Summary Of Bird Mortalities In British Columbia And Yukon 1963 1994

Summarizes and discusses details of 304 bird mortality events, involving over 52,000 individual birds, reported in British Columbia and Yukon Territory between 1963 and 1994. Information is included on mortality numbers, event dates and locations, most probable causes of death, and presence of toxicologically relevant contaminant levels in wildlife. The appendix contains individual case reports on the 304 events, providing such information as species and numbers killed, location, probable cause of death, toxicology data, and laboratory reports covering such matters as physical examination of the birds, histopathology, and pathological diagnosis.

"The details of 304 bird mortality events, involving over 52,000 individuals, reported in British Columbia and the Yukon between 1963 and 1994 have been presented and briefly summarized. This publication includes bird kills reported to several government bodies; it is not intended to be a complete account of all avian mortalities in the British Columbia and Yukon Region over the past 30 years. Regardless, it still highlights geographic areas with high avian mortalities, as well as identifies various causes of death. Recognizing these problems provides a starting point to initiate action to reduce potential hazards to wildlife and, ultimately, the number of mortalities. This summary also allows investigators to assess the importance of newly reported incidences in the context of previous patterns"--Abstract, p. i.

This much-awaited final volume of The Birds of British Columbia completes what some have called one of the most important regional ornithological works in North America. It is the culmination of more than 25 years of effort by the authors who, with the assistance of thousands of dedicated volunteers throughout the province, have created the basic reference work on the avifauna of British Columbia. Volume 4 covers the last half of the passerines and describes 102 species, including the warblers, sparrows, grosbeaks, blackbirds, and finches. The text builds upon the authoritative format of the previous volumes and is supported by hundreds of full-colour illustrations, including detailed distribution maps, unique habitat shots, and beautiful photographs of the birds, their nests, eggs, and young. In addition, a species update lists and describes 27 species of birds new to the province since the first three volumes were published. The book concludes with Synopsis: The Birds of British Columbia into the 21st Century, which synthesizes data and information from all four volumes and looks at the conservation challenges facing birds in the new millennium. The four volumes in The Birds of British Columbia provide unprecedented coverage of the region's birds, presenting a wealth of information on the ornithological history, regional environment, habitat, breeding habits, migratory movements, seasonality and distribution patterns of 472 species of birds. It is the complete reference work for birdwatchers, ornithologists and naturalists.

Many books have now been published in the broad field of environmental toxicology. However, to date, none of have presented the often fascinating stories of the wildlife science, and the steps along the way from discovery of problems caused by environmental pollutants to the regulatory and non-regulatory efforts to address the problems. This book provides case by case examinations of how toxic chemical effects on wildlife have brought about policy and regulatory decisions, and positive changes in environmental conditions. Wild animal stories, whether they are about the disappearance of charismatic top predators, or of grossly deformed embryos or frogs, provide powerful symbols that can and have captured the public's imagination and have resulted in increased awareness by decision makers. It is the intent of this book to present factual and balanced overviews and summaries of the science and the subsequent regulatory processes that followed to effect change (or not). We cover a variety of chemicals and topics beginning with an update of the classic California coastal DDT story of eggshell thinning and avian reproduction to more recent cases, such as the veterinarian pharmaceutical that has brought three species of Asian vultures to the brink of extinction. Researchers, regulators, educators, NGOs and the general public will find valuable insights into the processes and mechanisms involved both in environmental scientific investigation and in efforts to effect positive change.

This volume completes the nonpasserine species and contains accounts for the diurnal birds of prey through woodpeckers.

This is the first volume in a 4-volume set, which is the culmination of two decades of research and writing. For the first time, the natural history, migration patterns, habitat requirements, reproductive biology, and distribution of the province's birdlife are combined in one publication. This is a reprint of the original volume published in 1990 by the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Canadian Wildlife Service. No changes or updates in content have been made from the original edition.