Here is Jean Iron's report from Akimiski Island for the period 3 - 6
June 2008. Akimiski is about 1100 km (700 mi) north of Toronto. While
yesterday's high temperature in Toronto was a record 34C, it was 4C
on Akimiski at 10 p.m. last night when Jean called me. She was
outside waiting for satellite phone reception. Sea ice still covers
most of James Bay greatly affecting local weather conditions. Weather
has been typical of James Bay in early June with a mixture of fog,
cold, sun, rain, wind and sometimes it's warm.
Brant (Atlantic subspecies hrota): 1500 migrants on 4 - 5 June were
feeding on the "goose lawns" of Puccinellia or "goose grass" in
coastal salt marshes. The last Brant (heavy with fat) will depart
soon for the High Arctic Islands of Canada.
Canada Goose: An aerial survey found an estimated 110,000 birds in
the southern James Bay population, which is slightly above the
long-term average. Peak hatching has been the past few days. Broods
are feeding with Brant in the greening salt marshes. Crews are now
web tagging goslings. Later this summer when these young geese will
be banded along with the flightless molting adults. Canada Geese
usually return to nest near their hatch area. This long-term
population study is headed by Ken Abraham of the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources (OMNR).
Shorebird Migration and Breeding: A fallout of 15 shorebird species
was observed on 3 June during low clouds and rain. This included 71
Black-bellied Plovers and 10 Red Knots on coastal mudflats. Low
Arctic shorebirds in the Hudson Bay Lowlands are on their nesting
grounds. These include Semipalmated Plover, Whimbrel, Hudsonian
Godwit, Least Sandpiper, both yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher,
Solitary Sandpiper, etc. Some High Arctic breeders are still
migrating through James Bay such as Black-bellied Plover, Red Knot,
Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, and White-rumped Sandpiper, but their
migration will end soon.
Marbled Godwit: 18 birds on 4 June. Nests are extremely difficult to
find. The solution is bringing in Mark Peck, nest finder
extraordinaire of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Mark and his father
George Peck run the Ontario Nest Record Scheme based at the ROM. Mark
Peck, Tyler Hoar and Gerry Binsfeld arrive on 10 June to assist with
OMNR and Trent University research projects.
Shorebird Nest Predation Study: Researchers on Akimiski are
participating in a study of predation rates on shorebird nests and
eggs. 40 random sites are now being staked out. Four quail eggs will
be placed in each artificial nest. Rates of predation will be
measured over time including the species of predator when known. The
study is being conducted at many sites in northern Canada. Shorebird
expert Guy Morrison of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) is leading
the study.
Pacific Loon: Two seen on 6 June near camp by Ken Abraham. Pacific
Loons nest on Akimiski. This the southern limit of breeding in North
America (Abraham and Sutherland in Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 2007).
Other Bird Sightings: Arctic Terns are nesting on gravel ridges and
mossy islands. Two Caspian Terns on 3 June. The migration has
finished for Common Redpoll, American Pipit, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting.
Polar Bears: Shorebird graduate student Lisa Pollock of Trent and
Jean saw tracks while taking core samples on the mudflats yesterday.
As the ice breaks up, about 50 bears will come ashore to summer on
the island. These are the most southerly Polar Bears in the world.
Crews are trained in firearm handling and safety.
Follow daily changes in snow and ice conditions.
http://www.natice.noaa.gov/pub/ims_gif/DATA/cursnow_usa.gif
Update in 3 days.
Ron Pittaway
Minden and Toronto ON
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