Colonial Waterbirds Nesting on Egg Island, Lake Athabasca, 2009

Authors

  • Craig Hebert Environment Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3
  • Wayne Nordstrom Alberta Parks, Parks Ecology Program, 3rd floor, Oxbridge Place, 9820 - 106 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
  • Laird Shutt Environment Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v124i1.1029

Keywords:

Caspian Tern, Hydroprogne caspia, California Gull, Larus californicus, Herring Gull, Larus argentatus, Egg Island, Lake Athabasca, Alberta

Abstract

In June 2009 a census was conducted of colonial waterbirds breeding on Egg Island in western Lake Athabasca. This island supports the largest breeding colony of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) in Alberta. California Gulls (Larus californicus) and Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) also nest on the island. One hundred and one Caspian Tern nests (=pairs) were counted during 2009. Since 1990, the number of terns nesting on the island appears stable. However, more frequent surveys of waterbird populations are recommended, particularly in light of growing industrial activity in this region.

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Issue

Vol. 124 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Articles

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