swans pretty regular after migration arrival. Great Blue Herons all year round.

3. Are you aware of any other datasets or monitoring programs underway for the IBA trigger species or other species of interest?

None

4. Has the land use, ownership and/or conservation status (e.g. management plans, protected areas) of the site changed since your last report?

No change

5. Has the habitat of the site changed since your last report?

Agriculture accessibility has been further reduced by rising water table. More Willows moving into farm fields.

6. a. Have any new or potential conservation threats arisen, or existing pressures worsened?

Significant diking works are taking place in the Somenos system. The experts say that the effects on the Marsh will be negligible. Potential loss of red listed plant species if flood regimen changes.

b. Have any conservation threats lessoned?

7. Have any conservation actions/activities been undertaken/initiated

None this year


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Re‐designation of agricultural lands to attract waterfowl

9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? 1000 hours?

75

42 South Thompson River IBA

42.1 South Thompson River 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: South Thompson River

BC 176

Caretaker Name: Rick Howie(RRH) Kamloops Naturalists (KNC) Date: Feb. 6 2012





15 Jan 2012 Annual Swan & Eagle Count (RRH, 6 KNC members)

75% (entire length of river but little upland area.

Prime purpose was to count swans and eagles along the river. Misc observations of other species made as well. Travel by vehicle. 6 hrs

18 Feb 2012 Casual (RRH) Tranquille area <1% Brief visit . 1 hr

26 Feb 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops to Campbell Creek

<1% Casual birding along North side of river to Campbell Creek. 2 hrs

5 Mar 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops to Chase

75% of length Misc observations while driving Hwy 1 enroute to Shuswap Lake. 1 hr

21 Apr 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops to Chase

75% of length Misc observations while driving Hwy 1 enroute to Shuswap Lake & return. 2 hrs.

2 May 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops to Chase


15 June 2012 Casual (RRH) Tranquille area 3% length Bird observations enroute to Tranquille near old sewage treatment ponds. 1 hr

19 June 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops to Chase


21 July 2012 Casual (RRH) Tranquille area 2% Observations in Tranquille floodplain area. 1 hr

22 July 2012 Casual (RRH) Tranquille area 2% Observations in Tranquille floodplain area. 1 hr

17 Aug 2012 Casual (RRH) Chase to Kamloops

75% of length Birding along north side of river. 2.5 hrs

06 Sep 2012 Casual (RRH) Chase to Kamloops

75% of length Misc observations while driving Hwy 1 from Shuswap Lake. 2 hrs.

18 Sep 2012 Casual (RRH) Chase to Kamloops

75% of length Misc observations while driving Hwy 1 from Shuswap Lake. 1hr.

28 Oct 2012 Casual (RRH) Kamloops 1% Observations in MacArthur Island area. 2 hrs

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14 Nov 2012 Casual (RRH) Dallas <1% Observations opposite Stobart Creek. 1 hr

15 Nov 2012 Casual (RRH) Tranquille <1% Observations in Tranquille area. 1 hr

19 Nov 2012 Casual (RRH)Kamloops <1% Observations while doing other work in Mission Flats area. 1 hr

16 Dec 2012 Kamloops xmas bird count (RRH + 25 members of KNC)

30% Portions of the IBA are surveyed within the CBC count circle. 8 hrs


Some data entered into BCBBA project.


Trumpeter swans were wintering along the river. The annual mid‐January count resulted in 242 birds being found which was somewhat below average. Separate report maintained by R. Howie


Nothing locally but counts of Trumpeter Swan wintering populations are made in the Courtney‐ Comox area.


Not to my knowledge.


No major changes. Small developments of private housing occur annually.


Nothing new to my knowledge. A proposed housing and commercial development at Tranquille is in the planning stages. At full buildout in 30 years, there could be 3000+ residents in the area. The developers are attempting to plan an environmentally harmonious site but adding that many additional users to the river and lakeshore area will create uncertain potential impacts, although the shoreline area is protected in part by a provincial park. Impacts to wintering Trumpeter Swans will be negligible.

b. Have any conservation threats lessened? Y N If yes, please describe what , when, where, etc.


Nothing new to my knowledge.


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monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? At least 35.5 hrs were spent on casual observations or surveys within the IBA. However, there were likely twice that spent by one observer who visits Tranquille every other day, but his data has not been logged for this report. Other members of the KNC spend time observing within the IBA but we have yet to capture this time and data source in a formal way.

10. Please include any other comments about the status of your IBA (e.g. assistance required from IBA partners, boundary or site summary changes required, comments about the report form, other species observed, etc).

Please note that the mapping for this site on the IBA website does not indicate that it includes the river mouth at Kamloops Lake near Tranquille. The map stops sort of the river mouth by about 9 km.

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43 Strathcona Provincial Park IBA

43.1 Strathcona Provincial Park 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Strathcona Provincial Park Caretaker Name: Betty Brooks Date: Jan. 23, 2013





April‐September 6 trips to Buttle Lake area; casual , annual bird count & BBA

5% ? Hiked trails & campsites for wildlife & plants; visited minesite

15‐16th June Bird Count Buttle Lake area; annual bird count & BBA

Mainly Ralph & Thelwood Rivers & Darkis Lake areas; 2 teams

July ‐October 4 trips to Paradise Meadows & Lakes (Plateau area); casual, BBA

3% ? Hiked trails for wildlife & plants

8th July Bird count‐ Paradise Meadows; annual count

Walked Meadow trail; 2 teams


Survey, Breeding Bird Atlas, etc? Y N Most bird count species were entered on eBird. Some species were entered on BBA. Count results are attached.


Ptarmigan report cards were turned in to SWI volunteers or sent directly to Cathy Martin at UBC. Unusual records for this year were Western Kingbird and a large number of Bushtits‐both seen at Ralph River campground, Buttle Lake. A flock of 25 Sandhill Cranes were seen flying over Battleship Lake on September 11th. This area of the park is on their fall migration route. A Western Screech Owl was heard at the north end of Buttle Lake on August 9th. (This blue listed species is very scarce on VI now due to habitat loss and range expansion of Barred Ows.)

3. Are you aware of any other datasets or monitoring programs underway for the IBA trigger species or

other species of interest? Y N Ongoing VI Ptarmigan studies continuing at UBC to monitor effects of global warming. VI Marmots have been released into the park from the breeding facility at Mt. Washington and are being monitored. Some have successfully bred.

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Another fire on the Wolf River cliff slope started in the summer and burnt nearly to the base of the slope. The campsite was closed but unharmed.


Horse use in the Bedwell Valley has been permitted but the issue will not be finalized until after the court case with the Friends of Strathcona Park who are contesting the permit and master plan changes. The expansion plans being formulated at the Mt. Washington Resort may have some negative impacts on the park. Feeding the birds continues and Parks are reluctant to post more signs. Dogs off leash continue to be a problem.


The mine has raised the berm around their tailings pond. Reclamation plans are being worked on and the reclamations bond has been increased.


The penstock on the Heber River diversion has been removed and reclamation started. This will be continued in 2013 and will allow more wildlife migration including trout. One kilometer of the pipeline runs through Strathcona Park. Volunteers at the information/education facilities run by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute assist with monitoring the park and educating the public. The centres at Paradise Meadows and Buttle Lake are operated from June to October. IBA signs are now in both facilities and at the Mt. Becher trailhead.


Prevention of snowmobiles and other vehicles entering the park. This is a difficult issue to control with very limited staff. No offenders were caught last year.


monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)?

300 hours

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44 Squamish River Estuary IBA

44.1 Squamish Estuary 2012 Annual Report

Caretakers: John Buchanan Chris Dale

Site Monitoring A monthly bird census of the Squamish River Estuary has been carried out on the second Sunday of each month since 1991 and the data sent to Bird Studies Canada and E‐Bird Canada. Derek Sutton and Dave Lassmann have kept a master list of every bird seen in every month since 1991 and the checklist of birds seen in the Squamish Estuary, which was first compiled by Jim Wisnia in the mid 1990s and updated in 2007, has just been updated again by Karl Ricker. Total bird species now on the checklist is 249 not including the three new species seen in the Squamish area since the latest checklist was published.

Birds of interest in the Squamish River IBA Bald Eagles Although the numbers of eagles counted during the December 2012 Christmas Bird Count and January 2013 Brackendale Eagle Count were up from last year, the numbers are still down considerably from a decade ago. The decrease in numbers is probably due to the nearly nonexistent Chum salmon run in the fall of 2011. The salmon run in the fall of 2012 was much better and the number of Bald Eagles was higher but still far short of the numbers seen in past years. Christmas Bird Counts December 2011 ‐ 423 birds December 2012 ‐ 582 birds Brackendale Eagle Count January 2011 ‐ 655 birds January 2012 ‐ 804 birds Peregrine Falcons For the last few years the location of the nest site of the local pair of Peregrine Falcons could not be located but this last summer Peter Legere, a local astronomer, was able to locate the Peregrine Falcon nest on a ledge of “The Squamish Chief “ with his telescope and was able to count three young. One was found at the base of the cliffs by climbers in late spring but unfortunately it did not survive. At least one young Peregrine did survived and it was seen with the two adults later in the summer.

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Squamish Chief from the Squamish Estuary

Trumpeter Swans There have been very few over wintering Trumpeter Swans in the last few years but during the 2012 migrations there were a few large flocks seen, the largest being 60 birds in the spring and 100 birds in the fall. Periodic sightings of small numbers of swans are seen throughout the last couple of winters along Harris Slough which is close to the junction of the Mamquam and Squamish Rivers. During the November Monthly Bird Census a Tundra Swan was spotted in the estuary. This is the first Tundra Swan record since the monthly bird census was started in 1991. Owls A Great Horned Owl nest with two young was located in the Squamish Estuary this year. Great Horned Owls have been seen and heard over the years but this is the first time Ito my knowledge a nest has been located so it will be interesting to see if it is reused in the coming years. Multiple families of Barred Owls are seen each year in the Squamish area but no nest locations have ever been reported. The family of Barred Owls in Valleycliffe once again had three young and other families were seen in the Coho Park and at the Watts Point turn‐off. During the owl survey along the upper Squamish River Road in February only one Barred Owl was heard. Saw‐whet Owls that are normally heard in the upper Squamish River during the Nocturnal Owl Survey were absent this year on the two nights that were surveyed. Two were heard in the Squamish Estuary and a Northern Pygmy‐owl was seen there as well.

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Normally one to three Short‐eared Owls are seen in the Squamish Estuary in late October and early November. They were seen again this year as they moved through the area. During this year’s irruption of Snowy Owls in the Lower Mainland Squamish recorded its first Snowy Owl in a long time. It was seen by several birders as it sat on the roof of the Howe Sound Secondary School on December 11. The Owl was not seen during the Christmas Bird Count but a few days later it was seen sitting on the side of Highway 99. It was picked up and taken to a rescue centre but unfortunately it was too sick to survive. Caspian Terns Several flocks of Caspian Terns were seen around the estuary this summer with the largest flock seen being 90 birds. Birds were seen mating but no nest sites have been found. Eurasian Collard Dove Like a lot of places in the lower mainland the number of Eurasian Collared Doves in the downtown area of Squamish has increased. There are now up to 18 doves in downtown Squamish which is part of the Squamish River IBA. Totem in the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area ‐ Part of the Squamish IBA

Issues in the Squamish IBA Windsurfers and kite‐boarders Windsurfing and kiteboarding are popular due to the strong and consistent winds that blow at the end of the Squamish River training dike known as “The Spit”. Kiteboarders were seen surfing along the channels in the

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estuary grasslands during breeding season. This is an ongoing problem and the windsurfing society has been warned in the past about the importance of not entering the wildlife management area and disturbing birds especially during breeding season. This year a video was taken of the infraction which when made public seemed to help keep the surfers out of the posted restricted areas for most of the Summer but this Autumn kite boarders were seen once again surfing beyond the boundaries set out in the Squamish Wildlife Management Plan. CN Rail Diesel Spill In November a CN Rail locomotive travelling through the estuary to the Squamish Terminals deep sea port broke a rail which punctured the fuel tank causing approximately 5000 litres of diesel to spill into the Bridge Pond area of the estuary. The clean‐up response was good but some of the marsh had to be dug up to prevent diesel from contaminating the estuary and now a long term study of the area is underway to monitor the effects of the spill on the estuary. Off Leash Dogs The Squamish Estuary trails and dike are popular places for the general public and dog walkers . Off leash dogs have been seen running in the estuary grasslands and some dog owners have even been seen encouraging their dogs to chase ducks and geese. Rehabilitated area of Squamish Estuary ‐ once was ten metres deep in dredge spoils

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Members of the Squamish Environment Society on an estuary clean‐up day

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Birds of Interest Seen In the Squamish IBA During 2012

Northern Mockingbird ‐ First for the Estuary checklist

Tundra Swan ‐ First for the estuary checklist

Lark Sparrow ‐ First for the Estuary checklist

Brown Pelican ‐ First for the estuary checklist

Black‐throated Sparrow ‐ First for the Estuary checklist

Snowy Owl ‐ First record in a long time

Western Kingbird – 6 in the Estuary marshes

Eastern Kingbird ‐ 3 in the Estuary marshes

Bewick’s Wren ‐ First in the Squamish Estuary since 1998

Mountain Bluebirds ‐ First time seen during Fall migration

Common Redpoll ‐ Large numbers seen in Squamish Estuary

Glaucous Gull ‐ 1 in Outer Estuary

Green Heron‐ 1 along Cattermolle Slough in the Squamish Estuary

Horned Lark ‐ 1 in Brackendale along the Squamish River

Lazuli Bunting ‐ 3 in the Squamish Estuary

Black Turnstone ‐ 1 in Outer Estuary

Great Horned Owl ‐ A nest with 2 young in the Estuary

Gray‐crowned Rosy‐finch‐ 1 in Estuary New Birds Added to the Squamish Bird Checklist From February 3 to April 14 a Northern Mockingbird was seen regularly feeding on the holly tree berries in the downtown area of Squamish. On June 11 a Black‐throated Sparrow was seen by a few birders in the Bridge Pond area of the estuary. This was during the week that a few other Black‐throated Sparrows were seen at Pitt Lake, Hope, and Osoyoos. In June a Lark Sparrow was seen by two local birders. Other birds added to the checklist were a Brown Pelican and a Tundra Swan. Both birds were only seen for one day each but the Brown Pelican was seen sporadically near Britannia Beach and Porteau Cove during the next two weeks. Videos of the Black‐throated Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird and the kiteboarders in the Squamish Estuary as well as other birds in the Squamish Estuary can be viewed on You‐Tube athttp://www.youtube.com/user/Woodfibrebirder/videos

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45 Stuart, Tachie and Middle Rivers IBA

45.1 Stuart, Tachie and Middle Rivers 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Stuart, Tachie and Middle Rivers Caretaker Name: Joanne Vinnedge Date: February 2013


Date(s)



Notes

Jan 15, 2012 Casual Up to 7 miles downstream Stuart River from Stuart Lake

Counted from 6 access points along the river; estimate able to see about half of the 7 mile stretch

July 2012 Boat trip through Tachie and Middle Rivers, Breeding Bird Survey


Breeding Bird Atlas data entered


TRUS – Jan 15, 2012 – 74 swans





The proposed Enbridge Pipeline would cross the Stuart River very close to the IBA. This raises concerns about the potential impacts of an oil spill, plus associated disturbance and habitat impacts associated with the pipeline.



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I spoke at the Enbridge oral statements when the panel was here in July. I talked about my concerns about the pipeline from a directly affected landowner position, as well as from my volunteer bird‐related activities. I talked about the IBA and noticed the panel members scribbling.

The IBA ID sign isn’t up yet, as I am going to do it with a T’laz’ten environmental coordinator. We weren’t able to get out last fall, and it will have to wait for spring now. But for sure, you’ll get a photo!

46 Summallo – Skagit River IBA

46.1 Email with Gord Gadsden

There has been no stated change in FVRD’s involvement or interests in Sumallo to Gord’s knowledge. He will try to visit this spring.

47 Tachick and Nulki Lakes IBA

47.1 Phone call with Nancy Krueger

Nancy visited the IBA in 2012 and will send her observations by mail soon.

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48 Tofino Mudflats IBA

48.1 Tofino Mudflats 2012 Annual Report

IBA Name: Tofino Mudflats Caretaker Name: Barb Beasley, Dan Harrison (Rain Coast Education Society) Date: January 2013


Date(s)



Notes

8 Jan 2012 Coastal waterbird survey >1% Count in Jensen’s Bay ‐ stationary

12 Feb 2012 Coastal waterbird survey >1% Count in Jensen’s Bay ‐ stationary

11 Mar 2012 Coastal waterbird survey >1% Count in Jensen’s Bay ‐ stationary

4‐6 May 2012 Casual – shorebird festival >1% Visitors and locals at end of Sharp Rd and local beaches


Not sure, but I think yes for Coastal Waterbird Surveys


Casual observations of IBA trigger species, Great Blue Heron and Western Sandpipers. Estimations of ~30,000 Western Sandpipers/day at the peak of the spring (May) shorebird migration were observed (Adrian Dorst). Great Blue Herons were observed widely, but no counts were done. Coastal Waterbird Surveys were done on 1st 3 months of the year until we ran out of funding.



A recent Official Community Plan (OCP) update by the District of Tofino has enacted a new foreshore development permit, requiring approval from a biologist before any land use changes within 50 feet of the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area.



The District of Tofino is now accepting sewage from the First Nations Communities of Esowista and Ty‐Histanis. This has increased raw sewage outputs to waters adjacent to the Tofino Mudflats WMA.

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Recreational use of Chesterman Beach continues at some or higher levels than in the past – runners and dogs disturb birds.



Continued communication with the Tla‐o‐qui‐aht First Nation regarding their approval of Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) designation of the Tofino Mudflats. On April 26, 2012, a formal presentation was delivered to Chief and Council. A follow‐up letter was delivered by Environment Canada in December 2012.


Ongoing education and awareness. Monitoring key habitats and habitat threats. Greater enforcement of dogs on leash bylaw at Chesterman Beach during peak shorebird migration period. We’ve tried handing out magnets and bookmarks. It is challenging to sustain high level of awareness‐building required.

9. How many hours did you (and your partners) spend on Caretaker related duties this year (e.g., travelling, monitoring, reporting, outreach, conservation, etc)? ~ 40 hours.

10. Please include any other comments about the status of your IBA (e.g. assistance required from IBA partners, boundary or site summary changes required, comments about the report form, other species observed, etc).

A bilingual sign for the Parks Canada portions of the IBA.

49 White Islets IBA

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50 White Lake Area IBA

50.1 White Lake Area 2012 Annual Report

The online site summary for White Lake Area was updated in 2012 to incorporate recent bird data (2000‐2010), and an up to date review of habitats, land uses, threats and opportunities (see http://www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=BC167&lang=EN). An action plan was completed in March 2012 and updated in September 2012 (see below). Thanks to Caretakers Doreen Olson, Bob Handfield, Eva Durance, Doug Brown and Lee McFadyen, and all partners who made this work possible.

ActionListWhiteLakeImportantBirdArea


September,2012

This project was undertaken with the financial support of:

Ce projet a ete realize avec l’appui financier de:

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Acknowledgements The first action list was developed in March 2012 with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Federal Department of the Environment. Thanks to Krista De Groot and Kevin Fort for your help in arranging the funding. The update completed in September 2012 was supported by funding from BC Nature. Thanks to Orville Dyer and Tanya Luszcz for your support in facilitating the two meetings. We thank the volunteer Caretakers for the five South Okanagan Important Bird Areas for their tireless work, particularly Doreen Olson and Bob Handfield, Caretakers for White lake IBA. We appreciate the contributions from all partners and supporters who attended the meetings or provided input in advance of the meetings:



Bryn White, South Okananagan‐Similkameen Conservation Program

Bob Handfield, Co‐Caretaker for White Lake IBA

Carl McNaughton, The Nature Trust













Tanya Luszcz, Partners in Flight/Canadian Wildlife Service Background White Lake (Figure 1) was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2000 because it supports nationally significant populations of Sage Thrasher, determined to be Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC; wildlife species that have been assessed as at risk by COSEWIC may qualify for legal protection and recovery under Canada’s Species at Risk Act). Between 1 and 10 Sage Thrashers have been observed annually since 2003. Threatened (COSEWIC) Western Screech Owls (macfarlanei subspecies; interior population) have been detected three years since 2001, and a nest was discovered in 2006. Single Yellow‐breasted Chats (Endangered, COSEWIC) were observed in 2004 and 2005. Endangered (COSEWIC) White‐headed Woodpeckers are occasionally reported from the White Lake area, but are rarely detected on targeted surveys. Threatened (COSEWIC) Barn Swallows and Threatened (COSEWIC) Common Nighthawk occur in the area. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes have been known to stop at the lake during spring and fall migration. Special Concern (COSEWIC) Flammulated Owls have been detected just outside the IBA and are suspected to occur within the IBA too. Special Concern (COSEWIC) Peregrine Falcons historically used the site. Provincially rare (red‐listed) Brewer’s, Grasshopper, and Lark Sparrows also occur at the site. This site formally supported nationally Endangered Burrowing Owls – the last recorded sighting was in 1907. Most of these species are ranked as a top priority in the BCR9 draft plan and are ranked as a first or second priority under goal one or goal two of the BC Government’s Conservation Framework.

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Figure 1. White Lake IBA

Key Habitats and Threats Loss or alteration of habitat is a threat for Sage Thrasher, Western Screech Owl and other species at risk at White Lake. Removal of mature sagebrush for agricultural expansion or improving rangeland is a threat on private lands and removal of roadside vegetation is a threat alongside roads (COSEWIC 2010). Invasive plants like sulfur cinquefoil, cheatgrass, Japanese brome, and crested wheatgrass have altered the grasslands. Cheatgrass in particular increases fine fuels and the risk of fire. Fire is a threat to Sage Thrasher habitat because it destroys Big Sagebrush (COSEWIC 2010). Forest practices, fire suppression, and climate change have degraded the mature, open Ponderosa Pine forests preferred by White‐headed Woodpeckers and increased the risk of catastrophic fires that could destroy nest trees (COSEWIC 2011). Overgrazing is a potential threat, but grazing is better managed now than in the past in most areas and Sage Thrashers are less sensitive to grazing pressure than other grassland birds (COSEWIC 2010). On privately owned lands, mature trees with suitable nesting and roosting cavities for Western Screech Owl are at risk of being destroyed for urban or agricultural expansion or removal due to safety concerns (COSEWIC 2008). Collisions with vehicles may also be a threat; four road‐killed owls were reported along a 6‐km length of road in one year in the south Okanagan and others have been reported throughout much of the range (COSEWIC 2008). Increased disturbance of nesting birds from recreational users, increased road traffic, and decreased ground water from further development at nearby St. Andrews or Twin Lakes (housing, vineyards, golf courses) are potentially threatening. Current Conservation Status and Activities Approximately one quarter of the IBA is protected within the provincial White Lake Grasslands Protected Area (Figure 1). Most of the remaining area is privately owned by the National Research Council (NRC). These NRC owned lands are leased to The Nature Trust of British Columbia and Clifton Ranch, and managed as the White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch. The White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch Plan and associated Range Use Plans outline a ranching rotation schedule that has considerably reduced grazing pressure compared to

Legend IBA boundary

White Lake Grasslands Protected Area

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historic levels. Recent conservation activities conducted by The Nature Trust, the South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society, and other partners involved in the South Okanagan‐Similkameen Conservation Program, include fencing and associated regeneration of riparian habitat, implementation of grazing rotation practices, and biological and manual control of invasive plants. Additional activities conducted to raise local awareness about this site, monitor the status of the birds and their habitat, and improve the habitat for target bird species are outlined in Appendix A. Additional activities are needed to address ongoing or potential threats and ensure that this IBA continues to support target bird species in perpetuity. Action List On March 25, 2012, BC Nature coordinated a meeting of one of the volunteer IBA Caretakers for White Lake (Doreen Olson) and numerous program partners and supporters to generate an ‘action list’ for White Lake IBA. The purpose of this action list is to identify high priority conservation needs and opportunities to improve conservation over the long term. Actions are summarized in Table 1 below. The status of the actions was updated in September 2012. Table 1. Summary of Actions for White Lake IBA

Activity Lead* Timing Status

1. Land/water protection

a) Celebrate the purchase of property at Twin Lakes by TNT and SONC ‐ Meadowlark festival May 2012

TNT 2012 Complete

2. Land/water management

a) Complete new management plan for Twin Lakes‐White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch

TNT/ EcoMatters

Spring 2013

Underway

b) Investigate opportunities for improved management (e.g. fencing/cattle exclusion, provision of alternate water) or habitat/process restoration (invasive plants, riparian, fire)

All Ongoing Ongoing

c) Conduct roadside cleanup of garbage along White Like Road

SONC Fall 2012 Planning underway

3. Species management

4. Education and awareness

a) Make new information signs for locations where signs are deteriorating

TNT, SONC Future Project lead needed

b) Install interpretive sign(s) about the IBA/birds at White Lake

BC Nature 2012 Complete

c) Purchase a suite of good quality photographs with consent for use in future signs, brochures and displays

BC Nature 2012 Complete

d) Develop a media/communication strategy for all the SOS IBAs combined that outlines article templates, key messages and seasonal themes and identifies potential writers/publications

BC Nature 2012‐13 Nature Canada has begun work on

this; BCN to adapt

e) Publish regular articles on birds with reference to IBAs in newspapers: already articles in P. Western News (Bob Handfield), P. Herald (Lisa Scott)

All local partners

Ongoing Ongoing

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f) Develop the second sign that was produced for White Lake IBA into a brochure that can be used to educate IBA visitors and landowners about grassland birds and actions they can take to help conserve them; make similar information available on websites (IBA Canada/BCN) and Facebook

SONC/BCN 2012‐13 Draft complete

g) Continue to educate the local community and birders about the importance of the area through site visits/tours, including Meadowlark Festival

SONC Ongoing Ongoing

5. Law and policy

a) Raise awareness of conservation importance and birding attraction of IBAs amongst Municipal officials & elected politicians through presentations to Area Advisory Commissions of RDOS for Areas A (Osoyoos), D (Vaseux, White Lake), and B? (Cawston/Keremeos)

OSCA? Caretakers? BC Nature?

Future Lead required

b) Add IBAs to South Okanagan Similkameen Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and regional district mapping, as appropriate

BC Nature, SOSCP

2012‐13 Investigate once site reviews/

boundary updates complete

6. Livelihood, economic and other incentives

a) Identify and pursue opportunities for encouraging stewardship agreements, conservation covenants and/or biodiversity farm plan development

SOSSP/ BC Nature

2012‐13 Alyson Skinner & Krista Englund

discussed in May 2012 – shared data

b) Highlight tourism revenues to local economy from birding within local Chambers of Commerce

None determined

Future Lead to be determined

7. Communication, partnerships and capacity building

a) Convert the White Lake IBA Group email list to a formal listserve and encourage communication

BC Nature 2012 To be done

b) Plan for a future in person meeting, perhaps 2 to 3 hours and a field trip – April 2013

BC Nature 2012‐13 Tentative plans for April 2013 meeting

c) Use ‘Go to Meeting’ for short, update meetings in the interim

BC Nature Ongoing As needed

8. Research and monitoring

a) Conduct additional inventory on Twin Lakes Ranch for IBA target birds (LEWO) – to organize a day with the Nature Trust

Caretakers/TNT

2013 To be completed

b) Purchase GPS units for use by Caretakers or other authorized birders and provide training

BC Nature/ MFLNR

2012‐13 Purchase complete, training could be provided Apr 2013

c) Provide guidance to Caretakers and birders on which species need to be surveyed and where; record date, UTM location and breeding status

BC Nature/ MFLNR

2012‐13 Draft complete – meeting to be held

in fall 2012 to discuss

d) Acquire a call playback machine for WHWO and FLOW, similar to the one that WiTS uses, and identify protocols for this area

BCN/WiTS Future As opportunity permits

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e) Identify local birders who are interested in serious ornithological surveys and data entry

Caretakers Future As opportunity permits

f) Post a request for sightings of IBA target birds on BC interior birding bird listserve

Doug 2013 Once 8C is complete

g) Check information signs for deterioration and need for cleaning or replacement

Caretakers/TNT

Ongoing As needed

*Acronyms: BCN = BC Nature BCP = BC Parks BSC = Bird Studies Canada DUC = Ducks Unlimited Canada EC/CWS = Environment Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service MFLNR = Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations NC = Nature Canada NCC = Nature Conservancy of Canada OONC = Oliver Osoyoos Naturalists Club OSCA = Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance SONC = South Okanagan Naturalists Club SOSCP = South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program SOSIPS = South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society SOSSP = South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship program TNT = The Nature Trust WiTS = Wildlife Tree Stewardship (BC Nature) Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting Participants are expected to implement their actions as identified in the list. BC Nature will establish a listserve to facilitate communication between participants and allow progress to be tracked on an ongoing basis. Progress will also be tracked annually in the BC IBA Caretaker Network Annual Report Compendium, which is posted to the BC Nature website. It is expected that meetings between participants will be convened approximately annually to discuss actions and identify new needs and opportunities. References COSEWIC. 2002. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Western Screech Owl Otus kennicottii macfarlanei subspecies kennicottii subspecies in Canada.

COSEWIC. 2010. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus in Canada.

Whitehorne, I., V. Connolly, P. Levesque, T. Luszcz, E. Krebs, J. Kennedy, and A. Camfield. 2011. Draft Technical Plan for Bird Conservation Region 9: Great Basin. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Ottawa, ON.

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Current protected areas ‐White Lake Grasslands Protected Area ‐3 Wildlife Habitat Areas (2 for tiger salamander) ‐Fee simple conservation lands ‐ lands owned by National Research Council and leased to the Nature Trust/Clifton Ranch

Nearby Twin Lakes Ranch purchased by TNT

BC Parks MFLNR TNT TNT TNT (SONC)

509 ha 1.8 ha 3.1 ha

2 Land/water management 2.1 Site/area management 2.2 Invasive/problematic species control 2.3 Habitat/natural process restoration

Environmental Farm Plan under development

Range Use Plan being updated/implemented (range rotation)

Ongoing fence maintenance (installed around most ponds, creeks, lakes)

Ecosystem restoration project to improve forest health and increase cavity nest potential (target species was WHWO but project will benefit a variety)

Predominantly biological control of diffuse knapweed, Dalmatian toadflax and hound’s tongue

Manual removal of burdock, hounds tongue and Canada thistle

TNT/Clifton Ranch TNT BC Parks SOSIPS TNT

Over half Over half Throughout Protected Area Small portion


Discussions ongoing about the possibility of Burrowing Owl reintroductions

Bluebird trail/nestboxes

Burrowing Owl Cons. Society South. Interior Bluebird Trail Society


Signs about Sage Thrasher and White Lake Biodiversity Ranch and The Nature Trust

Wilderness Watch sign

Meadowlark Festival Tours

School group tours

IBA identification signs installed 2011

TNT BCWF SONC, TNT TNT SONC/BCN

5 Law and policy 5.1 Legislation 5.2 Policies and regulations 5.3 Private sector standards/codes

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5.4 Compliance and enforcement

6 Livelihood, economic and other incentives

6.1 Linked enterprises livelihood altern. 6.2 Substitution 6.3 Market forces 6.4 Conservation payments 6.5 Non‐monetary values

Rotational grazing TNT, Clifton Ranch


8 Research and monitoring 8.1 Monitoring 8.2 Research

Annual monitoring (cover and composition) of 400 vegetation (daubenmire) plots on transects put in by CWS (not monitored since 2005) and TNT

Photographic monitoring program – take same 10 photos each year goes back 10 years

Caretaker/birders monitor (e.g. Ebird, photo monitoring of White Lake)

Breeding Bird Atlas

Breeding Bird Survey route passes through

Nocturnal Owl Surveys ongoing

WiTS volunteer monitors conduct surveys for cavity nesting SAR

CWS has a park use permit for research (point counts, vegetation inventory, nest monitoring for grasslands sparrows)

TRU has a park use permit assessing MPB impacts on Py ecosystems—management implications

Queens University has a park use permit to investigate movement behavior in Western Bluebirds

Jack Tane/Megan Harrison? research on Brewer’s Sparrow

TNT/CWS TNT SONC BSC CWS BSC? BC Nature/WiTS CWS TRU Queens University CWS/univ?

Throughout IBA Covers whole IBA

*Acronyms: BCN = BC Nature BCWF = BC Wildlife Federation BUCS = Burrowing Owl Conservation Society

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BSC = Bird Studies Canada EC/CWS = Environment Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service MFLNR = Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations NC = Nature Canada NCC = Nature Conservancy of Canada OSCA = Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance SIBTS = South Interior Bluebird Trail Society SONC = South Okanagan Naturalists Club SOSCP = South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program SOSIPS = South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society SOSSP = South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship program TNT = The Nature Trust TRU = Thompson Rivers University WiTS = Wildlife Tree Stewardship

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51 Vaseux Lake Area IBA

51.1 Vaseux Lake Area 2012 Annual Report

The online site summary for Vaseux Lake Area was updated in 2012 to incorporate recent bird data (2000‐2010), and an up to date review of habitats, land uses, threats and opportunities (see http://www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=BC262&lang=EN). An action plan was completed in September 2012 (see below). Thanks to Caretakers Eva Durance, Doug Brown, Doreen Olson, Bob Handfield and Lee McFadyen, and all partners who made this work possible.

ActionListVaseuxLakeImportantBirdArea


September,2012

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Acknowledgements The development of this action list was supported by funding from BC Nature and builds on work initiated with funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Department of the Environment. Thanks to Orville Dyer and Tanya Luszcz for your support in facilitating the meeting. We thank the volunteer Caretakers for the five South Okanagan Important Bird Areas for their tireless work, particularly Eva Durance, Caretaker for Vaseux Lake IBA. We appreciate the contributions from all partners and supporters who attended the meeting on September 24, 2012 or provided input in advance of the meeting:



Christine Bishop, Environment Canada

Courtney Albert, Environment Canada













Tanya Luszcz, Partners in Flight/Canadian Wildlife Service

Tim Forrester, Simon Fraser University

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Background Vaseux Lake (Figure 1) was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2000 because it supports nationally significant populations of Lewis’s Woodpecker, Western Screech Owl, and Yellow‐breasted Chat. Lewis’s Woodpecker, determined to be Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC; wildlife species that have been assessed as at risk by COSEWIC may qualify for legal protection and recovery under Canada’s Species at Risk Act) regularly breed here; between one and 25 individuals have been observed annually since 2000. Small numbers (1‐5 individuals) of the Okanagan population of Yellow‐breasted Chat (subspecies auricollis), listed as Endangered by COSEWIC, have been detected in the IBA since 2001. Threatened (COSEWIC) Western Screech Owls (macfarlanei subspecies; interior population) have been detected in the IBA most years since 2002, primarily during the fall and winter. Endangered (COSEWIC) White‐headed Woodpeckers were historically seen year‐round but irregularly in the Vaseux Lake area, but have not been detected recently. Small numbers of Special Concern (COSEWIC) Flammulated Owls breed in the IBA. Threatened (COSEWIC) Barn Owls are occasionally detected during the fall and winter and possibly breed in the IBA as they have been detected in the summer as well. Peregrine Falcons (Threatened, COSEWIC) nest on McIntyre Bluffs at the south end of the lake; at least one falcon has been observed each year since 2004. Threatened (COSEWIC) Barn Swallows and Common Nighthawk also occur in the area. Most of these species are ranked as a top priority in the BCR9 draft plan and are ranked as a first or second priority under goal one or goal two of the BC Government’s Conservation Framework. Trumpeter and Tundra Swans winter on Vaseux Lake and the lake is a very important resting and overwintering site for waterfowl. Marshes at the north end of the lake, remnants of a once significant chain of wetlands in the Okanagan valley bottom, support American Bittern, Northern Harrier, Virginia Rail, and Yellow‐headed Blackbird among numerous other species. Figure 1. Vaseux Lake IBA

Legend IBA boundary

Provincial Protected Areas

National Wildlife Areas

Conservation Lands (The Nature Trust)

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Key Habitats and Threats Loss or degradation of habitat is the key threat for the species at risk at Vaseux Lake IBA. Forest practices and fire suppression have degraded the mature, open Ponderosa Pine forests preferred by White‐headed Woodpeckers, increased the risk of catastrophic fires that could destroy nest trees (COSEWIC 2010b), and limited the creation of new habitat for Lewis’s Woodpecker (COSEWIC 2010a). A forest fire on the east side of the lake in 2003 killed some mature pines, which are now used by Lewis’s Woodpecker for nesting. Benchland and forested habitats are threatened by possible conversion to vineyards or residential developments. Agricultural practices that increasingly depend on pesticides may decrease insect prey abundance or expose woodpeckers to sub‐lethal levels of dietary pesticide, though this has not been documented in Lewis’s Woodpecker (COSEWIC 2010a). Removal of dead and dying trees for firewood, human‐safety, aesthetic, or other reasons has a negative impact on Lewis’s Woodpecker and other cavity nesters (COSEWIC 2010a, COSEWIC 2008). Expansion of highway 97 or the construction of a trail system along the west side of the lake could impact riparian habitat that is important for Yellow‐breasted Chat. The existing dike limits the amount of riparian habitat long the Okanagan River. Researchers have found several dead chats and owls that have collided with vehicles in the area, which identifies roads and increased traffic as a potential threat to Yellow‐breasted Chats and owls (Potvin and Bishop 2010, COSEWIC 2002). Competition with European Starlings for nest cavities may be becoming more of a threat to Lewis’s Woodpeckers in this area (COSEWIC 2010a). Burdock, and invasive plant, is a potential threat for Yellow‐breasted Chats and other birds; bats and birds have been trapped and killed in this plant at Vaseux Lake in the past (Luszcz, pers. com.). Other invasive species that could impact chats include yellow flag iris and purple loosestrife (habitat impacts) and domestic cats (direct impacts). Current Conservation Status and Activities Yellow‐breasted Chats, Western Screech Owls, and Lewis’s Woodpeckers are listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, which involves development of recovery strategies for these species including the identification of critical habitat and what needs should be addressed. A large portion of this IBA is managed for conservation under a variety of jurisdictions. The province manages White Lake Grasslands Protected Area, Vaseux Protected Area and Vaseux Lake Provincial Park. In addition, several provincially managed Wildlife Habitat Areas were established on the east side of the Lake. Vaseux Lake itself is a federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary and numerous parcels in the IBA comprise the Vaseux‐Bighorn National Wildlife Area. The Nature Trust of British Columbia owns and manages numerous parcels within the IBA to benefit wildlife. The Land Conservancy owns Eagle Bluff, which is managed as the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls. The Vaseux Lake Bird Observatory is one of three migration monitoring stations in BC and operates daily in August, September and the first half of October. Restoration work completed at the site to date includes the creation of pond, channel and associated riparian habitat at the north end of the lake and forest management activities to improve habitat for woodpeckers (see Appendix A). Future restoration possibilities include a prescribed burn on the west side of the lake to further improve woodpecker habitat, continued restoration of meadows at the north end of the lake, and restoration of areas degraded by fire or invasive plants, diked areas, and private lands (see Table 1). Action List On September 24, 2012, BC Nature coordinated a meeting with the volunteer IBA Caretaker for Vaseux Lake (Eva Durance) and numerous program partners and supporters to generate an ‘action list’ for Vaseux Lake IBA. The purpose of this action list is to identify high priority conservation needs and opportunities to improve conservation over the long term. Actions are summarized in Table 1 below.

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Table 1. Action list for Vaseux Lake IBA

Activity Timeline Potential Lead Status

Land/water protection

Conduct landowner contact with the goal of generating conservation agreement/covenants or possibly securing land in the future

Future None identified

Land/water management

Currently planned restoration activities include: ‐Controlled burn on the west side of the lake ‐Further restoration of fields and riparian areas on NWA meadows at NW end of Vaseux Lake

Spring 2013 Ongoing

EC‐CWS EC‐CWS

Potential restoration opportunities include: ‐Burned and flooded areas; areas impacted by invasive plants (e.g. near boardwalk) ‐Conserve existing rose patches and plant more (between the boardwalk and the banding station (and past the banding station) and the west side of ‐Vaseux (especially in the area where Christine initiated restoration in 2004) ‐Planting of trees (namely cottonwood in riparian for WSOW) from Vaseux Lake north along the NWA lands and the canal, which would require approval from Water Management authorities to plant along the dike (might be acceptable in this area)

Future

BC Parks, TNT, EC‐CWS, etc.

There may also be opportunities created by the proposed expansion of the sewage treatment plant to flood areas dominated by reed canary grass

Future BC Parks, TNT, EC‐CWS, etc.

Species management

Continue YBCH recovery Ongoing EC‐CWS

Education and awareness

‘Dogs on leash’ signs at the parking lot/campground 2012‐13 BC Parks

Continue to educate the local community and birders about the importance of the area and the need for action: ‐Develop a media/communications strategy for the SOS IBAs ‐Finish SOS IBA brochure for use during tours, events, etc. ‐Conduct landowner outreach project (mailout) ‐Organize an open house for landowners and interested members of the public

Future 2012‐13 2012‐13 2013? 2013?

SONC/BCN BCN SONC/BCN To be determined

Improve education/viewing opportunities at Vaseux: ‐In short term, cleaning out the existing bird blind, barricading holes to prevent EUST nesting ‐In the long term, rebuild viewing platform/bird blind and Install bird ID posters and IBA information sign in it (permits required from CWS, SARA, potential grant from Public Conservation Assistance Fund or TD Friends of Environment) ‐In the long term, consider building a second viewing platform at the south end of the lake as well

2012‐2013 Future

BC Parks/ TNTTo be determined BCN can assist with funding proposals

Project lead needed=OSCA?

Raise awareness of conservation importance and birding attraction amongst municipal officials & elected politicians

Future

To be determined

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Meadowlark festival – theme for one or up to 4 years could be on IBAs – all IBAs in one year or separate IBAs in each year

2013 onwards

To be determined

Law and policy

Add IBAs to South Okanagan Similkameen Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and regional district mapping, once boundary reviews complete

2013‐14 BC Nature, SOSCP

Livelihood, economic & incentives

Highlight tourism revenues to local economy from birding within local Chambers of Commerce, tourism associations, and economic development offices

Future Lead needed

External capacity building

Develop an informal SOS IBA working group (listserve) and agree to review/meet annually or more frequently to report on progress within the IBA

2012

BCN

Work to develop funding proposals cooperatively Ongoing All

Research and monitoring

Update online site summary and boundaries – link to SPI and banding station databases

Fall 2012

BCN

Prioritize species for monitoring and align monitoring protocols with MOE/CWS data requirements including GPS location – organize a data mgt conference call

Fall 2012

BCN

Make GPS units and training in their use available for all Caretakers (e.g. next April or March)

Spring 2013

BCN

Continue to operate Vaseux Bird Banding Station Ongoing OSCA

Continue to conduct WITS monitoring Ongoing BCN/WiTS

*Acronyms: BCN = BC Nature BCP = BC Parks BSC = Bird Studies Canada DUC = Ducks Unlimited Canada EC/CWS = Environment Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service MFLNR = Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations NC = Nature Canada NCC = Nature Conservancy of Canada OONC = Oliver Osoyoos Naturalists Club OSCA = Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance SONC = South Okanagan Naturalists Club SOSCP = South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program SOSIPS = South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society SOSSP = South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship program TNT = The Nature Trust WiTS = Wildlife Tree Stewardship (BC Nature) Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting Participants are expected to implement their actions as identified in the list. BC Nature will establish a listserve to facilitate communication between participants and will allow progress to be tracked on an ongoing basis. Progress will also be tracked annually in the BC IBA Caretaker Network Annual Report

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Compendium, which is posted to the BC Nature website. It is expected that meetings between participants will be convened approximately annually to discuss actions and identify new needs and opportunities. References COSEWIC. 2002. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Western Screech Owl Otus kennicottii macfarlanei subspecies kennicottii subspecies in Canada. COSEWIC. 2008. Recovery Strategy for the Western Screech‐Owl, macfarlanei subspecies (Megascops kennicottii macfarlanei) in British Columbia. Prepared by the Western Screech‐Owl, macfarlanei subspecies Recovery Team, BC Ministry of Environment. COSEWIC. 2010a. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Lewis's Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 23 pp. (www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm). COSEWIC. 2010b. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the White‐headed Woodpecker Picoides albolarvatus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 21 pp. (www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm). Environment Canada. 2011. Recovery Strategy for the Yellow‐breasted Chat auricollis subspecies (Icteria virens auricollis British Columbia population) in Canada [Proposed].Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. iv + XX pp. Potvin, A.J. and C.A. Bishop. 2010. An endangered population and roadside mortality: three western Yellow‐breasted Chat fatalities in the south Okanagan valley, British Columbia. British Columbia Birds, Volume 20.

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Current protected areas: Vaseux Lake Provincial Park, White Lake Grasslands Protected Area, Vaseux Protected Area, Wildlife Habitat Area, Migratory Bird Sanctuary, National Wildlife Area TNT and TLC owned lands

BC Parks, MFLNRO, Canadian Wildlife Service TNT, TLC

76%+ of IBA

2 Land/water management 2.1 Site/area management 2.2 Invasive/problematic species control 2.3 Habitat/natural process restoration

Ongoing restoration of meadows on NWA lands at northwest end of Lake ‐ daylighting of river channel, channels, ponds for amphibians (Spadefoot), riparian plantings, etc The management plan for the NWA is currently undergoing revision and will outline plans for controlled burns (planned), tree management (work underway), and further riparian plantings/ restoration (ongoing)

EC‐CWS EC‐CWS


YBCH recovery

EC‐CWS


New BC Parks sign installed at kiosk in 2004 IBA signs installed in 2011 Tours during Meadowlark Festival (McIntyre Creek Road)

BC Parks BCN WiTS

5 Law and policy 5.1 Legislation 5.2 Policies and regulations 5.3 Private sector standards/codes 5.4 Compliance and enforcement

Migratory Birds Convention Act BC Parks regulations and the Parks Act Forest and Range Practices Act South Okanagan‐Similkameen Conservation Program

EC BC Parks MFLNRO SOSCP

6 Livelihood, economic and other incentives 6.1 Linked enterprises livelihood altern. 6.2 Substitution 6.3 Market forces 6.4 Conservation payments 6.5 Non‐monetary values


8 Research and monitoring 8.1 Monitoring

Wildlife Tree Monitoring targeted area Surveys for species at risk (YBCH)

BCN CWS

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8.2 Research Breeding Bird Atlas Christmas Bird Count Vaseux Bird Banding Station annually from Aug.‐Oct Caretaker/birders monitor (e.g. Ebird)

BSC BSC BSC

*Acronyms: BCN = BC Nature BCWF = BC Wildlife Federation BUCS = Burrowing Owl Conservation Society BSC = Bird Studies Canada EC/CWS = Environment Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service MFLNR = Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations NC = Nature Canada NCC = Nature Conservancy of Canada OSCA = Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance SIBTS = South Interior Bluebird Trail Society SONC = South Okanagan Naturalists Club SOSCP = South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program SOSIPS = South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society SOSSP = South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship program TNT = The Nature Trust TRU = Thompson Rivers University WiTS = Wildlife Tree Stewardship

Documents

2012 BC Important Bird Area Annual Reports€¦ · 2012 BC Important Bird Area Annual Reports ... 14.1 Creston Valley WMA 2012 Annual Report.....26 15 Desolation Sound ... (February/March