Winter Seabird Use of Stanley Park and

WINTERING MARINE BIRDS OF THE
STANLEY PARK FORESHORE 2010 – 2011
Submitted to:
Danny J. Catt, Instructor
Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Dr. Sean Boyd, Science & Technology Branch
Environment Canada
Robyn Worcester, Conservation Programs Manager
Stanley Park Ecology Society
Submitted by:
Kiara La Fond and Michele Thomas
Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program Students
British Columbia Institute of Technology
May 2011
WINTERING MARINE BIRDS OF THE
STANLEY PARK FORESHORE
2010 – 2011
By
Kiara La Fond
Michele Thomas
A REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE DIPLOMA OF TECHNOLOGY
In
FISH, WILDLIFE & RECREATION MANAGEMENT
RENEWABLE RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
We accept this report as conforming to the required standard
Supervisor
Program Head
BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
May 2011
ABSTRACT
The Strait of Georgia, on the south-west coast of British Columbia, supports a great
diversity of marine birds throughout the year. It is especially important in winter, as it
provides overwintering habitat for migrating and resident marine birds. Vancouver‟s Stanley
Park is within the Strait of Georgia and lies directly between English Bay and Burrard Inlet.
The important marine habitats along the Stanley Park foreshore include long sandy beaches,
kelp beds, and rocky patches with large mussel covered boulders.
Since 1999, students in BCIT‟s Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program have been
conducting winter marine bird surveys along the Stanley Park foreshore. The purpose of our
project was to investigate winter marine bird use of the Stanley Park foreshore, using
methods consistent with all previous BCIT Stanley Park marine bird surveys. The specific
objectives were to:
1. Determine the relative abundance and distribution of all marine birds using the
Stanley Park foreshore for wintering with particular focus on Barrow‟s Goldeneye,
Surf Scoter and Western Grebe.
2. Compare the number of species and abundance of wintering marine birds using the
Stanley Park foreshore in 2010/2011 with data from previous years.
3. Compare abundance data of Barrow‟s Goldeneye, Surf Scoter, and Western Grebe
for 2010/2011 with previous years to determine whether increasing or decreasing
trends are evident.
Thirty-two different marine bird species were observed along the Stanley Park
foreshore during the nineteen surveys, from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011. The species
iii
that had the highest single day maximum counts were Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
and Barrow‟s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica).
Comparing our survey data with previous years there appears to be a declining trend
in abundance of Barrow‟s Goldeneye using the Stanley Park foreshore. The highest Barrow‟s
Goldeneye counts were observed at Lions Gate Bridge and on the west side of Stanley Park
near Third Beach, which is consistent with previous marine bird studies at Stanley Park.
The population of Surf Scoter using the Stanley Park foreshore appears to be
increasing in comparison to previous surveys. The 2010/2011 survey year recorded the
highest maximum count of Surf Scoter, and their highest counts were near Siwash Rock.
Western Grebe abundance has drastically declined compared to previous BCIT
marine bird studies at Stanley Park, as only 4 birds were observed during the entire
2010/2011 survey period compared to as many as 1,027 in previous years.
It is recommended that this survey continues annually or every second year in order to
investigate long term trends of abundance and distribution for all wintering marine birds
along the Stanley Park foreshore, especially Barrow‟s Goldeneye, Surf Scoter and Western
Grebe.
Key Words: Sea Birds, Marine Birds, Stanley Park, Seawall, Barrow‟s Goldeneye,
Bucephala islandica, Surf Scoter, Melanitta perspicillata, Western Grebe, Aechmophorus
occidentalis, Georgia Strait, Strait of Georgia, Burrard Inlet, English Bay
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT……………………....…..……………………...….………………...……....... iii
LIST OF TABLES.…...………………………………………….…...……………….…...vii
LIST OF FIGURES.…...……………………………………….…..……………....….......viii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.…...……………………………….…......…………………….x
1.0 INTRODUCTION......……………………………………….…………………………...1
1.1 Background……………………………………………………………………………1
1.2 Purpose and Objectives..…………...………………….……………………………....3
2.0 NATURAL HISTORY, CONSERVATION STATUS AND IDENTIFICATION......3
2.1 Marine Birds……….……….……………………………………………………….....3
2.2 Barrow‟s Goldeneye.……….……………………………………………………….....4
2.3 Surf Scoter.…………………...……………………………………………………......7
2.4 Western Grebe.……....……….………………………………………………….....….8
3.0 STUDY AREA..………...…………………………………………………….…...…… 10
3.1 Study Area Location..…………………….……………………………………….....10
3.2 Study Area Description……..……...……………………………………...…………10
3.3 Bird Survey Zones.………….……………………………………………...…….......12
4.0 METHODS.…………..…………………….…………………………….……………..13
4.1 Bird Survey………………………………………………………………………..…13
4.2 Equipment…………………………………………………………………………....15
4.3 Data Analysis……………………………………………………………………...…15
5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION….………………………………………….……...….15
5.1 Marine Bird Abundance and Species Observed …………..………………..…......…15
5.2 Barrow‟s Goldeneye………………………………………………...………………..21
5.2.1 Abundance and Distribution of Overwintering Barrow‟s Goldeneye…………21
5.2.2 Age and Sex Characteristics of Overwintering Barrow‟s Goldeneye…….…...23
5.2.3 Barrow‟s Goldeneye Abundance Among Years 1999-2011……………...…...24
5.3 Abundance and Distribution of Surf Scoter………………………………………….25
5.3.1 2010/2011 Survey Year…………………………………………..…...……….25
5.3.2 Surf Scoter Abundance Among Years 1999-2011…….……………………....27
5.4 Abundance and Distribution of Western Grebe……………………………………...28
5.4.1 2010/2011 Survey Year…………………………………………..…...……….28
5.4.2 Western Grebe Abundance Among Years 1999-2011…….……………..........29
6.0 CONCLUSIONS………..….……………………………………..……...……………..30
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS.….……………………………………..……...……………..31
REFERENCES CITED.………………..……….……………………………...…………..32
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APPENDIX I - BEAUFORT SCALE: Specifications and speeds for use on land……...36
APPENDIX II – Abundance of all marine birds observed by species along the Stanley
Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011…….……………………………37
APPENDIX III – Summary of data, by zone, for all marine bird species observed along
the Stanley Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011……………….……39
APPENDIX IV – Summary of data, by zone, of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed along the
Stanley Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011………………………...40
APPENDIX V – Summary of data, by zone, of Surf Scoter observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011…………………………………45
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Marine Birds observed during the 2010-2011 survey along the Stanley Park
foreshore October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011....…………….........................……..…...16
Table 2. Non-Marine Birds observed during the 2010-2011 survey along the Stanley Park
foreshore October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011....…………….........................……..…...17
Table 3. Highest single survey count of Barrow‟s Goldeneye observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore by month and year (1999-2011)…………………………………..…...25
Table 4. Highest single survey count of Surf Scoter observed along the Stanley Park
foreshore by month and year (1999-2011)……………………………………..……...28
Table 5. Highest single survey count of Western Grebe observed along the Stanley Park
foreshore by month and year (1999-2011).……………………………………..…......29
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Female (top centre and bottom right) and Male Barrow‟s Goldeneye at Stanley Park
(Photo: Kiara La Fond, 2011)……..……………………………..…………………...…6
Figure 2. Female Barrow‟s Goldeneye (top centre and yellow-billed) and Male and Female
Common Goldeneye (Source: sibleyguides.com, 2010).………..…………………...…6
Figure 3. Surf Scoters and one Long-tailed Duck (centre of photo) at Stanley Park (Photo:
Kiara La Fond, 2011)……..…………………………………………………………......8
Figure 4. A pair of Western Grebes using vegetation to build a nest (Source:
jeffrichphoto.com, 2002)………………………………………………………………..9
Figure 5. Greater Vancouver Regional District showing the location of Stanley Park (Source:
Williams, 1996 in Williams, 2000).…………………….………..........................….…10
Figure 6. Portion of the Stanley Park seawall at Zone 52 – Siwash Rock in English Bay,
British Columbia (Photo: Michele Thomas, 2010)………...……………………..…....11
Figure 7. Zones used in the 2010/2011 Winter Marine Bird Survey along the Stanley Park
foreshore, Vancouver, British Columbia (Source: Watts and Breault, 1996).………...12
Figure 8. Diving and sea ducks and their use of zones on the Stanley Park foreshore from
October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011…….…………….………………………………....19
Figure 9. Average number of dabbling ducks per survey day on the Stanley Park foreshore
from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011…….………………………………………....20
Figure 10. Marine bird abundance on the Stanley Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to
April 14, 2011…………………………..………………...…………………………....21
Figure 11. Abundance of Barrow‟s Goldeneye on the Stanley Park foreshore between
October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011….……….…………….…………………………...22
viii
Figure 12. Average total number of Barrow‟s Goldeneye observed per survey day along the
Stanley Park foreshore in the 22 survey zones (45-66) over 19 surveys from October 6,
2010 to April 14, 2011..………………………………………………………………..23
Figure 13. Age and sex characteristics of Barrow‟s Goldeneye using the Stanley Park
foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011……..…………..………………….24
Figure 14. Abundance of Surf Scoter on the Stanley Park foreshore between October 6, 2010
and April 14, 2011……..………..………..……………………………………………26
Figure 15. Average number of Surf Scoter observed per survey day along the Stanley Park
foreshore in the 22 survey zones (45-66) over 19 surveys from October 6, 2010 to April
14, 2011………………….………………………….…………………………………27
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Winter Marine Bird Use and Barrow‟s Goldeneye Survey, 2010-2011 would not have
been possible without the support and guidance of the Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES),
Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), and the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program at the
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
We would like to thank first and foremost Robyn Worcester, Conservation Programs
Manager for SPES for the opportunity to carry out the tenth year of this research project.
Robyn played a key role in establishing initial objectives for the survey and was kind enough
to accompany us on our surveys during the first three weeks. She was also extremely
generous by providing field equipment, datasheets and a parking pass.
Thank you to Dr. Sean Boyd, Science and Technology Branch of Environment Canada for
his ongoing support and contribution to this long term study.
Thank you to Danny Catt, Recreation Management Instructor at BCIT, who has given full
support on this project and has helped us to establish objectives and has provided us with
advice and reference material on numerous occasions. As well, he has guided us in terms of
assisting with editing and report writing. In-class instruction and field experience in Applied
Ecology as well as on various field trips, taught by Danny, has given us the necessary bird
identification skills to conduct this survey.
Thank you to all of the students who have carried out the surveys in the past. By viewing the
previous project reports, it is very apparent that this project has been carried out with the
highest regard.
x
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The Strait of Georgia, on the south-west coast of British Columbia, supports a great
diversity of marine birds throughout the year, but it is especially important in winter, when it
provides overwintering habitat for migrating and resident sea ducks, loons, grebes, herons,
shorebirds and other water birds. The Strait provides expanses of inlets and points, where
birds can rest and hide from bad weather or predators, as well as productive waters where the
wintering birds can feed on abundant fish and mollusks. Burrard Inlet, a sheltered fjord of
the Georgia Strait along with the adjacent English Bay, are considered so vital to birds that
they were designated an Important Bird Area by Canada‟s Important Bird Areas (IBA)
Program (IBA 2010). The IBA Program is a science-based initiative to identify, conserve,
and monitor a network of sites that provide essential habitat for Canada‟s bird populations
(IBA 2010).
Vancouver‟s Stanley Park lies directly between English Bay and Burrard Inlet, within
the Strait of Georgia. The marine habitats along the Stanley Park foreshore include long
sandy beaches, kelp beds, and rocky patches with large mussel covered boulders, all of which
are important to wintering birds. The Stanley Park Ecology Society, a non-profit association
that conducts wildlife research, and plays a key stewardship and education role in the park,
also acts as a co-caretaker for the IBA (Worcester, pers comm., 2011). In 1986 a survey of a
5-km-long section of rocky foreshore in Stanley Park, resulted in very high counts of two sea
duck species: the Barrow‟s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) and Surf Scoter (Melanitta
perspicillata) (Vermeer and Butler 1989). Barrow‟s Goldeneye have been a species of
1
management interest for the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), the agency primarily
responsible for its management, for many years (Boyd and Esler 2010).
From 1995 to 1997 a feasibility study was conducted by CWS to collect baseline data
on marine birds and particularly the abundance and distribution of Barrow‟s Goldeneye
wintering along the Stanley Park foreshore (Schneider 1997).
In the winter of 1998/1999 students in the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Program
(FWR) at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), in partnership with the CWS,
began conducting annual marine bird surveys along the Stanley Park foreshore which over
the years has created a long term data set (Rotinsky 1999; David 2000; Williams 2000; Coxe
and Wada 2001; Boisclair-Joly and Worcester 2002; Lok et al. 2003; McCluskey and
Sutherland 2004; Bailey and Carter 2005; Boye and Kent 2006; Osswald and LeslieGottschligg 2007).
The wintering Surf Scoter population has also been the focus of research (LaCroix
1996; Williams 2000) as information on its abundance and distribution is not extensive
(Williams 2000). Detailed demographic data have been studied in order to learn the
mechanisms underlying population changes and the life stages at which they are occurring
(Iverson et al. 2003).
Although use of the Stanley Park foreshore by wintering marine birds appears
consistently strong in recent years there are concerns that some species are declining in
numbers in the Strait of Georgia and Burrard Inlet (Price in Worcester 2009). These same
concerns have been suggested in similar coastal environments in Washington State
(Anderson et al. 2009). Surveys in Washington State suggest decreasing trends for wintering
goldeneye and Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and possibly an increasing trend
for scoters (Anderson et al. 2009). Since 1998/1999 nine years of data has been collected by
2
BCIT students on the use of the Stanley Park foreshore by wintering marine birds. An
opportunity not only exists to add to the existing baseline data but also to compare data
among years to see if trends exist.
This project was conducted for both the Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES), and
the Science and Technology Branch of Environment Canada.
1.2 Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of our project was to investigate winter marine bird use of the Stanley
Park foreshore in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Our specific objectives were to:
1. Determine the relative abundance and distribution of all marine birds using the
Stanley Park foreshore for wintering with particular focus on Barrow‟s
Goldeneye, Surf Scoter and Western Grebe.
2. Compare the number of species and abundance of wintering marine birds using
the Stanley Park foreshore in 2010/2011 with data from previous years.
3. Compare abundance data of Barrow‟s Goldeneye, Surf Scoters, and Western
Grebes for 2010/2011 with previous years to determine whether increasing or
decreasing trends are evident.
2.0 NATURAL HISTORY, CONSERVATION STATUS AND
IDENTIFICATION
2.1 Marine Birds
Some marine birds that use the Stanley Park foreshore are year-long residents, such as
Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Canada Geese (Branta canadensis). However, other
3
marine birds including Barrow‟s Goldeneye, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
and Western Grebe are migratory and are only found in the Stanley Park area seasonally.
There are both Red and Blue Listed marine bird species that use Stanley Park. The
Surf Scoter is Blue Listed, the Western Grebe is Red Listed, and the Double-crested
Cormorant is Blue Listed (CDC 2011).
2.2 Barrow’s Goldeneye
Two species of goldeneye, the Barrow‟s Goldeneye and Common Goldeneye
(Bucephala clangula) are known to use the Stanley Park foreshore during winter but
Barrow‟s is by far the more abundant species.
Natural History
There are two distinct populations of Barrow‟s Goldeneye within North America; one
in the western part of the continent, and a population in the east which is much less abundant
(Burke 1984). The western population breeds and nests in the mountainous areas of the
Pacific northwest, the BC central interior, and along the Rocky Mountains, then winters
mainly on the Pacific Coast, such as in the Strait of Georgia (Burke 1984). The Barrow's
Goldeneye populations that breed and winter west of the Rocky Mountains represent ninety
percent of the Barrow's Goldeneye worldwide (Evans 2003).
Barrow‟s Goldeneye that winter in the Strait of Georgia normally nest in central
British Columbia. In early spring they leave coastal areas, and gather in small lakes in the
interior where they conclude their courtship rituals (Burke 1984). Once the incubation period
starts, the drake leaves the female.
In the fall, Barrow‟s Goldeneye usually first arrive in the Strait of Georgia by late
October, with the males arriving first. The greatest abundance is typically in mid-November
when the females arrive to join the males (Vermeer and Butler 1989).
4
The majority of the Barrow‟s Goldeneye diet is composed of invertebrates (CDC
2011). In fresh water they mainly forage on aquatic insects, crustaceans, some plant food,
small fishes, and fish eggs. In salt water they typically feed on mollusks, especially Blue
Mussels (Mytilus edulis). They may also eat seastars, marine worms, and may occasionally
take advantage of other available food sources (CDC 2011).
Conservation Status
The eastern population of Barrow‟s Goldeneye is listed as a Species of Concern by
the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2011). The
western population is not listed by COSEWIC. The British Columbia Conservation Data
Centre lists them as Not at Risk (Yellow List) (CDC 2011).
Identification
Common Goldeneye can sometimes be mistaken for Barrow's Goldeneye. Males of
the two species are the easiest to differentiate. The white facial marking of the Common
Goldeneye is round while that of the Barrow's Goldeneye (Figure 1) is crescent-like (Sibley
2000). The shape of the head is also different, the head of the Common Goldeneye has a tall,
peaked crown compared to the Barrow's Goldeneye, which has a low flat crown and is more
forward-leaning. The Common Goldeneye, usually also has a longer, thicker bill. Finally, the
male Common Goldeneye has white greater coverts with narrow black bars. In contrast,
Barrow's Goldeneye has mainly black greater coverts with white spots (Sibley 2000).
5
Figure 1. Female (top centre and bottom right) and Male Barrow’s Goldeneye at
Stanley Park (Photo: Kiara La Fond, 2011).
Females are more difficult to differentiate. The head shape and bill size and colour are
the best distinguishing characteristics. Just as in the male, the female Common Goldeneye
has a tall, peaked crown and thicker bill than the Barrow's Goldeneye. The bill of the female
Common Goldeneye is mostly black with an orange tip, while the female Barrow's
Goldeneye (Figure 2) has mainly an orange bill with little black (Sibley 2000).
Figure 2. Female Barrow’s Goldeneye (top centre and yellow-billed) and Male and
Female Common Goldeneye (Source: sibleyguides.com, 2010).
6
2.3 Surf Scoter
Three species of scoter, the Surf Scoter, Black Scoter (Melanitta americana), and
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) have been documented using the Stanley Park
foreshore during winter but the Surf Scoter is by far the most abundant (Williams 2000;
Iverson 2003).
Natural History
Surf Scoters breed in areas with shallow lakes in boreal forest and tundra. Globally
they breed in western Alaska, the Mackenzie Delta, northern Prairie Provinces, and east to
James Bay and Newfoundland, Labrador, and possibly west to northeastern Siberia (CDC
2011). They nest in brushy tundra, freshwater marshes, or wooded areas near ponds, bogs, or
streams (CDC 2011).
Surf Scoters primarily winter in shallow marine coastal waters, usually over pebble
and sand bottom, and less frequently in bays or on freshwater lakes and rivers (CDC 2011).
They typically arrive in the Strait of Georgia from August to October and leave for their
breeding grounds in April-May (CDC 2011).
Surf Scoters eat mostly invertebrates; mollusks (especially Blue Mussel and other
bivalves), crustaceans and aquatic insects. In summer they also eat some plant food, such as
pondweeds, wild celery (Vallisneria americana), muskgrass (Chara sp.), seeds of sedges
(family Cyperaceae) and bulrushes (Typha sp.) (CDC 2011).
Conservation Status
Surf Scoters are designated as a species of Special Concern (Blue Listed) by the BC
Conservation Data Center (CDC 2011) but are not listed federally by COSEWIC.
7
Identification
Surf Scoters are medium sized diving sea ducks that have a very distinct appearance
due to their relatively large bills and contrasting colours (Figure 3). The male has black
plumage, which offsets a colorful orange and white bill, white eye, and a white patch on the
forehead and nape (Sibley 2000). Females are brown, with a black bill, and usually have two
white face patches on each side of the face (Sibley 2000).
Figure 3. Surf Scoters and one Long-tailed Duck (centre of photo) at Stanley Park
(Photo: Kiara La Fond, 2011).
2.4 Western Grebe
Natural History
Western Grebes are found on marshes, lakes, and bays in south-central British
Columbia, central Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, California, northern Utah, North
Dakota, western Nebraska, northwestern Iowa, western Minnesota, and locally in Mexico
(CDC 2011).
8
Western Grebes nest on large inland bodies of water, usually in or very close to water
that‟s deep enough to allow birds to swim submerged (Figure 4). The nest is typically
anchored to, or built over living vegetation (CDC 2011).
Figure 4. A pair of Western Grebes using vegetation to build a nest (Source:
jeffrichphoto.com, 2002).
Western Grebes winter mainly along the Pacific Coast from southeastern Alaska and
BC south to northwestern Mexico. They depart from their southernmost coastal wintering
areas in late March or April, and move inland by late April-early May (CDC 2011). During
migration and winter they are mainly found in sheltered seacoasts, and less frequently along
rivers (CDC 2011).
Western Grebes eat mainly fish, but they also eat insects (adults and larvae, especially
in spring and summer), mollusks, crabs, marine worms, and salamanders (CDC 2011).
Conservation Status
Western Grebes are designated as Threatened (Red Listed) in British Columbia by the
BC Conservation Data Center (CDC 2011). They are not listed by COSEWIC.
9
Identification
The Western Grebe is the largest grebe found in British Columbia. They are black and
white counter-shaded, so their backs are black, and their bellies and the front of their necks
are white (Figure 4). They have long, thin necks, yellow-green bills, black feathers on the top
of their heads, and red eyes (Sibley 2000).
3.0 STUDY AREA
3.1 Study Area Location
Stanley Park is located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia next to
Vancouver‟s heavily populated downtown core (Figure 5). The park is situated between two
bodies of water, English Bay to the west, and the eastern extension of Burrard Inlet to the
east and north. English Bay and Burrard Inlet are on the eastern side of the Strait of Georgia.
Stanley Park can be accessed by cars, bikes, and walking from downtown Vancouver.
Figure 5. Greater Vancouver Regional District showing the location of Stanley Park
(Source: Williams, 1996 in Williams, 2000).
3.2 Study Area Description
Stanley Park is the third largest urban park in North America and arguably the most
famous urban park in Canada. It is a 405 hectare peninsula of forests, gardens, freshwater
10
lakes and saltwater shorelines. Along the outer edge of Stanley Park is an 8.85 kilometer
seawall which is used extensively for recreation and also provides an ideal surface for
viewing marine birds. The upper limit of the intertidal area is largely defined by the seawall
and the low tide mark ranges from 30 m (near the Lions Gate Bridge) to 200 m (near Second
and Third Beaches) offshore. The intertidal areas of the Park ranges from rocky to cobble to
sand beaches with some kelp beds slightly offshore particularly in the quieter waters of the
eastern extension of Burrard Inlet.
These varied habitats accommodate many species of wintering marine birds. The rocky
shoreline (Figure 6) provides haul out rocks as well as a variety of foods for both dabbling
and diving ducks, depending on the tide.
Figure 6. Portion of the Stanley Park seawall at Zone 52 – Siwash Rock in English Bay,
British Columbia (Photo: Michele Thomas, 2010).
Extensive beds of the Blue Mussel are found on the more rocky western side of the
Stanley Park foreshore. Mussels even grow right on the seawall and at higher tides in winter
diving sea ducks can be observed feeding off the wall itself. These mussel beds are a special
11
feature that are fed upon extensively by wintering populations of Barrow‟s Goldeneye, Surf
Scoter and other sea ducks. These mussel beds are not present on the sandier eastern portion
of the Stanley Park foreshore by Coal Harbour.
3.3 Bird Survey Zones
The survey area was broken down into twenty-two survey zones from Coal Harbour to
the end of Second Beach (Figure 7). The zone delineations were adapted from those used for
the Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program bird survey in 1996 (Watts and Breault
1996). They were first adapted for the Barrow‟s Goldeneye feasibility study by CWS in
1997, and subsequently followed by all BCIT FWR student projects teams. Commemorative
benches, notable trees and logs, flagging tape, and numerous landmarks were used to identify
the boundary markers along the seawall.
Coal
Harbour
Figure 7. Zones used in the 2010/2011 Winter Marine Bird Survey along the Stanley
Park foreshore, Vancouver, British Columbia (Source: Watts and Breault, 1996).
Zone 45 to Zone 47 consists of a sandy shoreline that is exposed at low tide. Zones 48 to
54 are predominantly rocky, providing substrate for mussel beds which are exposed only
during the lowest tides (e.g. less than two metres).
12
All of the significant mussel beds are on the west side of the park are in Zones 45 to 54
(Boisclair-Joly and Worcester 2002). Of the survey zones with mussel beds, the zone with
the largest percent cover of mussel beds is zone 52 and the smallest percent cover is zone 54
(Boisclair-Joly and Worcester 2002).
4.0 METHODS
4.1 Bird Survey
Bird survey methods were carried out to be consistent with previous BCIT Stanley
Park marine bird surveys. Beginning at approximately 10:00 h two or more observers walked
a circle route around Stanley Park, along the seawall from Zone 45, where the seawall starts
at Second Beach to Zone 66, at the bridge to the east of the rowing club (Figure 7). Surveys
were done approximately once a week from October 6, 2010 until April 14, 2011, and took
from 3 to 5 hours to complete depending primarily on the abundance of marine birds, and
during the first few weeks of surveys, as well as observer experience. A morning survey was
selected due to daylight availability and because it was shown in previous years to be the best
time of day to see marine birds along the Stanley Park foreshore (Boisclair-Joly and
Worcester 2002). The survey starting point alternated between Zone 45 and Zone 66 (Figure
7) to reduce potential bias caused by the time of day.
The observers recorded the abundance and distribution of all marine birds, paying
special attention to large groups of Barrow‟s Goldeneye and Surf Scoters. They divided the
task of observation with each observer counting different species of marine birds or different
sexes of Barrow‟s Goldeneye. On each survey day they recorded the start time and end time
using the twenty-four hour clock, start zone, weather conditions (Clear, Partly-cloudy,
Overcast, or Fog), precipitation (Rain, Snow, Rain & Snow, or None), wind force (using the
13
Beaufort scale 0-12), sea state (Calm, Rippled, Choppy, Wavy, Rough), visibility (100m,
250m, 500m, or 1km), tide level from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada‟s “Tides, Currents,
and Water Levels” website (DFO 2011), temperature from Environment Canada‟s National
Climate Data and Information Archive (CNCDIA 2011), and any comments for that day.
Data was recorded for every bird sighted between the foreshore and one kilometer away from
the foreshore. For each survey zone, the number of individuals of each species and the
number of male, female and juvenile Barrow‟s Goldeneye was recorded. Other than Barrow‟s
Goldeneye birds were not counted by sex. A spotting scope, with 15x-45x zoom, was used to
identify distant and hard-to-identify birds.
All birds were counted as a rule, although for large flocks counts were attempted by
each observer and the total recorded was the average of the counts of the two observers.
Observers would take turns counting different species within the flocks and documenting the
ages and sex of the Barrow‟s Goldeneye. Large flocks of Surf Scoter and Barrow‟s
Goldeneye were often difficult to count as at any given moment birds could dive or fly away.
In this situation the observers waited to see if diving birds would re-surface simultaneously or
would return to the flock, before attempting to count again. If necessary the flock was
counted a few times at several-minute intervals with the largest count being recorded. To
avoid duplicate counts, birds observed flying towards the area yet to be surveyed were not
counted. Birds seen landing in the zone being surveyed or taking off from the zone being
surveyed and flying towards the area already surveyed were counted.
Barrow‟s Goldeneye were recorded as either adult male, adult female, or juvenile. It
is easy to distinguish adult male and female Barrow‟s Goldeneye as the plumages are very
different. However adult females have very similar plumage to that of the juveniles of both
14
sexes. It is easier to identify an adult female from a juvenile once you see her bright yellow
eye and orange bill. Birds showing dark eyes and dark bills were recorded as juveniles.
4.2 Equipment
The following equipment was used to carry out the surveys:
write-in-the-rain datasheets
a laminated orthophoto with the boundary marks for each survey zone
a table with UTM coordinates for each zone and a brief description of nearby
landmarks
2 bird identification field guides: The National Geographic Society Field Guide to the
Birds of North America (Scott 1995) and The Sibley Guide to Birds (Sibley 2000)
2 pairs of binoculars: Bushnell waterproof 8 x 42
1 Bushnell 15x – 45x (eyepiece) spotting scope, objective dia. 75 mm; with a tripod
4.3 Data Analysis
Data analysis, graphs, and tables, were done using Microsoft Excel.
5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5.1 Marine Bird Abundance and Species Observed
For the purposes of this report the term „marine birds‟ includes: loons (Family
Gaviidae); grebes (Podicipedidae); cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae); gulls (Laridae); bitterns,
herons and allies (Ardeidae); swans, geese, and ducks (Anatidae); shorebirds (Charadriidae,
Haematopodidae, and Scolopacidae); and kingfishers (Alcedinidae).
A total of 32 marine bird species were observed along the Stanley Park foreshore
during the study period, October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011 during which nineteen surveys
were conducted (Table 1).
15
Table 1. Marine Birds observed during the 2010-2011 survey along the Stanley Park
foreshore October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011. Total survey days = 19.
Marine Bird Species
Order
Gaviiformes
Common Name
Scientific Name
Frequency of
Observationa
%
Common Loon
Gavia immer
5
1
Podicipedidae
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Western Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Podiceps grisegena
Aechmophorus occidentalis
11
16
11
2
3
3
Phalacrocoracidae
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus
Phalacrocorax pelagicus
100
100
26
71
Ardeidae
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
37
3
Anatidae
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
American Wigeon
Green-winged Teal
Eurasian Wigeon
Mallard
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Barrow's Goldeneye
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Branta canadensis
Cygnus olor
Anas americana
Anas carolinensis
Anas penelope
Anas platyrhynchos
Aythya marila
Aythya affinis
Histrionicus histrionicus
Melanitta perspicillata
Clangula hyemalis
Bucephala albeola
Bucephala islandica
Bucephala clangula
Lophodytes cucullatus
Mergus merganser
Mergus serrator
68
5
100
16
32
79
21
58
95
100
37
84
89
74
37
79
53
31
1
358
21
2
35
42
9
23
4856
1
81
517
30
2
18
11
Rallidae
American Coot
Fulica americana
5
1
Alcidae
Haematopodidae
Charadriidae
Laridae
Pigeon Guillemot
Black Oystercatcher
Killdeer
Bonaparte's Gull
Mew Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Herring Gull
Thayer's Gull
Black Turnstone
Sanderling
Dunlin
Cepphus columba
Haematopus bachmani
Charadrius vociferous
Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Larus canus
Larus delawarensis
Larus glaucescens
Larus smithsonianus
Larus thayeri
Arenaria melanocephala
Calidris alba
Calidris alpina
5
63
11
11
84
74
100
5
5
11
5
21
18
3
56
74
7
141
1
1
7
35
31
Belted Kingfisher
Ceryle alcyon
26
1
Family
Gaviidae
Maximum
Count b
Podicipediformes
Pelecaniformes
Ciconiiformes
Anseriformes
Gruiformes
Charadriiformes
Scolopacidae
Coraciiformes
Cerylidae
a – frequency of observation = # of days species observed/total # of survey days
b – maximum count = the highest count of that species on a single day throughout the
study period
16
Table 2. Non-Marine Birds observed during the 2010-2011 survey along the Stanley
Park foreshore October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011. Total survey days = 19.
Non - Marine Birds Species
Order
Family
Common Name
Scientific Name
Frequency
of
Observationa
%
Accipitridae
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
32
4
Pandionidae
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
5
1
Paridae
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Poecile rufescens
5
4
Corvidae
Common Raven
Corvus corax
5
1
Maximum
Count b
Falconiformes
Passeriformes
Northwestern Crow
Corvus caurinus
100
90
Emberizidae
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
53
3
Regulidae
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Regulus satrapa
5
6
Sturnidae
Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
5
7
Troglodytidae
Winter Wren
Troglodytes hiemalis
11
1
Columbidae
Rock Dove
Columba livia
16
3
Columbiformes
a – frequency of observation = # of days species observed/total # of survey days
b – maximum count = the highest count of that species on a single day throughout the
study period
17
Some birds, although not classified as marine birds, were observed frequently using
the terrestrial shoreline of the survey zones (Table 2). Table 2 shows that Northwestern Crow
(Corvus caurinus) had a high frequency of observation (=100%) and a high maximum count
(=90).
Frequency of observation is expressed as a percentage, and is the number of days a
species was observed divided by the total number of survey days. The marine bird species
with the highest frequency of observation (=100%) were Double-crested Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax auritus), Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), American Wigeon
(Anas americana), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus
glaucescens) all of which were seen on all survey days. Barrow‟s Goldeneye (=89%),
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) (=84%) and Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
(=95%) each had a very high frequency of observation. All of these species are known to
consistently use the Stanley Park foreshore during winter. Some birds had a low frequency of
observation such as: Common Loon (Gavia immer) (=5%), Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) (=5%)
and Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) (=16%). Common Loon is known to consistently use
the coastal marine waters of the Pacific during winter. Compared with previous years the
numbers of Common Loon has declined.
Maximum count is the maximum number of individuals observed in a single survey
day over the period of the study. The species that had the highest count in a single survey day
were Surf Scoter (=4856) and Barrow‟s Goldeneye (=517) which will be discussed in later
sections. The American Wigeon had a maximum count of 358. The Lower Mainland of BC a
key wintering area for Wigeon and the Stanley Park foreshore is one of many locations in the
Strait of Georgia where Wigeon can be seen in large numbers. Green-winged Teal had a low
maximum count (=21) as it prefers to live in tidal creeks, mud flats and marshes along the
18
coast rather than open marine waters (DUC 2011). Harlequin Duck had a maximum count of
23. The Strait of Georgia is known to support a large wintering population of Harlequins
(DUC 2011). Harlequin Duck were seen mostly using the rocky shoreline of survey zones 47,
48 and 52.
Diving ducks observed included Lesser Scaup and Greater Scaup and the species of
Sea Ducks observed included Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead,
Barrow‟s Goldeneye, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser and
Red-breasted Merganser.
Diving and sea ducks seemed to prefer the zones near Siwash Rock in survey zones
51 to 52 as those areas have a high concentration of mussels which is a primary food source
(Figure 8).
Figure 8. Diving and Sea ducks and their use of zones on the Stanley Park foreshore
from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011. Diving Ducks include Lesser Scaup and Greater
Scaup. Sea Ducks include Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead,
Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser
and Red-breasted Merganser.
19
Larger scale threats that may influence wintering birds in Burrard Inlet are industrial
pollution and urban encroachment. Other threats include smaller scale spills of canola oil in
Vancouver Harbour, the effect of pollutants on food sources for marine birds (such as fish
and mussels), and direct disturbance of birds by dogs and personal watercraft.
Dabbling ducks, American Wigeon, Eurasian Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and
Mallard used survey zones 47, 62 and 65 in greater numbers than other zones (Figure 9).
Figure 9. Average number of dabbling ducks per survey day on the Stanley Park
foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants were found primarily in survey zones 54 and
61 with 36% of all observations in these two zones. Zone 54 is under the Lion‟s Gate Bridge
and is also directly adjacent to a cliff at Prospect Point used throughout the year by Pelagic
Cormorants. Loons and grebes were observed most often in zones 46 and 50 with 40% of all
observations in these two zones.
The abundance of marine birds increased dramatically in the late fall due to the arrival
of Barrow‟s Goldeneye and Surf Scoter which use the foreshore to rest and feed along their
20
southward migration (Figure 10). The numbers rose again in March due to the migration
north towards BC‟s central interior for Barrow‟s Goldeneye and to Alaska for Surf Scoter.
Figure 10. Marine bird abundance on the Stanley Park foreshore from October 6, 2010
to April 14, 2011.
5.2 Barrow’s Goldeneye
5.2.1 Abundance and Distribution of Overwintering Barrow’s Goldeneye
Ten years ago, from October 18 th 2000 until March 21 st 2001, 7,968 Barrow‟s
Goldeneye (498/survey) were counted along the Stanley Park foreshore (Coxe and Wada
2001). This study year, from October 6th 2010 until April 14th 2011, 4,343 Barrow‟s
Goldeneye (229/survey) were counted using the Stanley Park foreshore.
Barrow‟s Goldeneye first appeared on the Stanley Park foreshore in late October as
has been the case in the previous nine years of study. This time period marks the beginning of
their migration from BC‟s interior to their wintering grounds. Some Barrow‟s Goldeneye
spend their winter along the Stanley Park foreshore while some continue to migrate south to
21
Washington and California. Their numbers increased until the middle of December, a little
over a month after they first arrived. This peak is likely related to migratory movement
(Figure 11).
Numbers declined from the middle of December and remained low until the
beginning of February. Numbers steadily increased until mid-April with a spike in numbers
at the start of March. This increase is due to migrating birds using the foreshore as a place to
rest, and the arrival of all of the females that will accompany the males and migrate together
to the interior of the province to complete their courtship rituals (Burke 1984). Numbers
were declining at the end of our survey in the middle of April as the birds started leaving for
their breeding grounds.
Figure 11. Abundance of Barrow’s Goldeneye on the Stanley Park foreshore between
October 6, 2010 and April 14, 2011.
The survey zones between zones 45 and 55 had the highest use by Barrow‟s
Goldeneye of all the survey zones (Figure 12). This is consistent with previous Stanley Park
Marine bird surveys (Rotinsky 1999; David 2000; Williams 2000; Coxe and Wada 2001;
22
Boisclair-Joly and Worcester 2002; Lok et al. 2003; McCluskey and Sutherland 2004; Bailey
and Carter 2005; Boye and Kent 2006; Osswald and Leslie-Gottschligg 2007) and is
positively correlated with the high food availability in these zones (Boisclair-Joly and
Worcester 2002). The survey zones with rocky areas and their associated Blue Mussel beds
seem to be preferred by Barrow‟s Goldeneye (Boisclair-Joly and Worcester 2002).
Barrow‟s Goldeneye were recorded in Coal Harbour (Zones 61 to 66), but numbers
were very low compared to the zones west of the Lions Gate Bridge, (Zones 45 to 54) (Figure
12). Zone 48 supported the most Barrow‟s Goldeneye (57 Barrow‟s Goldeneye/survey),
followed closely by zone 54 (44 Barrow‟s Goldeneye/survey).
Figure 12. Average number of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed per survey day along the
Stanley Park foreshore in the 22 survey zones (45-66) over 19 surveys from October 6,
2010 to April 14, 2011.
5.2.2 Age and Sex Characteristics of Overwintering Barrow’s Goldeneye
On most survey days we observed more adult male Barrow‟s Goldeneye using the
Stanley park foreshores than females and juvenile males. There were far fewer juvenile males
than adult males. Adult males were more abundant at first, but as winter approached the
23
number of females increased (Figure 13). The juvenile males arrived latest of all and their
declining number throughout the survey period may have more to do with plumage change
than with their relative abundance compared to the adults. The age and sex ratios of Barrow‟s
Goldeneye that we observed seem consistent with previous Stanley Park marine bird surveys
(Rotinsky 1999; David 2000; Williams 2000; Coxe and Wada 2001; Boisclair-Joly and
Worcester 2002; Lok et al. 2003; McCluskey and Sutherland 2004; Bailey and Carter 2005;
Boye and Kent 2006; Osswald and Leslie-Gottschligg 2007).
Figure 13. Age and sex characteristics of Barrow’s Goldeneye using the Stanley Park
foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
5.2.3 Barrow’s Goldeneye Abundance Among Years (1999-2011)
In this survey year, 2010/2011, we found a lower number of Barrow‟s Goldeneye per
survey (229/survey) in comparison with previous years, (Rotinsky 1999; Bailey and Carter
2005; Boisclair-Joly and Worcester 2002). The abundance of Barrow‟s Goldeneye in the first
survey conducted in 1999 along the Stanley Park foreshore was 337 birds/survey (Rotinsky
24
1999). This number increased to 498 birds/survey in the 2000-2001 study (Coxe and Wada
2001). The general pattern though of arrival in October and departure in April/May is
consistent with previous years (Table 3). The numbers peak in the fall and decline until
March as some of the birds migrate south for the winter, and then in the spring they pass by
the Stanley Park foreshore on their way to breed in the interior of the province.
Table 3. Highest single survey count of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore by month and year (1999-2011)a.
Year Oct
Nov
Dec Jan
Feb Mar Apr
May Avg/Monthc
26
372
517
164
246
514
381
-b
333
2011
19
501
434
318
2007
381
802
454
342
470
438
2006 180
530
472
324
276 1073
502
2005 335
3
203
104
39
199
360
151
2004
47
885
371
325
485
624
413
8
456
2003
992
689
303
361
776
313
7
586
2002 393
62
943
901
616
455
120
516
2001
594
385
573
420
437
437
1999 212
a = sources for data: (Rotinsky 1999; Coxe and Wada 2001; Boisclair-Joly and Worcester
2002; Lok et al. 2003; McCluskey and Sutherland 2004; Bailey and Carter 2005; Boye and
Kent 2006; Osswald and Leslie-Gottschligg 2007)
b = a “-“ means no data was recorded/found for that month
c = averages were calculated using numbers only from October to March
5.3 Abundance and Distribution of Surf Scoter
5.3.1 2010/2011 Survey Year
Ten years ago, from October 18 th 2000 until March 21 st 2001 10,608 Surf Scoters
(663/survey) were counted along the Stanley Park foreshore (Coxe and Wada 2001). This
study year, from October 6th 2010 until April 14th 2011, 15,688 Surf Scoters (825/survey)
were counted using the Stanley Park foreshore.
Surf Scoter first appeared around the beginning of October and increased in number
until the middle of November (Figure 14). Numbers declined and remained consistently low
25
until the beginning of March when numbers increased again. In the fall Surf Scoter leave the
Stanley Park foreshore to migrate south to the coastal waters along Baja, California
(Williams 2000). It is in March that they fly north along the Pacific coast and stop along the
Strait of Georgia to rest and feed on herring before they migrate north to Alaska to breed in
the summer. This pattern of abundance is consistent from year to year (Rotinsky 1999; David
2000; Williams 2000; Coxe and Wada 2001; Boisclair-Joly and Worcester 2002; Lok et al.
2003; McCluskey and Sutherland 2004; Bailey and Carter 2005; Boye and Kent 2006;
Osswald and Leslie-Gottschligg 2007).
Figure 14. Abundance of Surf Scoter on the Stanley Park foreshore between October 6,
2010 and April 14, 2011.
Figure 15 shows that Surf Scoter were not evenly distributed along the Stanley Park
foreshore and that some areas were not used at all while other areas were used intensively
over the period of our study.
Surf Scoter were recorded at Ferguson Point (Zones 48 and 49) and the Lions Gate
Bridge (Zone 54), but the highest numbers were observed in zones 50 and 52 which are near
26
Siwash Rock (Figure 15). These most heavily used zones are on the west side of Stanley Park
where there is low boat traffic, a high concentration of mussel beds available for feeding and
which are part of the more open waters of English Bay. These findings are similar to those of
Rotinsky (1999). The least used zones were zones 55 to 66 which are along the east side of
the Park, and are areas of low mussel bed cover as well as high boat traffic, moorage sites
and they are overflown throughout the day by floatplanes landing in Coal Harbour.
Figure 15. Average number of Surf Scoter observed per survey day along the Stanley
Park foreshore in the 22 survey zones (45-66) over 19 surveys from October 6, 2010 to
April 14, 2011.
5.3.2 Surf Scoter Abundance Among Years (1999-2011)
The abundance of Surf Scoter using the Stanley Park foreshore followed a distinct fall
to spring pattern. This same general pattern of use of the Stanley Park foreshore is consistent
with previous years (Table 4). Compared with previous years 2010/2011 had the highest
single survey counts for Surf Scoter (Table 4).
27
Table 4. Highest single survey of Surf Scoter observed along the Stanley Park foreshore
by month and year (1999-2011)a.
Year
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
4856
4500
388
124
72
1009
227
-b
2011
3289
4803
1003
2007
1700
1800
38
200
36
500
211
2006
2118
2675
1147
2
61
110
2005
1000
1094
36
103
15
228
2004
2945
1428
882
487
37
202
8
275
2003
856
3167
460
324
157
65
1
3
2002
2820
3500
480
95
111
17
2001
0
1622
622
687
819
1708
49
2000
1147
986
963
767
331
289
1999
a = sources for data: (Rotinsky 1999; Williams 2000; Coxe and Wada 2001; Boisclair-Joly
and Worcester 2002; Lok et al. 2003; McCluskey and Sutherland 2004; Bailey and Carter
2005; Boye and Kent 2006; Osswald and Leslie-Gottschligg 2007)
b = a “-“ means no data was recorded/found for that month
5.4 Abundance and Distribution of Western Grebe
5.4.1 2010/2011 Survey Year
Ten years ago, from October 18 th 2000 until March 21 st 2001 74 Western Grebes
(5/survey) were counted along the Stanley Park foreshore (Coxe and Wada 2001). This study
year, from October 6th 2010 until April 14th 2011, 4 Western Grebes (0.2/survey) were
counted using the Stanley Park foreshore.
A single Western Grebe was observed by Siwash Rock (Zone 51) on October 27,
2010 and the only other sighting was of three birds by Second Beach (Zone 46) the following
week, November 7, 2010. Globally significant numbers of Western Grebe have been
recorded in the area (between 2,000 and 15,000 individuals) peaking in the 1970s but
numbers have been in decline ever since (Price in Worcester 2009).
The reasons for the decline of the Western Grebe are not commonly known. There is
evidence that suggests that the abundance of food where they spend the winter is changing
28
(BCCWS News 2010). Recent fisheries studies indicate that herring, which are an extremely
important food source, are declining in the Georgia Strait and that herring populations may
be moving to other locations. Western Grebes may also be experiencing habitat impacts and
disturbance on their inland breeding grounds (BCCWS News 2010). Factors linked to the
decrease of Western Grebe in Puget Sound include severe industrial contamination of coastal
areas and the collapse of an historical herring spawn site (BCCWS News 2010).
5.4.2 Western Grebe Abundance Among Years (1999-2011)
The Western Grebe population was its highest and steadiest in the early years of this
survey, and the counts have been declining ever since. Our survey year has the lowest
maximum count in comparison with the previous studies (Table 5). Further monitoring to
investigate long-term trends and availability of food sources is crucial to determining this
species‟ status.
Table 5. Highest single survey of Western Grebe observed along the Stanley Park
foreshore by month and year (1999-2011)a.
Year
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
-b
2011
0
21
12
2007
578
111
0
1
0
0
2006
0
27
29
3
0
0
2005
2
117
215
0
0
0
2004
0
148
73
132
0
0
0
0
2003
20
3
9
2
1
14
214
42
2002
0
62
6
2
0
0
2001
50
260
143
13
26
45
1999
a = sources for data: (Rotinsky 1999; Coxe and Wada 2001; Boisclair-Joly and Worcester
2002; Lok et al. 2003; McCluskey and Sutherland 2004; Bailey and Carter 2005; Boye and
Kent 2006; Osswald and Leslie-Gottschligg 2007)
b = a “-“ means no data was recorded/found for that month
29
6.0 CONCLUSIONS
The relative abundance and distribution of Barrow‟s Goldeneye using the Stanley
Park foreshore for wintering in 2010/2011 was similar to the findings of previous Stanley
Park marine bird surveys. There were peaks in abundance in the fall and spring associated
with migratory movements, and low numbers throughout the winter. Their distribution was
also similar to the previous nine years of study as they appeared to prefer the zones west of
the Lions Gate Bridge, which is positively correlated to the availability of Blue Mussels. Surf
Scoter numbers also followed the same general pattern of abundance and distribution in
comparison to previous survey years. There were peaks in the fall and spring due to their
migration, with low numbers throughout the winter. Their distribution along the foreshore
was consistent with previous surveys as they preferred the rocky shoreline with its high
concentration of Blue Mussels at Siwash Rock. However, the trend of relative abundance and
distribution for the Western Grebe was not similar as this survey year had the lowest single
survey count in the project‟s history.
This survey year had one of the highest totals for number of species of wintering
marine birds using the Stanley Park foreshore in comparison to data from previous years.
Our data suggest a decreasing trend for the abundance of Barrow‟s Goldeneye in
comparison with previous years. This survey year had a lower number for average number of
birds per survey. For Surf Scoter there was an increasing trend for the average of birds per
survey in comparison to previous years. Additionally, in the 2010/2011 survey the highest
single survey count for Surf Scoter (= 4,856) was documented. A decreasing trend was also
found for the Western Grebe as the abundance has declined dramatically since the survey‟s
first year in 1998/1999.
30
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Long-term
It is recommended that the survey continues annually or every second year in order to
investigate long term trends of abundance and distribution as long term data is extremely
valuable.
Additional Study Areas
Marine birds naturally move between different locations around Stanley Park and
Burrard Inlet. To obtain a more accurate estimate of population trends, an expansion of the
survey areas to include more of the Strait of Georgia coastline is recommended. The survey
analysis would be more reliable if more survey areas were included. Survey days could be
alternated between locations or another survey team could be added. Additional survey areas
may be used to gauge before and after effects in the case of any major environmental impacts
that occur in the Georgia Strait.
Survey Zones
It was noticed that it may be convenient and practical to reduce the number of survey
zones, or to alter them to reflect geographical changes, or to stratify foreshore habitat types.
However to compare data between years, it is recommended that the survey zones stay the
same.
31
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folder/BAGOwebpage/BAGOMigrationHome.html
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2005 – April 2006. Fish, Wildlife and Recreation, Projects Course (RENR 3230+4230)
Final Report. British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
Breault, A and P. Watts. 1996. Bird Survey Project: Seasonal and Spatial Trends in the
Distribution and Abundance of Water Birds in Burrard Inlet.
Burke, B. 1984. Complete Waterfowl Studies: Volume II Diving Ducks. Schiffer Publishing
Limited, Box E, Exton, Pennsylvania. Pp. 200.
32
[CWSWC] Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee. 2009. Population Status of
Migratory Game Birds in Canada, 2009. CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory Report
Number 28. Retrieved November 29, 2010 from http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/collection_
2010 /ec/CW69-16-28-2009-eng.pdf
[CNCDIA] Canada‟s National Climate Data and Information Archive. 2011. Retrieved April
13, 2011 from http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca
[COSEWIC] Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2011. Wildlife
Species Search. Retrieved February 8, 2011 from http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/
index_e.cfm
Coxe, D. and M. Wada. 2001. The Stanley Park Barrow‟s Goldeneye Project 2000-2001.
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British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
David, K. 2000. Stanley Park Barrow‟s Goldeneye Survey 1999-2000. Fish, Wildlife and
Recreation, Projects Course (RENR 3230+4230) Final Report. British Columbia
Institute of Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
[DFO] Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2011. Tides, Currents and Water Levels.
Retrieved March 20, 2011 from http://www.charts.gc.ca/twl-mne/index-eng.asp
[DUC] Ducks Unlimited Canada. 2011. Nature Notes. Retrieved April 13, 2011 from
http://www.ducks.ca/resource/general/naturenotes
Environment Canada. 2011. Canadian Climate Data On-line Customized Search | Canada's
National Climate Archive. Retrieved from October 2010 to April 2011 from
http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/advanceSearch/searchHistoricData_e.html
Evans, M. 2003. Breeding habitat selection by Barrow's Goldeneye and Bufflehead in the
CaribooChilcotin region of British Columbia: nest-sites, broodrearing habitat, and
competition. PhD dissertation. Retrieved November 1, 2010 from
http://www.sfu.ca/biology/ wildberg/species/barrow.html
[IBA] IBA Site Listing. Retrieved October 20, 2010 from http://www.bsc-eoc.org/iba/site.
jsp?siteID=BC020
33
Iverson, S. A., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2003. Plumage characteristics as an indicator of
age class in the surf scoter. Waterbirds 26:56-61.
LaCroix, D. 1996. Foraging Impacts and Patterns of Wintering Surf Scoters Feeding on Bay
Mussels in Coastal Strait of Georgia, British Columbia. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/MQ61575.pdf.
Lok, E., Maerov, G. and S. Marshall 2003. Stanley Park Barrow‟s Goldeneye Survey 20032004. Fish, Wildlife and Recreation, Projects Course (RENR 3230+4230) Final Report.
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
McCluskey, K. and T. Sutherland. 2004. Stanley Park Waterfowl Survey 2003-2004: Trends
in Abundance of Barrow‟s Goldeneye and Surf Scoters 1999-2004. Fish, Wildlife and
Recreation, Projects Course (RENR 3230+4230) Final Report. British Columbia
Institute of Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
[NGS] National Geographic Society. 2002. Birds of North America. National Geographic
Society, Washington. 480 pp.
[NAWMP] North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Plan Committee. 2004. North
American Waterfowl Management Plan 2004. Strategic Guidance: Strengthening the
Biological Foundation. Canadian Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, 22 pp.
Osswald, G and M. Leslie-Gottschligg. 2007. Stanley Park Marine Bird and Barrow‟s
Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) Survey. 2006-2007. Fish, Wildlife and Recreation,
Projects Course (RENR 3230+4230) Final Report. British Columbia Institute of
Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
Price, M. and R. Worcester. 2009. Decline in waterbird populations around Stanley Park
(1980‟s to present) [Electronic version]. State of the Park Report for the Ecological
Integrity of Stanley Park. Retrieved October 5, 2010 from http://www.stanleypark
ecology.ca/programs/conservation/SoPRfEI/
Rotinsky, B. 1999. Stanley Park Barrow‟s Goldeneye Survey, 1998-1999. Fish, Wildlife and
Recreation, Projects Course (RENR 3230+4230) Final Report. British Columbia
Institute of Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
34
Schneider, S.D. 1997. Barrow‟s Goldeneye Surveys at Stanley Park and Burrard Inlet 19951997. Draft Progress Report. Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region,
Delta, BC.
Scott, S. L. ed. 1995. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. National Geographic
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Sibley, D.A. 2000. National Audubon Society: The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A.
Knopf, Inc., New York. 544 pp.
Vermeer, K. and R.W. Butler, editors. 1989. The Ecology and Status of Marine and Shoreline
Birds in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia. Canadian Wildlife Service, Special
Publication, Ottawa. Pp. 186.
[WDFW] Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2009. 2009 Game status and trend
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Washington, USA [Electronic Version]. Retrieved November 28, 2010 from
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Water Birds in Burrard Inlet. Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program Technical
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Williams, C. 2000. Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) Survey: Stanley Park 1999-2000.
Projects Course Final Report. British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, B.C.
Worcester, R. 2011. Conservation Programs Manager, Stanley Park Ecology Society,
Vancouver, BC. Personal communication.
35
APPENDIX I – BEAUFORT SCALE: Specifications and equivalent speeds for use on
land
Force
Wind Speed
(mph)
Description
Specifications
0
1
0-1
1-3
Calm
Light Air
2
3
4-7
8-12
Light breeze
Gentle Breeze
smoke rises vertically
wind direction shown by smoke but not
by wind vanes
wind felt on face; leaves rustle
leaves and small twigs in constant
motion; wind extends light flag
4
13-18
Moderate Breeze
raises dust and loose paper; small
branches moved
5
19-24
Fresh Breeze
6
25-31
Strong Breeze
small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested
wavelets form
on inland waters
large branches in motion; telegraph wires
whistle;
umbrellas used with difficulty.
whole trees in motion, inconvenience felt
when walking
against wind
breaks twigs off trees, generally impedes
progress
7
32-38
Near Gale
8
39-46
Gale
9
47-54
Severe Gale
slight structural damage to houses
(chimney pots and slates removed)
10
55-63
Storm
11
12
64-72
73-83
Violent Storm
Hurricane
seldom experienced inland; trees
uprooted
Very rare; widespread damage
36
APPENDIX II – Abundance of all marine birds observed by species along the Stanley Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
2010
2011
Species
6-Oct
20-Oct
27-Oct
7-Nov
14-Nov
24-Nov
5-Dec
14-Dec
9-Jan
19-Jan
26-Jan
2-Feb
9-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
16-Mar
30-Mar
6-Apr
14-Apr
AMCO
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL
1
AMWI
38
122
125
106
251
358
349
18
61
83
37
128
121
118
247
80
71
124
101
2538
BAEA
0
0
0
0
1
4
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
11
BAGO
0
0
26
131
132
372
297
517
133
121
164
168
221
246
514
292
363
381
265
4343
BEKI
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
5
BLOY
0
0
1
0
4
5
17
9
12
7
5
12
6
0
9
18
0
0
0
105
10
BLTU
0
0
0
0
0
7
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
BOGU
56
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
57
BUFF
0
0
0
18
54
54
71
43
64
72
58
77
55
66
62
81
77
63
80
995
CAGO
6
0
0
29
9
31
0
0
0
0
12
1
10
13
2
10
3
7
8
141
CBCH
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
COGO
0
0
0
0
0
19
7
10
13
14
13
17
17
13
8
20
30
22
22
225
COLO
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
COME
0
0
0
3
0
2
13
18
8
7
10
1
4
1
3
1
8
5
1
85
CORA
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
UNCO
0
0
0
0
0
9
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
DCCO
25
21
26
8
11
18
8
12
8
4
9
15
7
8
1
7
18
9
15
230
UNDU
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
DUNL
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
21
0
31
18
18
0
0
0
88
EUWI
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
2
0
1
2
1
9
GBHE
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
2
1
0
10
GCKI
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
6
GRSC
0
1
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
42
52
UNGU
212
116
350
82
193
56
110
135
117
112
152
84
189
85
81
245
122
97
71
2609
GWGU
141
26
11
20
23
47
45
27
30
43
8
41
32
21
23
4
25
91
8
666
GWTE
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
21
0
26
HADU
2
12
23
14
9
12
7
18
8
8
6
4
21
10
0
3
6
1
7
171
HEGU
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
HOME
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
13
HOGR
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
KILL
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
4
LESC
0
0
3
0
0
9
4
1
5
8
9
1
2
0
0
9
1
0
0
52
LTDU
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
7
MALL
6
3
1
5
21
35
9
1
0
20
0
2
0
19
11
0
4
8
5
150
MEGU
5
53
9
0
28
3
1
7
1
0
3
2
8
2
13
0
8
48
74
265
37
APPENDIX II – Abundance of all marine birds observed by species along the Stanley Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
2010
2011
Species
6-Oct
20-Oct
27-Oct
7-Nov
14-Nov
24-Nov
5-Dec
14-Dec
9-Jan
19-Jan
26-Jan
2-Feb
9-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
16-Mar
30-Mar
6-Apr
14-Apr
MUSW
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
TOTAL
1
NOCR
39
15
4
11
13
36
36
28
46
32
43
87
33
42
54
19
29
90
58
715
OSPR
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
PECO
57
61
57
60
71
51
57
32
39
38
30
39
51
50
41
50
52
54
28
918
PIGU
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
RBGU
4
6
3
2
3
0
4
7
5
1
0
1
1
0
3
0
0
2
1
43
RBME
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
3
8
5
4
3
11
6
11
2
0
0
59
RNGR
0
2
2
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
RODO
0
3
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
SAND
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
35
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
35
SOSP
2
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
3
1
0
14
STAR
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
7
SUSC
55
349
4856
2470
4500
761
388
259
106
124
57
50
72
44
96
1009
113
152
227
15688
THGU
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
WEGR
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
WIWR
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
TOTAL
157
436
4924
2549
4595
855
485
327
234
204
135
183
160
147
203
1090
199
306
314
17503
38
APPENDIX III – Summary of data, by zone, for all marine bird species observed along the Stanley Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to
April 14, 2011.
Zone
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
TOTAL
6Oct
0
32
141
198
34
7
18
54
17
47
15
40
6
5
5
1
17
9
0
0
0
7
653
20Oct
340
15
9
41
7
15
9
90
4
17
17
4
36
70
1
8
12
15
14
40
20
11
795
27Oct
3
75
35
10
96
10
4835
105
95
50
24
18
25
13
14
5
11
10
7
13
48
0
5502
7Nov
64
13
24
8
8
2191
99
269
68
52
24
36
11
5
13
6
11
23
2
26
6
7
2966
2010
14Nov
19
12
54
64
3
15
13
4068
603
122
46
11
10
100
2
11
23
0
20
77
50
19
5342
24Nov
375
61
98
296
420
27
144
0
10
142
5
1
55
10
20
6
27
109
2
21
65
10
1904
5Dec
10
14
210
41
48
3
53
47
48
513
28
12
13
25
15
5
8
202
29
1
104
7
1436
14Dec
57
63
43
202
99
16
33
85
16
444
32
5
4
4
7
2
6
3
3
5
9
7
1145
9Jan
30
28
38
160
16
5
64
62
10
39
53
16
28
7
22
11
10
78
3
6
0
11
697
19Jan
22
56
53
152
18
17
48
25
32
98
20
9
4
29
8
8
28
21
15
6
26
12
707
26Jan
16
35
35
76
27
34
21
5
62
74
45
8
51
11
18
19
6
22
3
7
21
29
625
2Feb
39
28
51
158
8
21
9
6
13
129
24
19
55
11
12
11
9
17
92
19
10
22
763
9Feb
14
28
27
152
15
19
97
82
41
88
24
8
38
12
46
21
10
63
47
8
10
8
858
2011
23Feb
87
65
46
102
20
8
48
56
50
70
72
8
75
3
8
1
5
15
14
10
6
12
781
6Mar
9
46
233
380
8
44
47
11
8
73
65
7
29
16
7
16
16
147
6
18
9
5
1200
16Mar
38
14
39
90
103
867
204
15
19
33
11
176
117
6
10
19
12
6
59
10
21
9
1878
30Mar
21
29
58
180
1
1
217
19
34
43
67
11
7
49
11
29
31
83
19
13
9
11
943
6Apr
44
10
127
185
21
122
160
19
6
177
96
18
53
10
32
6
16
46
11
16
9
2
1186
14Apr
54
10
13
372
151
5
7
60
4
11
35
36
46
10
13
3
2
94
0
60
25
13
1024
TOTAL
1242
634
1334
2867
1103
3427
6126
5078
1140
2222
703
443
663
396
264
188
260
963
346
356
448
202
30405
39
APPENDIX IV – Summary of data by zone of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
47
48
49
51
45
50
51
55
51
52
55
63
45
47
48
50
51
54
59
61
60
59
58
56
55
54
52
51
49
48
47
46
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
62
Date
27-Oct
27-Oct
27-Oct
27-Oct
7-Nov
7-Nov
7-Nov
7-Nov
14-Nov
14-Nov
14-Nov
14-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
Total
17
1
3
5
48
2
68
13
1
107
23
1
229
4
80
5
28
19
5
2
1
4
2
2
2
169
8
27
18
1
57
7
20
2
6
126
4
4
12
45
2
290
1
4
1
#
adult
males
16
1
#
females
#
juvenile
males
1
#
pairs
Comments
3
5
36
2
50
9
1
69
14
1
113
1
30
2
20
11
2
12
2
16
4
18
6
20
3
59
1
44
1
8
7
3
2
57
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
79
1
18
8
28
1
5
61
3
6
21
190
3
2
2
70
2
9
8
1
27
4
5
63
1
4
6
21
1
4
1
8
2
1
1
1
5
1
3
2
1
1
1
100
1
2
1
40
APPENDIX IV – Summary of data by zone of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
59
57
56
55
53
52
51
50
48
47
45
45
46
47
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
57
58
62
45
47
48
49
50
51
52
54
55
57
58
59
60
61
Date
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
Total
7
6
2
12
2
36
8
2
41
5
13
6
3
7
17
5
20
21
2
31
4
1
3
1
12
15
16
6
25
1
2
50
16
6
6
2
6
2
#
adult
males
2
#
females
3
2
4
4
17
4
17
2
8
1
1
1
1
5
9
19
2
1
19
1
3
#
juvenile
males
#
pairs
1
3
Comments
2
1
1
1
1
2
10
5
12
2
1
1
3
1
2
3
2
5
1
21
1
10
1
1
1
1
4
8
1
1
1
2
13
1
10
1
1
28
2
2
2
20
8
4
4
2
4
3
1
1
1
3
1
2
4
1
41
APPENDIX IV – Summary of data by zone of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
62
59
58
56
55
54
52
50
49
48
47
46
45
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
57
58
59
62
65
59
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
49
48
47
46
45
Date
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
Total
2
1
2
4
9
80
2
10
2
33
13
5
5
6
9
6
51
5
4
14
30
7
52
9
4
2
2
19
2
1
3
6
17
23
42
3
41
8
52
8
31
9
#
adult
males
#
females
1
1
1
1
53
#
juvenile
males
2
27
1
3
1
3
4
22
2
15
3
38
4
22
1
1
8
14
3
14
5
2
Comments
2
3
4
6
3
#
pairs
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
3
1
13
5
1
2
3
3
1
3
1
1
1
2
1
1
4
15
2
1
1
10
13
26
2
4
3
8
16
2
15
2
15
4
10
1
1
24
25
4
16
1
1
2
1
1
1
3
6
3
1
1
3
42
APPENDIX IV – Summary of data by zone of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
45
46
47
48
51
54
55
61
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
55
56
60
45
46
47
48
51
52
54
55
56
58
59
60
62
64
66
47
48
49
50
51
52
54
55
57
58
Date
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
Total
5
2
175
274
11
3
37
3
30
1
12
46
68
14
80
1
3
29
7
6
22
43
99
112
1
29
30
7
2
1
3
1
1
6
65
75
2
8
73
7
83
48
16
4
#
adult
males
3
104
162
2
1
18
1
13
1
5
21
45
10
54
1
9
2
10
19
32
51
9
10
1
35
43
4
32
35
20
2
#
females
71
108
3
2
13
2
12
#
juvenile
males
#
pairs
1
1
2
3
3
3
1
2
12
23
4
23
1
2
5
1
5
5
4
7
7
38
40
1
5
10
1
1
3
11
17
17
7
2
3
1
3
6
2
9
6
4
3
2
1
4
28
30
2
27
1
36
28
8
Comments
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
7
3
6
Walker
3
2
43
APPENDIX IV – Summary of data by zone of Barrow’s Goldeneye observed along the Stanley
Park foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
59
58
56
55
52
51
48
46
45
Total
Date
14-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
Total
3
2
3
14
40
2
174
7
23
4343
#
adult
males
1
#
females
2
2
9
12
1
5
18
75
3
11
83
4
10
2099
1529
#
juvenile
males
#
pairs
Comments
1
5
1
8
1
243
228
44
APPENDIX V – Summary of data by zone of Surf Scoter observed along the Stanley Park
foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
47
48
52
53
61
49
46
48
49
50
51
52
57
53
52
51
50
53
52
51
45
45
46
47
48
48
49
51
61
54
52
51
48
47
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
Date
6-Oct
6-Oct
6-Oct
6-Oct
20-Oct
20-Oct
27-Oct
27-Oct
27-Oct
27-Oct
27-Oct
27-Oct
7-Nov
7-Nov
7-Nov
7-Nov
7-Nov
14-Nov
14-Nov
14-Nov
14-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
24-Nov
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
5-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
14-Dec
#
SUSC
12
22
7
14
9
340
10
2
81
3
4700
60
2
60
231
11
2166
545
3953
1
1
120
1
17
20
98
407
98
1
280
3
4
18
82
8
21
23
48
64
2
5
2
1
85
Comments
45
APPENDIX V – Summary of data by zone of Surf Scoter observed along the Stanley Park
foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
57
55
54
53
52
50
49
48
47
46
45
45
46
47
48
49
51
54
55
45
46
48
49
51
54
61
54
50
49
48
47
46
46
47
48
49
50
52
54
55
54
49
48
47
46
45
Date
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
9-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
# SUSC
9
6
5
1
15
1
6
50
2
10
1
1
27
5
79
3
6
2
1
1
5
38
7
1
5
1
1
2
2
31
1
12
12
12
37
6
2
1
1
1
5
12
9
4
13
1
Comments
46
APPENDIX V – Summary of data by zone of Surf Scoter observed along the Stanley Park
foreshore from October 6, 2010 to April 14, 2011.
Zone
45
46
47
48
49
50
54
45
46
48
49
50
51
53
58
61
46
48
51
52
47
48
49
50
51
55
56
49
48
Total
Date
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
6-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
16-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
30-Mar
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
6-Apr
14-Apr
14-Apr
#
SUSC
3
9
7
67
5
2
3
1
6
5
34
850
103
8
1
1
1
25
85
2
2
14
4
65
64
1
2
140
87
Comments
15688
47