Further to Pete Read's email regarding Northern Bobwhite at Aylmer WMA, I thought it might be helpful to share some information that I've gathered regarding their presence there, and, for those concerned about listing, the implications thereof.
As background, the Aylmer WMA area is co-managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF), and the Aylmer County Stewardship Council (ACSC). After learning of these birds' presence a couple of weeks ago, I sent emails to the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Aylmer District MNRF and the ACSC inquiring as whether any of them knew of the origin of these birds. The only response I've received to this point has been from the the MNRF. The MNRF doesn't know for certain, but speculates these birds were likely released for hunting or training purposes. If indeed this is the case, the MNRF did not specifically say whether they felt the release was done at the Aylmer WMA or not. They did state, however, that it is possible these birds were released on private property and some/all moved to Aylmer WMA due to habitat suitability. The MNRF also stated that they plan to undertake surveys during breeding season next year at Aylmer WMA to see if Northern Bobwhites persist there. The release of game birds in Ontario for hunting or training purposes is more common than many birders realize, although it is more prevalent with Ring-necked Pheasants than it is with Northern Bobwhite. It is pure speculation on my part as I have no data to back it up, but I suspect a number of the Ring-necked Pheasants encountered in the Province each year may very well be recently released birds. Release and Hunting of Northern Bobwhite is illegal in Ontario, although certain exceptions exist and permits may be granted for actions undertaken on private property. For those interested in Northern Bobwhite in Ontario, some very interesting and informative reading can be found here: http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=411 Interestingly, the 2003 COSEWIC document notes that as of the mid-1990s, wild native Northern Bobwhite were likely only persistent in the Chatham and Aylmer regions. The document did cite any specific locations such as Aylmer WMA, but simply stated the "Aylmer Region". By the early 2000s, it was felt that the only viable population left in the Province (note the use of the word "viable" as opposed to "extant") was at Walpole. Complicating matters on the status of native Northern Bobwhite in the Province was, and is, the practice of release (or escape) of reared birds throughout various areas of southern Ontario. Concern has also been raised in several publications about the negative and dilutive impact on the gene pool of native Bobwhites in Ontario due to released birds, including the Walpole Island population. The Ontario Breeding Bird Surveys can certainly provide clues as to whether a species has remained extant in a certain region or not, but results of these these surveys need to be interpreted with caution and not taken verbatim since only limited point counts and survey time is spent on each Atlas Square. Without genetic testing or obvious signs like the presence of banding, these surveys also cannot distinguish between native and pen-reared birds. That being said, I personally think the odds are "slim-to-none" that the birds currently present at Aylmer WMA are remnants of any Aylmer-area wild stock that were last cited as being extant in the general region 20-25 years ago. Certainly stranger things have happened, but I myself believe it is quite improbable. Exactly how long the birds at Aylmer WMA have been present is anyone's guess. Considering that male Bobwhites sing loudly during (mostly) the summer, and birds weren't detected in 2016, I think it's reasonable to assume they have been at Aylmer WMA for less than a year, at maximum. Lastly, for those concerned with whether these birds are countable or not, the ABA's Recording Rules are set out here: http://listing.aba.org/aba-recording-rules/ The specific rule which may, or may not, apply in this particular case would be Rule 2B(vi) - Reintroduction of Indigenous Species. An incomplete and non-comprehensive list showing examples of various species to which this Rule applies is shown via another link within that document. At the end of the day, every birder polices and monitors their own personal list within the framework of the ABA Rules. In this particular case, that includes whether it is felt this Rule does, or does not, apply. In my estimation, concerns about countability misses the big picture. Personally, I feel the more important thing to remind ourselves is that birding is all about getting out and enjoying nature. Birders currently have an opportunity to see/hear and enjoy the Northern Bobwhite present at Aylmer WMA, regardless of deemed countability. And considering the high mortality rates of Northern Bobwhite, this opportunity may not last long! David Pryor Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 19, 2017, at 8:22 AM, PeteandSue Read via ONTBIRDS > <[email protected]> wrote: > > I got an email yesterday from Sue Southon saying she saw some Bob White at > Alymer Wildlife Management Area. > > > > So I am sending out this email. I am not sure how they got there, but since > this is the first I have heard of them being there, I suppose they have been > released but I don't think they have been there very long. If someone knows > if these are a long established population, please let me know. For now, as > a countable bird, that makes them rather suspect, but for those who want to > see them, here is what she wrote. > > > > "I saw and photographed three bobwhite-2 male and 1 female. There is one > male that is quite vocal and struts his stuff at the bend of the road to the > fourth viewing stand. I saw the second male and female at the red gates at > the road going to the back." > > > > There is certainly suitable habitat for these birds to become established. I > don't think that rules allow people to wander off roadways and with ticks a > possibility I wouldn't do that anyway. Hopefully interested people will be > lucky enough to see them out near the roadways or hear them as did Sue. > > > > Directions to Aylmer Wildlife Management Area > > This area is at 10594 Hacienda Road near Aylmer and right beside the Ontario > Police College > > It is a well-known area for migrating waterfowl, particularly Tundra Swans > in the spring. Google their website for more info. > > > > Taking Highway 401 to interchange 203, and go south on Road 73 more than 10 > km to Road 32 (Glencolin Road) and head east for one road to Hacienda Road > and go north a few hundred metres to 10594, just prior to the entrance to > the Police College. Drive in and bare right onto the roadways that go around > the ponds that are there. As you work on these roads watch and listen for > the birds. There are various viewing stands and roadways as mentioned in her > email. > > > > Of course it is accessible from other highways in the area, particularly > going north from highway 3, in Aylmer, on highway 73. It is 2 roads north of > Aylmer. > > > > Will update if I find out they already are an established population and > thus more likely countable. > > > > Pete Read > > > > _______________________________________________ > ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the > provincial birding organization. > Send bird reports to [email protected] > For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit > http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup > Posting guidelines can be found at > http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide > Visit the OFO Facebook page > https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists > _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
