This is Jean Iron's report for 27 - 30 May 2008. Migration is still
behind schedule. The pack ice is against the north coast of Akimiski
island providing very little inshore habitat and no open water.
Shorebird habitat is better along west coast of James Bay with very
large flocks of unidentified shorebirds seen flying northwest in that
direction. The effects of sea ice and the cold water of James Bay
create subarctic conditions deep into the interior of Canada. As an
example, Edmonton, Alberta is farther north than Akimiski Island.
Canada Goose: 800 nests found to date. First goslings on 30 May.
Brant and Snow Goose: On 29 May, Ken Abraham flew by helicopter to
nearest community of Atawapiskat on the Ontario coast. He saw
thousands of Brant along the west coast. Ken noted that they were fat
so in good condition for migration to breeding grounds much farther
north. He also noted about 1000 Snow Geese nesting on the western
portion of the island.
Semipalmated Plover: On 28 May, Erica Nol observed two colour-banded
plovers from last year, which apparently had just arrived. Males were
displaying. The females were actively feeding in the below average
temperatures after a long flight.
Marbled Godwit: Adrian Farmer and Bridget Olsen fitted a mated pair
on territory with transmitters and took feather samples for isotope
analysis. Now all 5 transmitters are on godwits. The transmitters
work for 10 hours and turn off for 48. This sequence is repeated.
They will get information on local movements, how long the pair stays
together, when each sex migrates, do they winter together and return
together, etc. Taxonomy and Populations: There are three breeding
populations of Marbled Godwits. The largest is "under 170,000
individuals" which breed on the northern prairies. This is the
nominate subspecies fedoa. The James Bay population size is
uncertain. There about 150 breeding pairs on Akimiski Island (Abraham
2007 in Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas). The largest number probably
breeds along the extensive flat west coast (prairie-like in places)
of Ontario. Quebec has a small population at the southern end of
James Bay adjacent to Ontario, but most of Quebec's much steeper
coast is unsuitable for nesting Marbled Godwits. The James Bay's
subarctic population of "about 1500 birds" is considered part of the
subspecies fedoa and probably originated from it. Adrian and Bridget
told Jean that Akimiski birds look different than mid-continent
prairie birds. More study is needed. The third disjunct breeding
population is the subspecies beringiae, which breeds on the Alaska
Peninsula (Gibson and Kessel 1989, Condor 91:436-443). The Alaskan
population is "about 2000 birds" suggesting that the James Bay
population is smaller.
Other Birds: Ken Abraham saw an American White Pelican,
Double-crested Cormorants and 30 Caspian Terns around the islands in
Akimiski Strait on 29 May. 8 American Bitterns calling. First
Short-eared Owl on 30 May. Flock of 28 Green-winged Teal. Northern
Pintail is the commonest puddle duck. 26 American Golden Plover on 28
May. Scattered Hudsonian Godwits. 3 Red-necked Phalaropes on 30 May.
Boreal Chickadees and Gray Jays are in the burn behind the camp.
These Gray Jays do not associate people with food and are less
approachable. First Orange-crowned Warbler on 28 May seen by Burke
Korol. Burke also found a singing Le Conte's Sparrow found on 28 May.
Many singing Fox and Lincoln's Sparrows. Hundreds of Lapland
Longspurs still migrating, but American Pipits and Snow Buntings now fewer.
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 2007: Even though Akimiski Island is in
Nunavut, it was included in both Ontario atlasses because it is so
close to Ontario and its birds/vegetation are more closely allied to
Ontario mainland than to most of NU. There is a copy of the new Atlas
in camp. When you're at remote sites, resources such as the Atlas are
invaluable.
Mammals: A Lynx was seen around camp on 29 May. Lynx and their main
prey Snowshoe Hares were in high numbers last winter in many areas of
northern Ontario. There are Snowshoe Hares (now mostly gray/brown
with whitish legs) around camp and a Red Fox chased a hare. One of
the foxes is a cross fox. This colour morph has long black hair on
the upper parts forming a cross from shoulder to shoulder. Meadow
Vole populations are generally low.
Map shows the snow and ice conditions. Note that the snow cover is
gone now along Ontario's north coast.
http://www.natice.noaa.gov/pub/ims_gif/DATA/cursnow_usa.gif
See three pages of Akimiski photos from Jean's trip at the same time
in 2005. She'll put up this year's photos when she returns about 12 June.
http://www.jeaniron.ca/Shorebirds/2006/akimiski/index.htm
Next update in 2-3 days.
Ron Pittaway
Minden/Toronto ON
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