In late May and early June 2006, we posted 7 updates on the birds of
Akimiski Island (Nunavut Territory) in James Bay. Jean was a volunteer with
the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) under the direction of Ken
Abraham, research scientist, studying Canada Geese and shorebirds. Akimiski
Island with an area of 2300 sq km is the largest island in James Bay. It is
about 20 km from the Ontario coast. The island is in the boreal forest zone
about 500 km south of the treeline east and west of Hudson Bay. Akimiski is
near the southern edge of permafrost and its vegetation comprises almost
entirely native species with arctic affinities because of the cooling
effects of Hudson and James Bays reaching deep into central Canada (Blaney
and Kotanen 2004). The 3 photo pages show some birds and their habitats
from Akimiski Island. Photos include the breeding habitat of an isolated
northeastern breeding population of Marbled Godwits and photos of
Short-billed Dowitchers with comments on subspecies in the captions.
Akimiski photos & map http://jeaniron.ca/Shorebirds/2006/akimiski/index.htm
Ontario Shorebird Conservation Plan
http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/plans/shorebirdplan-e.html
Blaney, C.S. and P.M. Kotanen. 2004. The Vascular Flora of Akimiski Island,
Nunavut Territory. University of Toronto.
Jean Iron & Ron Pittaway
Toronto & Minden ON
